Jtal19305

Hello doctor
Does the S1 nerve root connect to the spinal cord between T12 and L1? I’m thinking that my laminectomy disectomy and interbody fusion at that level,T12 and L1, could of damaged the S1 root because my pain has been in my left heel area, left calf and occasionally the right calf. I get a diffuse burning pain in these areas that has been fairly constant. I’ve taken Lyrica, percocet and clonazepam for pain management with little relief. I also developed loud ringing in my ears that have been going on for about 3week now. I’m not sure if those medications are having ototoxic symptoms or if it something else. It’s the burning pain I have in my lower legs and feet that have me concerned. I’m having a new MRI soon and wonder if that should show nerve root damage? I also still have the calf fasiculations which come and go for no apparent reason. I am trying to be patient but I need something to give me hope that these symptoms will improve over time. Also could the csf be restricted in its flow or cushioning effect? Will that be seen in a MRI? And could cause my pain symptoms? I don’t have headaches. I see my doctor on Tuesday with the new MRI that I plan to have tomorrow. Are there any specific question I should ask?

Thanks Jerry

Yes. I had an issue with my back leading up to surgery. I did however have a chiropractic adjustment done about 3 to 4 days before my legs got weak. This was my first appointment with this particular doctor and I made the visit in hopes it could help my left outer thigh pain. The doctor did several adjustments and my back did “Crack”. He did some leg stretches too. I did not have pain directly after this adjustment. I realize in hindsight it was probably not a good idea to see a chiropractic doctor but I didn’t know the extent of my spine issues until after that appointment. So I wonder if this triggered the weakness in my legs? The ortho doctor I was seeing in Pennsylvania and the mri done prior to the chiropractic appointment seemed to suggest issues with compression and disc bulge. I realize given my back issues, a chiropractic treatment may not have been such a good idea although I have had these in the past on an irregular basis without issues. This is what bothers me because maybe I could have avoided surgery had I not had this adjustment. Or I could have put off the surgery. Maybe the adjustments accelerated the inevitable. In either case if my surgery was done correctly I don’t think I would be in such pain for so long afterwards. I read that pain after three months is described as failed back surgery or post laminectomy syndrome. My back was probably bad for many years but I never had leg weakness until this one time prior to surgery. I don’t think my surgeon really factored any of this prior chiropractic when I mentioned it. He seemed fixed on the mri Images. This is why I asked if mri can show things as worse than they are. I realize I can’t undo my choice for surgery or the surgery itself. I think has the pain resolved by now I would better with all this. Because I have all this pain still, I’m filled with questions and doubt. I would consider the ct myelogram but this is another invasive procedure. I read that it is safe but others have indicated it could cause permanent nerve issues too. So I want to be careful from this point forward. I think if the mri and a new very good doctors opinion suggest I need a ct myelogram, I would get one to get definitive information on my post operative spine condition. I don’t want additional surgery but if concensus shows I could benefit I would consider it. I know going back into that area is fraught with risk but maybe under the right hands it could be done. All this confuses me because I had this disc bulge and bone spurs at T12-L1 most likely for years as these issues don’t develop overnight or in days. So if the decompression surgery was sufficient as prooved by a mri or ct myelogram, it is back to your idea that the cord was irritated. Thanks so much and happy new year. I hope I can find a new doctor do I can get the peace of mind and body I really need.

What I notice a lot of these days is stinging pain in my calves and “bubbling” ticks in the lower calves. I know I had the decompression surgery, but why am I still having these muscle ticks in my calves? This is a big concern of mine, and I understand an MRI is the first place to start. I am still trying to get my insurance to approve it through my doctor. Due to the holidays, the doctor is out and nothing gets down without him from what I gather. So I continue to wait.

As far as instrumentation removal, I will wait until fusion is confirmed by Cat scan. Once the fusion is complete, are the vertabrae strongly attached? I get concerned about stability and other issues developing. I am trying to avoid any unnecessary bending, lifting and twisting. Are there other things I should avoid?