As some of you have read in my other posts I am struggling with L5 Radiculopathy. I first hurt my back in 2003 when I fel from an obstacle course. Over the past serveral years the problem has gotten progressively worse until it has gotten to the point where I can no longer sit for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Part of me is hoping that this is just an acute flare up and that in a week or so I will be functionning better but as of right now this has been a week that I have not been able to sit and I see no signs of improvement.
Back when I originally had the injury the MRI showed a bulging L5-S1 disc. My most recent MRI no longer showed that. However the Neurologist said that even if the disc is no longer bulging the damage to the nerve root may have already been done. I am now waiting on an EMG (March 8th) to confirm whether or not there is nerve damage.
In the past I have tried Oral Steroids, Oral Deinflammatories, Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Care, and I am currently on Flexaril (Muscle Relaxer), Topamax, and Tylenol 3. None of these things have worked.
What are my options from this point? Have any of you been through this? If so what has worked or not worked for you? Any feedback would be appreciated.
hi sophia, your not alone cant sit, cant stand, cant walk too far. i have L5 S1 spondylolisthesis and bilateral foraminal stenosis. been having physio for 8months with no results, radiculopathy effects my left leg and limits my mobility, pain killers have no effect. my doc prescribed an anti depressant called amitriptyline this limits the messages from your sciatic nerve, it has helped a bit but im constantly tired but at least i can sleep now. im waiting for epidural injections at the moment but surgery looks likely. i wish you the best of luck, get as much help as you can as soon as you can, dont wait i made that mistake. x
Is it the back pain thats killing you or the leg and foot pain? Alot of people here take meds for the nerve pain like lyrica, neurotin and I take cymbalta. They are suppose to help with that nerve pain...but doesnt' help the back pain. It might be something to talk to your doctor about. But I am sure after your emg maybe that will shed some light. WIshing you the best.
