peripheral neuropathy in legs, back, and arms

Helpinlongmont

Dear Health Board Viewers
I had an injury to my low back two years ago from intense physical excercise. The first symptom was burning in the feet. Next came low back pain and burning in the buttocks. Eventually the burning pain has spread to the mid to upper back and now with burning in the hands. It got to the point where I could not stand or sit, or lay on my back for very long. MRI's, CT's, and Xrays only showed pars defect at L5-S1, spondylolisthesis (grade I) and mild degenerative disc disease at L4 with annular tearing. Discogram positive for both levels, negative at L3. After 15 months of conservative treatments (ESI, yoga, pilates, chiro, massage, acupuncture, trigger points, PT, aquatherapy) I was not any better. I had L4-S1 fusion in Dec 2010 (ALIF). The fusion seemed to greatly agrevate the nerves especially on the left side. I fused pretty fast (4 months), however I continue to deal with this neuropathic pain. The only things that temper the burning pain are opioids, musle relaxers, and Lyrica (marginal benefit) and never being in one position for too long. Ice packs help too. Gabapentin does not work. I can't work because I in constant pain while I sit or stand. When I stand, the burning and cramping in the feet and shins hurt. I can only walk about 10 minutes and then burning increases. When I sleep at night, I feel burning in the back, arms and hands. I'm only 41 and have 5 girls a lovely wife of 15 years. Pain Management doctors believe spinal cord stimulation may help. However an implanted stimulator will only address low back, legs, and feet. I guess I could get another one for my arms and hands (however, arm and hand pain are not as bad). My concern is that the stimulator does not address the problem, it onlys masks the symptoms. I'm not diabetic. I take vitamin B12 along with Lyrica. Cymbalta didn't work. Please let me know if anyone has suggestions. Thanks.

Help in Longmont