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L5/S1 nerve roots - can they cause pain on opposite sides ?

Posted , 4 users are following.

LNR
LNR

Hi

I have an MRI report which states that I have a degenerative disc disease with moderately severe disc height reduction at l5/s1. There is moderate broad based central posterior disc protrusion causing moderate indentation of the anterior theca and moderate entrapment of the right s1 root at the thecal sac exit. No root entrapment is seen on the left side.

I have had really bad pain in my back and left side of my buttocks, groin and leg since October 2014 and have had two lumbar epidurals. Unfortunately the epidurals only lasted a few months and now I'm back to square one and in agony.

My doctor now suggests I have a disc decompression and spinal fusion with pedicle screws which is really scary and stressing me out!

I wanted to get a second opinion and see if anyone else has had this done because I'm concerned that the MRI report says that the right nerve root is trapped but I don't have much pain in my right leg, it's mostly on the left side - could something else be causing the pain? Please help.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • marshall71
    marshall71 LNR

    Posted

    I have this l5 S1 DDD mri scan said long standing but not root nerve pain had it since nov 2014 Physio hydro did nothing the specialist has said my discs are damaged but they won't give me a op now I'm left with total numbness in feet toes still pain in S1 don't know if a op would makes things better ? It could leave you in my pain it's a big risk.

    People on here have had the op I'm sure they will they tell you if its work or not

    Have you had any numbness pins and needles in that area or legs ??

    • LNR
      LNR marshall71

      Posted

      Hi Marshall

      Thanks for your reply.

      I don't really have numbness but just pins and needles down my leg sometimes.

      The pain in my lower back, left buttock and groin area is like a sharp pulling pain now and again but a constant feeling of a very heavy weight on that area, especially lower back. Sometimes when I try to stand after sitting down it takes me a while to get up because I feel like my back is going to snap if I extend upright 😔

      I'm sorry to hear that yours hasn't got any better - have they suggested any lumbar epidurals ? I go a lot of pain relief from the two injections I had but they only lasted a few months.

      I'm trying to go swimming now and it helps for an hour or two but then the pain kicks in again sad

    • marshall71
      marshall71 LNR

      Posted

      Not had any Lumbar epidurals or any talk of one the specialist I saw came arcoss said you need too see a foot specialist as I've lost feeling in my feet and toes.

      I feel the same with sharp pulling pain getting up I use a stick sometimes also found a Tens manchine on my lower back helps 30 mins every day found it helps a lot had Lower back problems since my early 20s 44 soon so it's been up and down

  • rosenancy01939
    rosenancy01939 LNR

    Posted

    Hi LNR, sorry to hear what you are going through. I can imagine what you are going throgh sine i have had the same problem.2013  I did physio , hydro and visited a chiropractor too. after this the pain was gone. Nov.2014  i fell hurting myself again i tried the same trick and nothing worked, January 2015 had 2 nerve blocks got better but i slept on several pillows when waking up i was back to zero. In march 2015 went for Radiofrequency  which left me worse. 4th May this month i had the operation and the disc was removed- At the moment i have no pains. I thank God i can sleep with no pains.My legs are  alittle weak but I am ok.

      

    • LNR
      LNR rosenancy01939

      Posted

      hi Rosenancy

      Thank you for sharing and commenting.

      I am glad to hear that you are now pain free.

      I had a discectomy and fusion of l5s1 on April 29th and touchwood am pain free too and haven't had any painkillers or medication since the op.

      I do however have numbness down ten back of my left leg which was there before but this is getting better each day and the consultant doesn't think it will be permenant.

      I also get bad cramps and nerve twitches in my left leg, mainly the calf, but apparently this is normal and will go soon too.

      Overall so far I'm glad I had the op. I need to let my body heal and bone fuse for another few months and can't start physio until 1st week of June.

      Please stay in touch and keep me posted on your progress and recovery.

      All my best

      Elena smile

  • lisa57720
    lisa57720 LNR

    Posted

    In 2005 MY L5/S1 HAD ruptured AND HAD THE nerve 85 Percent pinched into my spinal canal. I Didn't want the surgery THE Doctor SAID I'M NOT forcing you BUT WHENEVER THE Nerve hit's 100 percent blocked you'll calaspe won't be able to walk , BUT HE Also OR Whenever YOU CAN'T TAKE THE PAIN! HE was right MY LEFT leg I was dragging AND THE PAIN! THE leg cramps! 😫😖😭 ! I'VE HAD A second surgery THEY WAS supposed to fuse MY L4 & L5 . 2 surgeons THEY DID IT post laminectomy! VERY HARD Surgery! YOU CAN'T Leave YOUR HOME FOR 2Weeks! AND I Have Deterated disc disease AND THE L4 I WAS shown On THE MRI WAS Deterated IN 2005 WAS already Deterated 10 YEAR'S above My age! WHICH THE insurance wouldn't Let THEM fuse THEM BOTH! NOW IT'S Deterated More And kicking Out the spacer between the metal THE Bone DIDN'T grow AROUND It! NOW I'VE also have a c5 on the right Deterated , T6 Bludging AND MY L4 L5 issues. I'VE GOT nerve damage IN my right leg , NO reflex ! AND I'M applying for the 3 TIME FOR DISABILITY! I worked Up TILL The day before I had surgery BOTH TIMES! Which second surgery I had to Put OFF Didn't HELP matters. I worked IN restaurant's All MY Life! CAN'T Do IT NOW! SMH! Nobody would want this! Every doctor TELL'S you your GONNA Hurt THE REST OF Your Life! I CAN TAKE A 3-4 , BUT 9-10. I'VE GOT A high tolerance to pain , BUT EVERYONE HAS Their Own Breaking Point!

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