Degenerative disc disease(DDD) L3/4/5 - so much pain

My left leg constantly feels heavy and a little numb, but I can feel it if I pinch it! I have had some simple tests, just bending and reflex tests & as there were reflexes then the surgeon said there is nothing wrong with my nerves. I too take amitryptyline/gaberpentin/naproxen/diazepam/paracetamol. I cannot walk longer than about 10mins before I can barely put one foot in front of the other. 

How someone else with the same MRI walk around and not even know ( which is what DR said) is unbelievable! 

My left leg just feels not alive, kind off like I need to feel the need to limp off it as it doesn't feel strong enough. Mind you after 12 months of not being able to do anything, I think most of my bodies muscle is just wasting away.

I am in Cambridgeshire. 

I am seeing a consultant in an orthopaedic & spinal specialist hospital, he said he will try another epidural this month ( last one was done in a different general hospital) this one he will do under local anaesthetic. Not sure that will make any difference ! 

Thanks for this information. I have never heard of any of it so I will do some research. Do you speak from experience? 

Thanks for your time. 

The main problem I seem to have when I try to do stretching or core exercises or walking too much is that my back just goes into a massive spasm and I literally can't move & end up bed ridden for a few days. But in saying that, some days I think are not as bad and then I just get up from a chair and it happens. There seems to be no logic behind it. 

9 months and counting I'm sure for you. 

I've been reading things about the piriformis muscle which causes the prob near sciatic nerve..and putting like a tennis ball and just letting it sit on the muscle like a minute or two and it I do it around the glute muscles and it helps I also got a shot of a toradol for pain and a steroid for 3 days Had no muscle tingle pain ..but its coming back. it was nice just to have no pain you might try that but I'm going to get the major shot that goes in the actual nerves or joints soon..also ice gel packs and tens muscle thing i ordered and a back brace..i am trying everything.

The tennis ball or a rolled up town is really good

also if you lay on your back and with each knee bend your knee and then try to touch your bed or floor repeat this about five times per day and do it every day, always try to keep your shoulders flat on the surface.

This technique was shown to me by an wrestler.

I also used to have my five year old son stand on the area that causing the problem and carefully try to move under the weight.

This type of treatment may cause a cracking sound but that is good as you have moved the offending bones or tendon back in to place

Key signs of Modic degeneration, hope you are doing some research!

Yes. I certainly have. My chiropractic said he has not heard of modic changes causing pain. I'm seeing my Orthopedic surgeon tomorrow for an epidural so I will be asking him also.

My SI joint and all around is really sore. It does feel like there are big knots in that area. So this could help hopefully.

Thank you.

Your chiropractor is unfortunately very misinformed. The orthopedist will most likely not up on this. You need to look for a MAST center. After the epidural has worn off, please check it out.

All the best!