teen daughter has possible L4 nerve root irritation, nothing on X-ray

  • Thread starter Thread starter janiee08
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Thank you all so much for your replies. This gives me some good information to digest. I had never heard of spondyliothesis, so I have HW to do. I sure wish X-ray had given us some insight as to what is going on. I guess I didn't realize young ppl could have back problems (other than injury). I am surprised at how young some of you on this board all. I wish you all well in your recovery and coping, and will keep you posted. Thanks again! :D
 
oh no, that is awful about your son, Fiona Jo. I'm so sorry to hear that. :( Please tell me that it will get better. I didn't realize scoliosis could have such an affect on people. Well, when Maddie is home on school nights she limps around with her left leg locked straight as it hurts to bend it. Walking without bending your leg isn't easy, needless to say. I will def keep you posted. I know this Dr. will order an MRI and/or CT if the EMG and nerve conduction tests don't show anything. She has been proactive about everything so far. I cannot believe all the doctors I read about on this board who are so arrogant and dismissive. My older daughter wants to be a cardiologist (she is a premed student right now). I told her "Don't you ever become one of THOSE doctors." LOL She was insulted, of course. :p
 
Maybe spondylolisthesis? where one vertebre is slipping over another one. I had this in Jr. High School, but my only symptoms were lower back pain. I eventually had a spinal fusion (my first one) when I was in the 11th grade. I wouldn't be too worried about her having the EMG(pain wise). I know everyone is different, but my experience was really a piece of cake. And I'm the type that screams when the nurse starts an IV on me:o. I hope everything can get sorted out for your daughter-nothing worse than seeing your children suffer:(:( The sooner they can find out what is wrong, the sooner they can begin treatment. Then recovery begins:angel: I do wish that you would see @ least three Orthopaedic Surgeons (three different opinions). I have a feeling that her other symptoms may also be inter-related. Something to think about. Maybe those brainier than me can chime in here??....Janiee
 
I had the same exact symptoms as your daughter. The pain, the limp, etc. I had surgery three weeks ago due to a severe disc herniation of L4-L5. The surgery was called a minimally invasive microdiscectomy foraminotomy. The incision was less than an inch and I have no hardware or screws in my spine. So far the surgery has been a success. I had a neuro surgeon do the surgery after getting an MRI to figure out what my problem actually was. Keeping you and your child in my prayers. Good Luck!!

Sookiepooka
 
I would like to add that make sure the MRI is done WITH CONTRAST, not WITHOUT CONTRAST. Unless she is allergic to the contrast dye.. just my 2 cents....janiee08
 
oh wow Sookie, that gives me some hope! I'm glad it's been a success for you. If you ever asked me if I thought back surgery could involve a one-inch incision, I'd have said NO WAY that sounRAB impossible. When I think of back surgery, I think .... scary and dangerous like brain surgery! Just when I think she might be feeling better...next day, she is limping again. I just don't see something like this going away on its own. :(
 
ok thanks for your help, guys. We are all just so puzzled. She has leg pain and a lurabar problem. Now the CTS I understand since she types a lot, but she has pain everywhere that I didn't even know about. And I didn't realize she was having weakness. And she is hypothyroid. And she has headaches all the time. ugh! I am starting to wondering if this isn't all autoimmune as opposed to just an unfortunate series of events.
 
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