New Onset Pain

I have the same neuropathy problems for over 3 years. The doctors said mine is caused due to a severe curved and arthritic spine.
Due to other serious health issues, I have not been able to get corrective surgery for the last 3 years. I am seeing a new doctor in March to see if he will do the surgery.
I get severe muscle leg cramps as well. I took take gabapentin and a couple other drugs that help.
What I found that helps me sleep, I use a small heating pad on my feet. That stops the neuropathy pretty much so I can get some good sleep.

@pah17 The spine will shift when you lay down or change position and you mentioned you have grade 1 listhesis which is when one vertebra slides past its neighbor a little bit. That changes the spaces where nerves exit the spine and can change your pain. Another possibility may be issues with the muscles that attach the pelvis to the spine. If the pelvis is out of alignment or possibly twisted, it puts pressure on the lumbar spine and can mimic a spine issue. It is possible to have more than one issue affecting the spine at the same time.

If you look at a website http://www.mskneurology.com and look under the articles for the lower back, there is an article about a compression syndrome that describes this. That brings up another thought, have you tried physical therapy? I have done a lot of PT and it has helped me gain strength and reduce pain.

@jenniferhunter
Thank you. My work up is moving along. See my hip MRI results below. I'll be curious to see if my PCP still wants me to follow through with Rheumo. I suspect he will cancel that referral, but maybe not. I had very pronounced pain in my inner thighs at night which prompted me to get to the doctor. I'm not sure what they will decide about pain management, because I've recently started Eliquis for AFib and NSAIDS are contraindicated. My friend who is a Cardiac PA suggests that I take 2 Xtra Strength Tylenol in the am and again in the evening. I started this morning because I'm on my feet all day at work.
It sure did make a difference in my usual discomfort, but there again I'm on Prednisone right now.
It wouldn't surprise me if there's more than one thing going on at the same time as you mentioned.

CONCLUSION:
1. Multilevel degenerative disc and facet disease most pronounced at L3-4 with a grade 1 anterolisthesis from severe facet arthropathy causing a mild-to-moderate central stenosis and moderate left lateral recess stenosis with possible compression of the descending left L4 nerve root.
2. At L4-5 there is a mild central stenosis and moderate right lateral recess stenosis with possible compression of the descending right L5 nerve root.
3. At L5-S1 there is a left lateral recess stenosis and possible compression of the descending left S1 nerve root

@pah17 I see there is a lot going on in your lumbar spine with stenosis. Has a spine special weighed in with a recommendation? Do they recommend trying physical therapy? It won’t fix stenosis in the central canal, but possibly improving strength and any posture correction may help. I know that riding my horse helps my back and builds strength. There are equine assisted riding centers for therapy or you could sit on an inflated cushion and rock back and forth on it. I have one that I place on a chair. As I can’t make recommendations, you’ll need to ask your provider what is best. Do you think spine surgery will be in your future?

@jenniferhunter
Good to hear from you. This is new territory for me. I have the MRI report, but I'm still waiting to hear from my PCP to figure things out. I was originally seen by a PA for a fairly recent onset of deep achy pain at night (not after activity) which made my inner thighs feel like I had been doing splits. And I was so stiff in the morning, I could barely maneuver. Getting up and down off the toilet was a challenge, as was getting in and out of the car.
I've had neuropathy symptoms (numbness, tingling bilateral feet, calves) for about 3 yrs. But I've really never had pain like that. I'm 73.
The PA is suspicious of polymyalgia rheumatica because of my symptoms and a C-reactive Protein level of 67. But according to my PCP, L3-4 would correspond to the referred pain to the thighs. I've been on Prednisone 15 mg a day which I take in the am and I use Tylenol. I'm not sure what my level of pain would be without Prednisone at this point. If the PCP is convinced that my pain is due to the lumbar spine issues, I believe he will suggest that I cancel the Rheumatology consult and get me off the Prednisone. He did mention that PT would be indicated if that is the case. I will share more as things progress. Thank you.

Sorry to hear about your pain. I have nerve issues too. Have you tried supplements, like B12, magnesium and alpha lipoic acid? I'm taking the first two and I think the magnesium helps me sleep well at night. Haven't tried ALA yet.

@pah17
My 2 cents.

There are no definitive tests for RA but a process of elimination and bloodwork. CRP test shows inflammtion but that is just 1 clue

I would see an RA Dr. and a non-surgical ortho at the same time if your insurance allos as they can get you started on PT and possibly injections if you want to go that route

I have had Rheumatoid arthritis for 20+ years.
Mine is strictly in the joints hands, wrists, sholders elbows so I can't really speak to other forms of autoimmune but generally back pain is less common.

Your deep aching pain and morning pain, thigh pain and the morning being hell are exactly what I experience. I also have it after resting as things stiffen up.

To me this sounds like sciatica nerve pain from lumbar not RA. (Just my opinion not trying to be a Dr.)

Prednisone makes it better as it takes the inflamation down and gives the nerves more room.

I have severe stenosis at L4 on my right side and L2 on my left side. Both adult degenerative scoliosis. Basically discs worn out and spine tilting one way at L4 and then back the other way at L2.

Your MRI really doesn't seem that bad but my Dr. always says we treat the pain not the image.

Hope that helps, good luck

The good news is that I've been tested for RA and the labs are negative. Thanks for your input.