L5-s1

They called and said the emg test shows its not coming from my back. Then why does it hurt so bad in my back where the herniated disc is? I am so frustrated now they want me to see a neurologist.

I have a similarly awful mri. My lower back burns and pains me daily. I had a SI joint injection recently, helped for almost 2 days. My hip pain was unbearable. I need a THP. Due to a profound amount of arthritis. My lower back still hurts a lot. My hip is doing better.

I don't expect that it will help my hip for long it never does.

They are probably going to fuse my SI joint like they did the left.

IMO I think that you need to take that report to a pain specialist. Then they know exactly what to treat.

God bless

I don't know if this will help you. I've discovered a combination of accupuncture and lazar really really helps. I'm almost pain free for three weeks since the last treatment. I had the operation for spinal stenosis. I'm still taking a combination of Tramadol and acetominophin. But this is because I tried going off it and it wasn't a good idea. I'm down to three pills from 4. Who knows, I might be able to go off it in the future. Best of luck.

Emg is very limited in assessing disc pain.
The center of the disc is extremely acidic. A herniation in the outside layer of the disc allows the viscous pulposus to leak. It can drip down several vertebral levels. It is very acidic and as it reaches each set of nerves can set you on pain. There is a test where they inject dye into the nucleus, and watch how far the thick liquid can drip. It is called a discogram.
I don't think you need the discogram (people usually scream). I like christine5's suggestion that you see a pain specialist.
You might see a minimally invasive spine specialist. There is a procedure that they hardly ever perform call nucleoplasty. The remove the protruding part of the disc and try to seal the annulus fibrosis the (outer layer of the disc) with radiofrequency (heat).
More usual, now, is microdiscectomy.
The center of the disc absorbs the mechanical impact of action causing pressure on the disc.
Sometimes, with rest, the annulus can partially heal on its own. But clearly you need better help. You might get a wise neurologist. But if you see one, ask for an MRN and MRI that images the nerves. Best wishes.

There is a nerve that goes from your spine to your feet. It could cause pain. I had leg pain from a herniated disc, but in time it healed itself and I did not need surgery. Surgery is usually a last resort. Either your situation requires it or you need to see a third specialist.

Shot did not help me either and in fact made me sicker for a few days.

I also got this x ray photo from my doctor and he said how are you still working. Could this be causing all my pain instead of the L5-S1?

Hi Justbec2004, Have they prescribed anything for your pain? Also lidocaine gel Helps some, it's inexpensive. Would definintely try it if you haven't yet. And I would definitely research your minimally invasive options in advance of a fusion...

justbec2004, What did you Dr. say that was ? A nerve a disc or what?

@justbec2004 You may want to see another spine specialist for an opinion. I am not a doctor, but your spine/pelvic x ray doesn’t look right to me. Sometimes the SI joints in the pelvis cause pain if they are off. The alignment doesn’t look right. Misalignment of the pelvis and spine does cause back pain as they are connected by muscle. A PT can help if it is a muscle issue. It won’t hurt to see a neurologist, but if your spine doctor isn’t interested in helping, you will need to find another. Also heel pain can be bone spurs with plantar fasciitis which is very painful . A podiatrist can help with that. Foot problems can cause back pain too, and yes you have foramenal stenosis of nerve roots at L 5 S 1. I don’t know why a doctor would claim that doesn’t cause pain since it is a problem.