Pain in buttock continues after 4 injections, including SI.

Posted by mimibelle @mimibelle, 3 days ago

Since January, my husband (age 69) has not been able to sit (can't drive) because of severe pain in buttock, at times painful sensation/tingling mid-calf and foot area. Has seen neuro spine surgeon as well as orthopedic spine specialist (physiatrist). Has had MRI, x-rays, acupuncture, red light, deep massage, PT (hurt more), cryotherapy, numerous NSAIDs as well as opioids and four injections, one of which in the SI joint. Uses neuroMD, electric hand massagers, copper compression belt, etc. There has been improvement. Can sleep through the night (not up every 2 hours) but wakes up with pain in buttock and calf. Tries to walk it off. Takes three Ibuprofen which provides relief for the rest of the day (doesn't like to take meds, but...). Never really told the cause, just keep hearing sciatica/si joint/piriformis muscle. Has mild stenosis, L5 narrowing, but never told this was the cause. Spine in good condition overall. We have an appointment with another physiatrist who offers table decompression. Where else do we go and what do we try! Mentally exhausted!!! Sorry for the long post! Desperate!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

thomhorowitz | @thomhorowitz | 3 days ago

If any leg swelling as about an ultrasound to rule out mat-thernower syndrome

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | 3 days ago

@mimibelle
I’m sorry to hear that your husband (and you) is suffering.

Have you received all of your husband’s medical records? If not, get them all and review them in detail.

What does his MRI of his lumbar spine show? Did he have a MRI of his pelvis/hips, too?

Has your husband seen a neurologist for EMG/nerve conduction studies of his lower limbs?

I have spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and neurogenic claudication. This caused me pain, weakness and numbness in my lower back, hips, buttocks, thighs and feet. Spinal injections only helped a little (first 3/4). Physical therapy didn’t help much.

I had decompression and fusion surgery on L4-L5 in 2024 and many symptoms improved. I still have some symptoms in my right buttock/hips due to bilateral gluteal tendinopathy and bilateral hamstring tears (that showed up on hip/pelvis MRIs) that have not healed with time. I may need surgery to debride/reconnect my right hamstring.

mimibelle | @mimibelle | 3 days ago

In reply to @thomhorowitz "If any leg swelling as about an ultrasound to rule out mat-thernower syndrome" + (show)

Thank you. No swelling. Did have an abdominal ultrasound done at immediate care to rule out aorta.

karensm | @karensm | 2 days ago

I have had similar pain (ie, buttock ,sharp pain in leg, stinging in big two, left foot dropped when walking, could
not sleep, my body would seize up and I would be in a ball unable to move). Epidermal, shots in buttocks and meds did not work. Walked with cane only short distance. Stenosis, disks bulging, L5,L4 and up crushing,(MRI's,
I had tried to move a heavy table brought me to a halt. Outcome: 1 yr 9 months later I am able to walk with pain
in my back(no cane) and take it slow doing cleaning, raking and playing tennis again which was my drive to get back to almost normal. I did stop all meds after 4 months of going insane, started PT with a great guy who indicated that I may not be able to play tennis again. Saw surgeons & Drs, for their suggestions, decided I would tough it out. I exercise and stretch every day! Body is slow to recover, but getting better, I am a 80 yr old female.

linda6101 | @linda6101 | 2 days ago

Did you try a Pain Specialist? They might be able to help you. Although it sounds like sciatica. I have the same pain. After my pain specialist tried 10 minimally evasive procedures with no help, even the spinal stimulator. In the meantime, I'm taking Norco or otherwise I wouldn't be able to do my daily things. I'm a 73 old woman and am not giving up.

bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | 2 days ago

In reply to @linda6101 "Did you try a Pain Specialist? They might be able to help you. Although it sounds..." + (show)

Who should be able to do a better job at diagnosing the pain? A pain doc? A physiatrist? A neurosurgeon? An orthopedic surgeon?

mimibelle | @mimibelle | 2 days ago

In reply to @linda6101 "Did you try a Pain Specialist? They might be able to help you. Although it sounds..." + (show)

Thank you. Yes, the orthopedic spine specialist we have is a physiatrist (pain management doc). Good to hear you're not giving up! Sending hugs.

mimibelle | @mimibelle | 2 days ago

In reply to @bajjerfan "Who should be able to do a better job at diagnosing the pain? A pain doc?..." + (show)

We've been to all!!!!

irene5 Irene Estes | @irene5 | 1 day ago

Not for nothing but I am wondering if you would try acupuncture? My understanding is it can be quite helpful. It is not pricey, and I understand you only pay for the first visit and after that insurance should cover it. Fingers crossed!! So sorry! irene5