Trapped nerve
 

Hi :)
I called myself TrappedNerve because I am guessing that is what it is but I am not sure.

For me, right now, the most frustrating and scarely part it getting answers. I don't have a lot of money but I can find enough to pay for information. But I have gone to physiotherapists and really I have yet to meet one who knows.

I got a nerve conduction study done in April- L4 is denervated- My follow-up appointment is not until the beginning of October.

I found this board in April, and at the time I said to myself- "don't join yet, wait until you are getting desperate". So I guess that time has come.

I won't go into all my problems here but I am scared and I do very much feel alone.

thanx.

Welcome, TN, to NeuroTalk!
 

I'm glad you found us! & I agree, absolutely, that the most frustrating part of being sick is beating the bushes for answers; the scariest, not finding any. You won't find all you want here, but you'll make a start. You'll also find support of people who've been where you're heading. It helps.

First off, I'm going to suggest you go over to the Spinal & Back Pain Forum & introduce yourself & your medical situation again to the folks there. Start a thread & tell your story: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

If there's a better place, theyll set you straight.

Wow, October is a looong way off:eek:. I think it's good that you'll be able to chat with folks here & not just sit around waiting. Are you working?

There's lots of information available through threads & links here. Folks may be able to give you a good reading list of materials. Stay in touch, let us know what we can do :circlelove:

Thank you for welcoming me Jude Lauren!

Yes, October is a long way off- and I had to phone twice and actually cry on the phone with the secretary to get the second appointment. I got assigned to a young neurologist with 5 children and so she only works one day a week. I mean, I guess that is now my problem, lol!

Yes, I am still working but trying hard to change jobs. I am not sure what new job to try to get- a sit down or stand up. Right now I walk alot on my job and bend over (I try to squat) but I am really damaging myself.

I would really like to tell my story because I am actually quite angry and confused and appalled over it all.

I truly only found out I had sciatica (or whatever the heck it is) this winter- I spent 3 years thinking it was my feet, and 2 years prior to that thinking it was MP and not worrying about it. So now that I know what it is, or at least the apporoximate location (between hips and waist somehwere, !!) I am really hoping and praying that I have a chance to overcome this- at least now I am barking up the right tree.

thanx again and I'll post over there more when I get chance. I see it is not that busy over there..

Trapped Nerve: You didn't mention the symptoms you're feeling, or the location. Your fears may be confirmed, the cause in fact may be originating from a spinal problem. But it might be neuromuscular instead. In fact, the AMA reports that the vast majority of back, leg, arm pain is due to issues within soft tissue (the muscles).

For instance, an impinged nerve of the brachial plexus can cause tingling, even numbness in the effected arm and shoulder (it can even mimic carpal tunnel syndrome). From its origins in the cervical spine, the brachial plexus has to pass through or over or under the scalenes, the pectoralis minor and into the armpit, where it can be further impinged by the muscles of the arms.
If the problem is in your feet or legs, the piriformis, a small muscle located beneath your gluteus muscles, can be pinching the sciatic nerve, and causing what is euphemistically called "sciatica."

If the cause of your problem is in fact neuromuscular, a few sessions with a massage therapist should straighten you right out.

However, because your symptoms may have arisen due to a bulging spinal disk, etc, you definitely need to see a doctor before considering a visit to a massage therapist. If your doctor is agreeable, ask for a referral to a local massage therapist who is certified in neuromuscular therapy.

P.s. to TrappedNerve:

Therapeutic massage doesn't manipulate the spine in any way, so it is unlikely to cause further injury. And it just might negate the need for surgery.

An explanation? Muscles can undergo wee problems in the course of our daily lives (strains and minor bruises we ignore when they happen). These can lead to the formation of what are called trigger points within muscle fibers. Trigger points are dime-sized knots within a single strand of tissue that limit circulation to the muscle; they can be intensely painful at the site, or they can refer pain to another area entirely. For instance, TPs in the muscles that cross the shoulder blade can create nagging pain in the deltoid (shoulder) muscle. A licensed massage therapist certified to perform neuromuscular therapy (NMT) will apply a few seconds of slightly painful pressure on the trigger point, which will relax the muscle, restoring circulation and relieving the pain locally or in its referral site.

Hope this helps.