Question: 32 year old very active female (weights, swimming, and running at the gym daily) in 2007...LEFT BACK sciatic MRI showed herniated disk. Numerous injections that were not helpful led to finding tear in L4 L5. After a surgical referral...no surgery necessary...back to numerous pain management doctors for limited results. Lidocaine patches, and ibuprophen seemed to treat times of burning and fatigue for the most part so I was able to live with it with rest at times it was at worst. I am 39 and over last year laying down when burning (battery acid) was fruitless, the left side began to burn...and old swimming tendonitis injury cropped back up...so back to get new MRI.
This time...degenerous spinal stenosis/arthritis at L4-L5...along with major pain and numbness in hands and other symptoms of carpel tunnel. I am left handed and even when I wear hand/wrist braces...can't write in so much pain...numbness...can't lift shoulder above my head or lift things easily.
I have been referred to a Neurosurgeon on Nov. 4. In the meantime, I am in excruciating pain all of the time. When rest on back and occasional heating pad was (not ideal) working enough to deal and accomplish things before...Now, even when I take oxycotin long release/Acetometiphen and sitting or laying still any time...never takes intense numbness and pain in both hands, left shoulder and severe burning in buttock region that I can't sit still because I writhe in pain while trying to stretch things because I can't stand, walk, or lie down.

I was told that the carpel tunnel and tendinitis have nothing to do with the degeneration of spine...and there seems to be differing advice of whether heat/ice or exercise/rest. I am horribly uncomfortable and can't sleep or do basic tasks at this time. I was hoping for advice on what to do in meantime and why does it feel all of the pain, numbness, and constant burning on both sides IS connected.

Thank you