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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Pain In Back Radiating To The Neck And Legs?

I have a history of bulging disk, stenosis, degenerative disk disease, & sciatica in the lumbar region of my back. Last night I was lifting my two year old grandson into his crib and felt a sharp pain. Since then the usual pain I have has gotten much worse, with pain traveling up my left side, a headache, neck pain, pain and numbness down my left leg and into my ankle and foot. I ve tried the usual, ice, heat even a hot bath and the pain is not getting any better. I am in between doctors while waiting for my medicaid to kick in, although I do have medicare. I am beginning to get increasingly worried because the pain is interfering with sleep and daily activities. It took me over an hour to even bathe. I m not sure what I should do. I don t want to be an alarmist and go to the emergency room, but I am beginning to think it may be my only option.
Wed, 6 Jan 2016
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted your history of bulging disc, stenosis and sciatic from lumbar area. Lifting anything in such a situation is not allowed.
Yes the lifting of the baby must have caused the disc to protrude and press on the spinal cord and the nerve roots in the lumbar as well as cervical spine causing all sort of pains you have explained.

I would advise in such a situation the following:
MRI of the cervical spine too.
Since you have symptomatic lumbar area problems, it would be prudent to consult a neurosurgeon and get operated if indicated so.
Till then consult Physiotherapist and go for relevant exercises ans get a proper painkiller dosages.
I hope this answer helps you.
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What Causes Severe Pain In Back Radiating To The Neck And Legs?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted your history of bulging disc, stenosis and sciatic from lumbar area. Lifting anything in such a situation is not allowed. Yes the lifting of the baby must have caused the disc to protrude and press on the spinal cord and the nerve roots in the lumbar as well as cervical spine causing all sort of pains you have explained. I would advise in such a situation the following: MRI of the cervical spine too. Since you have symptomatic lumbar area problems, it would be prudent to consult a neurosurgeon and get operated if indicated so. Till then consult Physiotherapist and go for relevant exercises ans get a proper painkiller dosages. I hope this answer helps you.