Question
I'm experiencing sever pain in the lower right side of my spinal column plus on the side of my leg . I've had an MRI and EMG done which shows no pinched nerve and no disc prb. The doctor said it could be caused by "Trigger points" plus he thinks I have Bursitis in my right hip. Most of my pain starts in the middle of my back and continues down the outside of my right leg. My back feels like someone is pulling an area of it while my leg goes numb,get pins and needles and burning sensation. Sometimes I feel like I have a tight band around my right ankle. This pain impacts my walking. I'm 58yrs old and I can only walk short distances than I rest until the pain subsides.The doctors want me to go to pain management but I was wondering if you can give me an avenue to explore outside of pain management. Is there another type of specialist I can go see. I've been to an orthopedic doctor and he's unable to help me. Please any advise would be appreciated. Thanking you ahead of time  

Answer
Barbara:

The pain you are describing is very familiar to me. I have it in my lower spine and in all my limbs. So let me address your issues as best I can.

You were smart to have the MRI and EMG. These tests rule out immediate, more obvious problems and are what is normally the first step for people with your type of pain. Since these showed nothing, it's time to move on to the next thing. That differs for a lot of people. Your doctor said it could be caused by trigger points. He may be right; many chronic pain patients have points on their bodies that act as triggers for their pain, or are the cause of it. Often, these trigger points are what determines whether a person has chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome or fybromyalgia. From what you've said of your symptoms, you probably don't have either of those illnesses, which is a very good thing indeed. However, you must find a treatment for your pain. Do not rely on the doctors or anyone else to do it for you. You have to be proactive, do some research, and actively look for help. That said, I want to make sure you know I'm only giving advice, not telling you what to do. You have to decide that for yourself^^

I would suggest seeing a neurologist for the pins and needles pain and numbness in your spine. They often deal with pain due to neurological problems (try to find one that emphasizes that), and can give you tests to see if you have any neurological problems that might be causing your pain and numbness. You might mention neuropathy; this is what I was diagnosed with. I am by no means a doctor, but since your symptoms sound so similar, I felt I needed to mention it. From what I'm told, these burning and pins/needles sensations are caused by the improper reaction of nerves. So that's even more incenitive to get in with a neurologist. You might want to ask him/her what he thinks about the diagnosis of bursitus as well; I'm afraid I can't help you there. My grandparents have it, but I know next to nothing about it. I very seldom come into contact with it.

I completely understand your hesitancy in seeing a pain mangament doctor. It seems like a last resort, and often they do just laden you down with drugs. I saw one for four years, and while it helped very much for the first two, in the latter years, they only pumped me full of narcotics. I don't mean to make it sound as though pain clinics are of no help; that's certainly not true. I've talked to many people who have had excellent results. If you do decide to go to one, make sure to choose one with many positive references. You don't want someone in that field who isn't highly recommended. Still, you might want to keep it in the back of your mind.

Another alternative is homeopathy, or naturalistic medicine. It is the practice of utilizing herbs, vitamin supplements, minerals, accupunture and accupressure, as well as many other natural cures to help with pain, allergies,and, well, just about anything that you need. I sound like a commercial^^ Anyway, about four years into my illness, I knew I was getting no help from traditional medicine, and so I took the natural route. I am feeling so much better now; I'm 20 (15 at the time), and was unable to walk more than a few steps without a break. About a year after starting in with a homeopathic doctor, I'm able to walk very long distances and do other things. As with any other medical professional, you'll want to check for references before choosing a homeopathic doctor. Make sure they are MD's, and certified. This is an option that I would suggest you take after you've seen a neurologist and heard what he/she has to say about your problems and has given you a work-through.

Most important of all is never to give up in your search for answers. It may sound cliche, but it's true. No one will help you if you don't help yourself. You took a step in the right direction by contacting me (which means you're doing research) and by going to the doctor (eliminating major medical problems). Don't stop. I hope I've been of some help. Hang in there, believe me, I know it isn't always easy. Please feel free to contact me again if there's anything else:) God bless!

Sincerely,

Celeste