Undiagnosed nerve pain -Sciatic entrapment?

[biobabe]

Hi there,

I was just wondering if anyone has similar symptoms or would be able to shed some insight on my situation of undiagnosed nerve pain in both legs?

I experience:
-burning in my hamstrings/ glute area which radiates down the back of my thighs
-a buzzing sensation in my feet
-sharp stabbing pains in my hips, hamstrings, and other leg muscles
-muscle spasms throughout the entire legs and feet which feel like elastics snapping
-muscle twitching (fasciculations) especially in my toes and feet
-a sensation extreme leg muscle tightness like saran-wrap around the muscles which is brought on with movement and makes me feel weak
-painfully hot burning feet and hands and alternatively, cold, blue feet and toes
-tingling in my muscles (especially in front of the L knee and in the toes of both feet)
-muscle cramping in my feet, calves, and thighs
-I also get a strange sensation of cool water trickling down my leg muscles (especially the hamstring) and near my pelvis into my buttock region

My symptoms worsen with activity, and I am hardly able to do any at all, at the moment. In the past, I have had good periods for a while where I very slowly build up my muscles and am able to do yoga and walk around, but then, all of a sudden, I'll do a bit more than usual, and BAM. Back to not being able to walk around again without extreme leg muscle tightness and pain for about four days. Then I have to very slowly add in walking, and often have repeated leg flare ups where I am unable to return to my previous state and can hardly move around. It seems that my situation is worsening, however, and it is harder to stay in a less-pain phase.

I have been experiencing these symptoms for many years. It began with extreme leg antzyness (the burning)-almost to the point of pain- in high school, which, at first could be relieved with exercise, but is now worsened with it.

Currently, I have had a MRI on my spine, nerve conduction testing, vascular testing, an MRI, a lumbar MRI, nerve conduction testing, compartment syndrome testing, all of which have not shown any issues. I am just waiting for the results of an MRI on my pelvis/ hamstrings which I just recently had.

Sound familiar to anyone? Have any ideas? Please feel free to give me a shout!

Thanks a lot!

[biobabe]

*Oops, listed nerve conduction testing twice. The second MRI listed should also read MRI-A, instead of just an "MRI"

[Leesa]

Well, it sure SOUNDS like sciatica to me. Have you experienced any trauma to the back, i.e. a fall or a car accident or anything?

When the MRI comes back, make sure you get a report for yourself -- just ask them for one -- they have to give it to you upon request. You can post it here, and we'll decipher it for you == post it on the Spinal Disorders forum. People there know how to decipher it in laymens language.

I wish you the very best! Take care and I'll be anxious to see your MRI report. God bless! Hugs, Lee

[biobabe]

Hi Leesa,

I haven't experienced any trauma, other than a car accident I had in grade one which I didn't have any serious issues from.

Thanks for your advise and support!

Cheers

[PRgirl53]

Maybe you need a second opinnion. And should be a neurologist taking care of you. Seems like having or a ciatic nerv bothering or some disc issues. Usually if you have the tingling feeling or numb your feet or toes is a either a ciatic nerv or a disc issue. Also the weight sometimes doesn't help, happened to me. They give neurontin sometimes, but other times you need to see a a specialist in pain control.

I have problems with ciatic nervs, pinched nervs in both legs. Now I also have arthritis and osteoporosis in the lower back and I get chronic pain.

About the tingling and some of the symptoms I do know because my ex ended having to back surgeries and I know the symptoms. Good luck!

[biobabe]

Thanks for your post PRgirl53!

Turns out with all the testing I have had done, I don't appear to have true sciatica (e.g. sciatica caused by a disc issue).

It is possible that trigger points (bits of hard connective tissue) are pressing on my nerves which is causing pseudo-sciatica symptoms.

I am trying trigger point therapy and myofascial release now to see if it makes a difference. I am also using a foam roller a lot.