Back and Leg pain

[capricorngirl]

I have posted before asking if anyone else suffering from IC also suffers from low back pain that radiates to the hips and legs. I recieved several responses of people that suffer the same problems so I thought I would share: I recently seen a pain specialist for my IC, and other things that I have. I explained the severe back pain to the dr. and we talked about it for a while. I explained to him that I was told that it was just a part of the IC and that my uyro had said it was possible that when my bladder was filling it put pressure on the low back are hence: low back pain. So for all of you that suffer from the same thing I wanted to let you know what the pain specialist thought. He thinks that I have compressed facet joints in the lower back area. When I try to bend backwards I can not bend very far, forward does not bother me at all. He explained that the facet joints are what connects the dics in the spine and when they get compressed it causes the dics to rotate or move which messes with the nerves as the discs have holes in the center for the nerves. Anyway, he said if this was the issue, it would cause me to flare more often and the flares would be more intense as the nerves that run from the lower facet joints connect directly to the bladder. He has ordered an MRI w/contrast and an MRI w/out contrast to confirm or rule out this problem. So, others who suffer from the severe low back pain may want to discuss this with your doctor and see if an MRI would be useful to rule this out. Apparently if the facet joints are compressed and they go untreated it can cause bulging or ruptered discs. Just thought I would pass this on to all who are suffering from the back, hip, and leg pain. After my MRI I will let all know the outcome. :angel:

[amaranthe]

I have pain that also radiates to my back and upper thighs. However, I have had a CT scan before, but it didnt show anything. Not saying that yours wont, just saying that mine didnt.

One thing I wanted to mention though, is that I have Endo and adhesions and when they first did laproscopic surgery and d/xed it, my Dr. cleaned it all out at the same time. My back and leg pain completely went away after that for several years. It is back now, even though I am now on round the clock pain meds, which makes me think the Endo and adhesions may have come back.

Though not everyone with IC and back pain have Endo, there are alot of us that do, so if the CT can shows nothing, and Endo has never been ruled out for you, I would definately investigate this possibility, especially if you have really painful periods and PMS pain.

I hope the Drs find something that can be fixed and that this will lessen your pain a great deal.

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Amaranthe

[armslee]

Of course the MRI is going to let them know if your problems are skeletal. But through years of physical therapy here is what I have learned about my problems: my back, hip and leg pain come from two sources. Severe pelvic muscle dysfunction which can be alleviated through yoga, stretches and exercise. 2- fibromyalgia. Again, same applies.

What has helped me overcome most of my pain and helped return my stamina and day to day functioning is combining my pain meds with yoga, meditation, deep breathing and exercise. It really has worked wonders for me and has given me my life back! :smile tee Of course this didn't happen overnight but if you stick with it, the results will amaze you.

Best of luck in whatever therapy you try just keep an open mind!

[capricorngirl]

I did have endo, I had a partial hysterectomy in Feb. and when I had that procedure done they also cleaned the endo (not to say it has not come back because it has been an ongoing problem with me), so I dont believe that is the case. I honestly dont believe that there is anything wrong wth my back but, since the dr does I will check it out. I did not start having the back and leg pain until I had the interstim (which I have since removed). Ever since I had that stupid thing put in I have had problems of all sorts. Not saying that the interstim is to blame for all but it makes me wonder. Thanks for the info and good luck with your pain. I hope things continue to go well for you.