Back Pain Questions and Answers

I HATE LEGAL DISCLAIMERS, but my lawyer insists...Thanks for understanding...

Please send me your questions via the CONTACT ME form provided. I will do my best to find an answer to your back pain related question.

If you would like to post an additional answer for a question asked here, please send it to me, and I will post it for you.

This is YOUR back pain questions and answers forum. Enjoy it, and use it to answer all your questions on back pain.

I'm wondering if this sounds like a sports/muscle injury or something more serious that might require medical attention? I would have already visited a doctor except I don't have health insurance and can't afford a check-up at this point. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks again for creating a wonderful site, Jim

A: Hi Jim, I was thinking it could be anything right up till you mentioned that massage helped temporarily. This would only occur for a muscular issue or as a placebo in an ischemic syndrome, so these are my 2 theories. One or the other... I doubt it is muscular from injury, as the symptoms are too widespread. I lean towards the latter...ischemia. You can try knowledge therapy. No cost and nothing to lose. If it persists, consider biting the bullet and going to a doctor if you decide this option is not the right path for you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have been to see a Pain Specialists. He is wanting to do Epidural Steroid Injection for my neck. I have read something about it, but it still scares me. Before I had lower back surgery, I had three injections where they used x-ray to do it. They did nothing at all. When I had shoulder surgery I had steroid injections. they never did anything as well. After surgery I have never had any problems in either area. Back was done in "95" shoulders 2years ago. I hate to spend all that money having something like this done and not work and have to have surgery. anyway. I had an MRI 2 weeks ago.

FINDINGS: Alignment & bony structures: Mild dextoscoliosis. Mid cervical straightening. C3-4 & C6-7 mild type I Modic changes. Spinal cord: Norma signal & caliber. Craniocervical junction: Unremarkable central elements & junction as visualized. findings by level. C2-3: Mild facet hypertrophy. No stenosis. C3-4: Shallow disc-osteophyte complex slight more prominent left paracentrally. Uncovertebral & facet hypertrophy. Mild exit & central narrowing. Mild anterior cord flattening. C4-5: Mild disc bulge. Mild uncovertebral & facet hypertrophy. Mild anterior cord flattening. C5-6: shallow dic-osteophyte complex more focal right paracentrally. Uncovertebral & facet hypertrophy. Moderate right & mild left exit stenosis. Mild central narrowing. Mild anterior cord flattening. There could be effect on exiting right C6 or its ventral nerve rootlet. C6-7: shallow disc-osteophyte complex more focal right intraformainally. uncovertebral & facet hypertrophy. Mild right exit narrowing with possible effect on the exiting right C7. C7-T1: Mild facet hypertrophy. No stenosis. IMPRESSION: diffuse spondylosis with severe moderate exit stenoses and described, potential neural effects given about no severe stenosis.

I'm 61 and other than my neck problem I'm in perfect heath. I guess my question is what is your opinion. I'm scheduled to have this done in about two weeks. Thanks, Jewel

A: Hi Jewel, You may or may not achieve some relief from the injection, but it is akin to taking an aspirin. It will certainly not cure anything. I do not see any significant issues in your neck which I would blame for any pain. Given your history or symptoms moving from location to location, lower back to shoulder to neck, I would be very careful with future surgery since I doubt any of these procedures were needed and more will only probably cause the pain to move elsewhere... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: i have some levels of osteophytes at the level of t12/l1 which are encroaching on my nerve root foramen. i also have degenerative changes further down. i have had one course of facet injections. i had pain relief for 5 weeks at present pain is getting worse. what is the long term affects. waiting on next appointment. Paula

A: Hi Paula, Most osteophytes are not the source of any pain. They are normal and a universal part of spinal aging. mostly blamed unfairly for enacting symptoms. If you would like me to comment on your particular case, please send you MRI report so I have a better idea of the exact nature of the condition. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I get extreme pain in my stomach which travels from the top of my rib cage to my pelvic bones also with this i get pain that shoots up and down my spine but more pain at the bottom of back HELP? Jennifer

A: Hi Jennifer, Have you been to a doctor for diagnosis? If so, what was the verdict? If not, this is the place to begin... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: It all started when I caught a cold going to church. It turned into a severe bronchitis attach with a bacterial infection. I was given steroids for this and antibiotics, and the bronchitis is nearly gone...but, since all this began, my neck got stiff, then began jerking like I had a stroke or something. I also have speech impairment, my right leg and arm go numb, I drop things and have vertigo and a feeling like ...I don't know...(out of body feeling)?!! Just recently I have started swelling and I have difficulty swallowing. The doctor has me scheduled for a neurologist but that isn't for weeks from now and I'M AFRAID! Should I insist on going in sooner. These symptoms are intermittent but they happen frequently and daily. I am on flexeril and ibuprophen, which helps the pain some but I feel like I am losing my mind. I even lose track of what I am saying at times now. What to do? Any idea what could have caused this or what it may be ? Where do I begin looking? There are so many symptoms I don't know where to begin. My bloodwork the doctor says indicates a problem with my spine but no idea what yet! HELP! Thanks, Alexa

A: Hi Alexa, I would try to move up the neurologist appointment. If the symptoms get worse, you can always try to ER at the local hospital, but only if it is truly an emergency, or they will simply tell you to follow up with your doctor. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am a 48 year old woman and have suffered from pain in my left buttock/lower back (I also am now getting pain in my hips/groin/leg) since a car accident 4 years ago in which I had lower back whiplash. I was very active and healthy before this. The pain is much worse on sitting/lying on my back - ie - any sort of pressure on the area. I had an MRI scan 2 years ago but at the follow-up appointment the Musculo-skeletal clnic said the results could not explain my pain and despite further pelvic x-ray and MRI say they cannot diagnose me. I have recently obtained the original (lumber back) MRI report the conclusion of which is as follows: Left sided foraminal disc protrusion at L3/L4 level impinging on the left neural foramen with possible affect on outgoing L3 nerve root. Right sided foraminal disc protrusion at L4/L5 level impinging on the right neural foramen with possible affect on outgoing L4 nerve root. Please could you say whether or not this could explain my pain. I am getting desperate as the constant pain is really affecting my quality of life and state of mind. I cant take strong painkillers as the side effects are so awful. I've spent thousands of pounds which I cant afford on various therapists who have mostly suggested piriformis syndrome (although their treatments haven't cured the problem) but an occupational health therapist I saw recently (before I obtained my medical records) thinks there may also be a problem with my lower back and/or sacroiliac joint Thank you Liz

A: Hi Liz, The MRI result does not correlate to the symptoms. I do not think these disc issues are responsible either. The fact that you have pain in many areas not affected by these nerves, combined with the pressure sensitivity when lying on your back make this virtually certain. To me, it all sounds ischemic, using the accident as a trigger mechanism to begin. My advice is to consider knowledge therapy. Additionally, I hope there is more info on this MRI report. It is greatly lacking, so I have little to work with to provide the answer... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: About 6 months ago I suddenly developed back pain. It was severe,and I had to start walking with a cane. I had been doing some digging in the yard, and also I had a spill on my driveway on that same afternoon. About three days later the pain developed. I tried resting it, then visited a chiropractor for about two weeks with no results. I then made an appointment with a neurologist who ordered x-rays and gave me pain pills. A month later I was no better, went to another neurologist who ordered an MRI and informed me I had a pinched nerve (from what he said was degenerative discs in the back.) He described some surgery (removing disc and freeing nerve then fusion of two discs) but did not recommend this. He ordered physical therapy which was very helpful. I am able to walk and sleep with veru little pain. I am doing water aerobics in an effort to improve. However, I still have a lot of stiffness and some pain in the lower back and also in the pelvic/groin musclee. Am I doing the right thing by doing water aerobics? Is there anything else that would be of more benefit? He recommended strengthening core muscles--and that is all. Am I ever going to be any better? Anita

A: Hi Anita, As I am sure you know if you read my site, successful treatment relies completely on accurate diagnosis, which is rarely achieved. If you would like to send you MRI report, I can tell you what I think is responsible for your pain. As far as the doctors prescription, sounds prudent to me... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Follow up: Hi Anita, I do not see anything at all wrong with your spine, so your pain is not likely structural. You merely have normal spinal degeneration, common to all. I do not think you need any medical treatment at all. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Reply: Thank you so much! - Anita

Q: For three months since I had to run and catch a tv that was about to fall on my children I have been having middle back pain on the left side by my spine. It hurts when I sit not straight as can be or lean over slumped and when I wake up in the morning. I have had x-ray and mri that came back normal. Any idea what may be causing it that would not show up in x-ray mri? Is there any other test I should take?? Lynne

A: Hi Lynne, It could be a muscular issue, but 3 months is a bit long for this to endure. I advise that it is likely to be an ischemic pain condition which came on after healing. In this respect, the pain now is using the TV incident as a trigger mechanism. This occurrence is detailed on my site. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: The past two days I have experienced severe pain under my right shoulder blade with certain movement and breathing. I don't have insurance and can't afford another bill. (I have suffered from ulcerative colitis for 14 years now, even though I'm only 26) I took 2 muscle relaxers tonight and still no relief. Could this be serious? Is there anything I can do at home to help? Should I just suck it up and go see a DR? Pain just seems to get worse even sitting down is hurting now. Please help. Misty

A: Hi Misty, It could be nothing or it could be something. Unfortunately, the only way to know is to get it checked out. If it is that bad, just go to a doctor. If you can deal, then consider trying to wait it out a bit. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I had a laminectomy of l-5 in 2003. Just before Christmas of 2009 I pulled some scar tissue from around the disk. Not good. Have had problems off and on up until pulling the scar tissue, really my back pain never went away. All the leg pain was gone but the pain in my lower back wasn't cured just not as constant. This pain though had me in a wheelchair for a couple of days and crutches for few days and severely limits my everyday capabilities. Is there anything to do for this besides another surgery. The doc says fusion is really the only thing left to do to the disk as far as another surgery. Maybe decompression therapy or something. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'm 32 years old and need to figure this out cause its a long road ahead.. Matt

A: Hi Matt, Laminectomy is not a disc surgery. it is a bone surgery. Is this what you had or did you have a discectomy? Regardless, I usually believe these procedures to be ridiculous for most disc issues, and based on your history, it did not seem to help you much. Fusion is 1 million times worse...in every way. Procedure. Recovery. Prognosis. If you are trying to solve this permanently, forget fusion, since you will SURELY be back on eh operating table many times as the spinal degeneration in surrounding levels will make more fusions needed over time. I would love to see your original pre-op MRI... It would be shame if you could have avoided surgery altogether... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am having back pain last 2 years when i am sitting chair. i will get this so how can i prevent this problem? i am not able to bend to much forward and what is solution for its by using yoga? anything happen. Srinivas

A: Hi Srinivas, Successful treatment require accurate diagnosis. I advise going for a complete exam to determine the possible source of your pain. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hello, I stumbled upon this site when searching for laymen terms in my recent MRI report from the C-3-C4 disc in the neck. I am a carpenter for 30 years now and have always used my body in unconventional lifting,supporting materials to accomplish my work. I have had 2 shoulder surgeries already [2nd one due to botched 1st surgery] for impingement on tendons and torn cartilage. About 2.5 years ago my wife had me use a garden tool to chop out some grass to lay river stone down, the next day I noticed my neck really hurt, I had an appointment with my orthopedic Dr. for my shoulder and told him about my neck, he wanted to do an x-ray but I told him to wait until the following month and see if it was still an issue or if maybe I just pulled a muscle that would clear up by then. Unfortunately it did not clear up and we did an MRI and he said I had a bulging disc and their was nothing he could do but prescribe meds for the pain. I soon just found a pain management Dr. who basically just treated me for the pain of the neck and shoulder. I am now 48 yrs old and finally decided my career as a carpenter could not go on without me getting some of this pain or what was causing it repaired, I soon had my 2nd shoulder surgery which seems to have helped and now I'm stuck with the neck issues. The recent MRI said mild straightening of usual cervical lordosis, canal is patent and cord is normal, there is an endplate degenerative change at the C-3/C-4 level. Endplate and uncinate osteophyte on the left contributes to moderate left foraminal stenosis. Neural formina are otherwise patent. Focal Degenerative change primarily endplate/uncinate osteophyte on left at the C-3-4 level contributing to moderate foraminal narrowing. No cord impingement. With all this said I just wonder from a medical opinion the pain that is associated with this? I am not a big baby with pain but this pain is like always their right in your face and I really have to look for hopes of some changes with it somehow. I know of the disc fusing but I would be the last one to go under the knife unless their are no alternatives. Id would like to hear your opinion on what exactly this is [laymens terms] and the best way to deal with this? Thanks, Bob

A: Hi Bob, From the information provided, there is no mention at all of a disc issue. There is normal spinal osteoarthritis and I do not see any structural reason for pain here. If you want to send the complete MRI report, this may change my mind. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: In December of 2007 I was having trouble walking, pain in the upper back and always pain in he lower back. I went to the emergency of our local hospital had an MRI of the complete spine, was told I needed surgery "cervical" for the upper and had spinal stenosis of the lower I had the surgery for the upper two weeks later. After about three months I still could walk very well was Neurologist, had an EMG, was told I had neuropathy, and nothing could be done, was told my problem was the stenosis and had lumbar fusion with instrumentation one year later, still could not walk very well, same old back pain. Sent to another neurologist. had an EMG, had neuropathy nothing can be done, went to another Neurologist, had EMG was told no neuropathy, did a MRI of the brain, spinal tap and other tests, came back with demyelination and most likely MS, will know for sure Feb 10th. Was also told that the lower back surgery was not necessary. My life has not been good for the past two years, it seems I have been in the black hole of Doctors not knowing what they were doing. This is a short story of the ALL the things I have been going through for the past two years. I am in Tucson, Arizona. Doctors you would think would know what they were doing. Thanks, Steve

A: Hi Steve, Thanks for sharing your story. I hope all turns out well... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: My friend Stephen has had back issues from I met him almost 30 years ago but he always took it in stride. I might add that Stephen has always been a bit intense. Two months ago he went to the hospital complaining of electrical shocks through his whole body as he fell asleep. Once he stood up, the shooting pains would go away but when he laid back down after 10 - 15 minutes the shockwaves would return. Also, whenever he did get to sleep, he would wake up gasping for air and experiencing severe chest pains. A month prior to being hospitalized, a brain CAT scan was done because Stephen had complained to his primary care physician about serious fatigue / low energy. Heart palpitations.

At the hospital they did all kinds of tests and found no hart problem but blood test revealed electrolytes extremely low. He was put on drip for 3 days. Doctors indicated no further medical attention was necessary but problems persisted. He decided to seek attention elsewhere and was referred to a neurologist. While waiting a week to see the neurologist Stephen decided to see a chiropractor (in the vicinity of the hospital he had traveled to) because, although there was no severe back pain, his was walking with a noticeable limp on his right hip (which he attributed to his 6 day stay in a hospital bed). After 2 visits to the chiropractor he started feeling stinging, tingling, numbness and extremes of hot and cold in all extremities one after the other. He also experienced dizziness, headaches, tingling in his face and the sensation of blood rushing to his head (smell blood). This was the first time he had experienced anything like this.

Stephen then saw the neurologist where lumbar & cervical MRI's were done. The results of the MRI revealed that Stephen has 5 herniated discs (3 cervical & 2 lumbar). After hearing of the symptoms the neurologist wanted to prescribe Neurontin and pain management but Stephen declined. A nerve test was ordered which Stephen never took. A blood test was ordered which came back fine. Subsequently Stephen went to another chiropractor where he did experience some relief. At the completion of two weeks of treatment the symptoms that persisted were fatigue (this got even worse) and tingling in his legs & feet, but Stephen now felt well enough to return home. Once there he immediately sought the care of his primary chiropractor where even more progress was achieved.

The only debilitating symptom that now remains is chronic fatigue. It is now to the point where after 12 hours of sleep he wakes up tired (as if he never went to sleep). When he goes to get out of bed in the morning his teeth chatters, his chest feels taught and his arms tremble. He describes it as feeling faint. As far as medications Stephen is or has been taking. Ativan (2mg) was prescribed to be taken once daily but he only took half a pill when he really felt anxious. His PCP switched him to 5mg of Xanax once daily and Stephen has promised to take it as prescribed. Stephen requested Flexeril (he has used it in the past whenever his back went out) to keep on hand in the event of a flare up. I'm not sure how or if you can help but once you've read this you might be able to tell me. Wayde

A: Hi Wayde, I would like to see the MRI reports before making any suggestions. The symptoms seem anatomically illogical, so I am curious hat the reports may hold... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: My Kaiser doctor has recently diagnosed me as having spinal stenosis. He showed me the Xray and I saw clearly in the lower lumbar region where the bottom two nerves emerge that the holes were opaque. Those above were clear. A recent MRI confirmed that diagnosis. I get leg numbness when standing or walking too long. I have no pain whatsoever and there didn't seem to be any degenerative condition in that area of discs or vertebra. With all the risks involved would I be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure? Thank you. Ron

A: Hi Ron, The only way to know is to consult with a surgeon who will assess you and make recommendations for treatment based on your clinical evaluation. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have had chronic back pain for years, treated with chiropractor for long time with bad results, x-rayed 3 years ago and diagnosed with grade 1 spondylolisthesis. Most pain is when getting up off couch and sleeping. Very active country life, wood splitting, gardening, horses, etc. Feel like it is time to have a back support for heavy work. Have resisted because I don't want to get where I rely on one. I read that symptoms are usually simple, mine are getting to be to constant. Any suggestions on what kind of brace to go with. Very confusing trying to decide. Thanks, Darlene

A: Hi Darlene, In my experience, without exception, grade 1 spondy is completely asymptomatic. I do not think it is the source of any of your pain. I advise reconsidering the diagnostic theory in order to get better treatment results. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Comment: I think it's absolutely criminal what the medical profession has done/is doing with regards to back/neck pain issues. I can only say we all know what fuels their desire to do these surgeries. You have a better chance of being struck by a meteorite than getting "cured" through back surgeries--I think for most people. People with severe congenital problems or accident trauma might be legitimate exceptions. As an RN and an impatient "patient," ha, I've seen what the medical profession has done to "medicalize" everything-even a common cold can be turned into an ominous event. Have we all lost our minds? We've become a nation of hypochondriacs and the Gods/Goddesses that promise to heal us have become our torturers. Kick the doctor habit unless absolutely necessary, and for acute problems or those that can be properly treated by an MD, but for chronic stuff, find alternatives, if you can. Your site is very good and you are trying to wake people up! Nancy

A: Hi Nancy, I could not agree more... Excellent letter. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: My son was just diagnosed with ddd at 17. I read your article and was curious about your treatment. Or if you think he was misdiagnosed or what happened. He received a football injury about 1.5 yrs ago in his right lower growth plate an was prescribed therapy for it. It seemed to help a little, but the pain recurred, and he was just given pain pills for abut 1 yr. Do you think the initial problem was the cause and it was never fixed? What treatment do you recommend other than surgery or shots. Would a chiropractor really help? He is to see a specialists this coming week and any info. would greatly help with us talking to the doctor. They all ready said that the cortisone shot or surgery is the only way to out a "bandaid" on his back. Thank You, Randy

A: Hi Randy, Please send his MRI report to detail the condition for me. This will help me to advise you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I been a movie stuntman for many years without professional injury... but have take a my fair share of falls over the years. I am 60 now and recently had an MRI as s result of excruciating lower back pain which has laid me low for almost a month. I have suffered back pain about once a year in the past, but never more than a couple of days laid up. This time the pain shoots from the back to the knee. I agree with you on your view of the medical field, I have used acupuncture with the most relief and chiropractic less successfully. During the last three weeks, I have had two epidurals, with partial relief, first was in L5, and second in L2-3, and L3-4.Here is the report of the MRI, please give me your impression ... any help would be greatly appreciated.

Findings: The ones are well aligned. The vertebral body heights are wll maintained. The conus terminates at T12, demonstrating normal morphology and signal.T11-12, T12-L1 Sagittal imaging demonstrates the discs to be well preserved. The central spinal canal and foramina remain widely patent.

L1-2 There is disc dessication. The disc contour is preserved. The central canal and foramina remind widely patent.

L2-3 There is posterior and lateral bulging of the disc, extending into the right-side forament (7 mm AP dimension). There is minimal fact hypertrophy. The central canal and left foramen remain patent. The posteriolateral disc protrusion causes moderate to severe narrowing of the right-sided foramen.

L3-4 There is minimal disc space narrowing and desiccation. There is diffuse concentric bulging of the disc, right greater than left, measuring 4 mm. There is minimal fact arthropathy. The central canal is low-normal. There is minimal narrowing of the left foramen. There is moderate narrowing of the right foramen.

L4-5 There is diffuse concentric bulding of the disc, most prominent posterolaterally (3-4 mm). There is moderate facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. These findings are causing minimum central stensosis. there is moderate left and minimal right foraminal narrowing.

L5-S1 There is disc desiccation of this level. There is an annual fissure posterolaterally on the right. There is very slight concentric bulging of the disc. there is minimal facet arthropathy. the central spine remains widely patent. minimal foraminal narrowing is present.

I look forward to hearing from you with your insight, JP

A: Hi JP, Please detail, as specifically as possible to exact symptoms are locations you currently have. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Follow Up: Thanks for responding.It started with shooting pain in my lower back, like driving a stake through my lower back. Now the steady pain is in my right lower back and feels like it moves around a bit, to the hip and comes back to my lower right side of the low back. My nerves have been tingling in my right leg down to the knee for the most part of the last 4 weeks. Also, I have muscle spasms in my right thigh that are extremely painful. At times when I move just a bit it feels like someone is driving a needle through my body or sticking your finger in a 110 volt outlet. Most of the pain in my right thigh has occurred since the first epidural on Jan 15. Thanks! JP

A: Ok JP, Your case is not an easy one. There is nothing to focus on except the herniation at L2/L3. Everything else is a non-issue, as far as I am concerned. If the L2/L3 nerve roots are being affected by this herniation, there may be some symptoms in the thigh and leg where you are having them. However, I do not see this issue as causing the back pain you are having. Therefore, I am providing you the 2 most logical possibilities... Nonsurgical spinal decompression should help take care of the structural issue if the pain is indeed structural. There is also a chance that the pain is fully or partially ischemic, which would explain much of the overlap and inappropriate symptoms. In this case, knowledge therapy is the way to go. I hope this info helps. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I am 53 years of age and reasonably fit, having done a lot of running in previous years. For the past year I have mainly just been walking though. For a couple of years I have been experiencing some sciatic nerve pain, but nothing too bad. Today I decided to go for a slight jog, and had been jogging for about 10 minutes, and I did feel that my lower back felt tight. Without warning I lost complete feeling in my right leg and fell flat on my face. I now have a pain going from my right lower back to my glut, and a little sciatic pain.Should I see a chiropractor ?I am worried about ever jogging again as this was a pretty awful experience, with my leg just totally giving way.Any advice would be appreciated. Regards Judy

A: Hi Judy, I recommend seeing a physician for diagnostic testing. See what may be the source and eliminate the anxiety of NOT knowing. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: i was in a car accident that caused me back problems..lower only through the years i haven't had to take medications...i'm just bent over about a week couple times a year...14months ago started having real bad lower back pains....mri says i have 2 herniated discs one bulging..this lower pain goes into my midback and i'm locked like in a spasm that wont quit...i've dealt with that n it goes away....this last time....went from lower to mid back and is now in my left shoulder with pressuring pain felt in my left chest behind my breast and upper rib cage....i know this is all related and don't think i'm having a heart attack..cuz this has been going on for four weeks and the pain is nonstop......affects my breathing...finally yesterday i got a few hours of relief it stopped...today back even worse........my question is this.......could this be a pinched nerve? My physician took xrays and thinks it might be a crushed vertabrae and sending me for bone density tests......I would like to read your opinion....this feels like plurisy.......so not sure what to do.......Shea

A: Hi Shea, Issues in your lower back may affect your legs, but they will not likely enact symptoms above the affected level. Therefore, whatever it is is almost certainly unrelated to the lumbar disc issues. Take the test and see what the results say. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have stiffness of my neck especially in A.M. and having problem turning my neck fully towards my left. I have been told that I have chronic arthritis to my spine or is it a pinched nerve. I play tennis and deliver mail. Angel

A: Ok Angel, So what is your question? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q& A Archive 2006 to Present

Custom Search