Hello everyone. Until last week I had never heard of CES and NEVER had a problem with lower back pain. I have had some odd things happening and I would like to get the opinions of those of you that have "been there". I will try to keep this as short and to-the-point as I can.
On this past Thursday, I fell while trying to stand up off of the couch. My lower back started bothering me after this. I figured I had strained a muscle and didn't really give it a second thought. By Thursday night, my lower back was hurting pretty badly. I still wasn't very worried. THEN I noticed that everything from my navel to my thighs was completely numb. I could not feel anything. This really scared me. I have never had anything like this happen before. I called the Ortho first thing Friday morning and he wanted to see me. The numbness had not changed and the pain was still very much present. I was admitted to the hospital for an emergency MRI. I never lost bladder or bowel function. I could feel the urge to urinate, but could not actually feel when I was going.
The doctors said that my MRI showed nothing emergent and sent me home with a diagnosis of a pulled muscle and a neurologist follow up appointment. Since then I have continued to have lower back/rear/thigh/leg pain and random numbness in my foot and calf. The 'saddle' area is not numb like it was, but it still feels odd. Its almost like a cold burning sensation.
I got my MRI results sent to me today and it states a "mild central protrusion" at L4/L5.
I'm a little worried since I am still in pain and not feeling right in the pelvic area. My question is, should I try to wait out the pain until my Neuro appt next week or should I go back to the hospital? I'm not numb like I was, so I feel like that is somewhat of an improvement? In all of your experiences, does it sound like I should be worried about CES?
Whatever it is, it needs be be checked out and fixed ASAP! We have quite of bit of CES members here so I'm sure they'll be able to relate to you. But I suggest that you don't wait because if things worsen, it's going to be hard to recover.
Post by kilg0retr0ut on Jul 16, 2014 7:39:10 GMT -8
Welcome Jlucy0002 I want to start by saying I'm not a medical professional and I don't even play one on T.V. I believe the odds it being CES is 1-33,000. The only thing that seems amiss to me is the numbness. Did your doctor have an explanation for that? Lara, has amassed a huge database of info. here on CES, which would be worth the read.
If by chance your nerves are being effected DJ is right in saying the faster it's taken care of the better chance for recovery. If a second opinion is available, it would help rest your mind. Others here may have more (better) info. for you than me. Sorry to hear about your pain and I hope things get better quickly.
I guess you are going to have to go with your gut feeling on this. I wish you the best. Mark
Thank you both for your quick responses! The pain seems to come and go and I haven't been able to pinpoint anything specific that aggravates it. I do know that it is worst at night and is affecting my sleeping patterns.
I think what is really, really bothering me is the numbness. It was SO unnerving to know that I was totally numb. And now, even though mostly normal sensation has returned, I am scared to death that it is going to happen again.
I think unless the pain becomes unbearable and/or the numbness returns, I am going to wait until my Neuro appointment next week. If either of those happen, I will on the way back to the ER.
Get a second opinion if you can and take things very easy on you back for a while. If possible don't lift more than a few lbs and don't twist your body at the waist or lower back until a few weeks after everything feels right and the MRI is clear of any nerve contact. Follow any advice your doctor gives you. My suggestions are only that so take them for what they are worth to you. Your nerves are very easy to damage and the lower back is highly prone to re-injury once a disc has been compromised.
Welcome to the forum jlucy0002... Im sorry to hear of the problems you are having. It sounds like you need some answers about what is going on right now. If you are certain you are going to wait until the neuro appointment then take a list of questions with you..Its easy to end up forgetting something important.
It sounds like there will be potential for this to worsen...without a doubt so be sure to find out what they will do about this disc and question the potential for it to herniate.
Sometimes sciatic pain can feel 'numbing' but you shouldnt be getting random numbness. It isnt normal and yes you should be concerned about CES....its serious enough to warrant the worry especially with lumbar disc issues.
To be honest, it would already warrant a trip to the emergency room based on the pain and altered sensation (as mentioned here already)...have you had pin prick tests and have you had a rectal examination carried out at all?
Post by ladylimpsalot on Jul 17, 2014 7:10:01 GMT -8
It sounds like a very minor thing right now. Many people live for years with a herniated disc without any symptoms. Others just have some pain that can be treated with some mild exercise changes or medication. CES is very rare.
It sounds like a very minor thing right now. Many people live for years with a herniated disc without any symptoms. Others just have some pain that can be treated with some mild exercise changes or medication. CES is very rare.
I wish it was as rare as you think ladylimpsalot ...
Take a read of the threads within this CES section jlucy0002, there is lots of info that you will find helpful.Take a look at this one for the red flag signals Cauda Equina Syndrome red flag signals
It sounds like a very minor thing right now. Many people live for years with a herniated disc without any symptoms. Others just have some pain that can be treated with some mild exercise changes or medication. CES is very rare.
I wish it was as rare as you think ladylimpsalot ...
Take a read of the threads within this CES section jlucy0002, there is lots of info that you will find helpful.Take a look at this one for the red flag signals Cauda Equina Syndrome red flag signals
Have there been updated numbers as to the occurrence of CES? I am still my doctor's only patient with it. 1 in 133,000 doesn't sound very common to me..
I wish it was as rare as you think ladylimpsalot ...
Take a read of the threads within this CES section jlucy0002, there is lots of info that you will find helpful.Take a look at this one for the red flag signals Cauda Equina Syndrome red flag signals
Have there been updated numbers as to the occurrence of CES? I am still my doctor's only patient with it. 1 in 133,000 doesn't sound very common to me..
I said i didnt think it was as rare as you say,.but if we are talking about common..then no it isnt common! Thats different
Hi, at our conference last year we had some interesting talks from a neurologist and an orthopaedic surgeon about when CES becomes CES. I think they would class you as 'CES-Risk'. If CES is caused by a prolapsed disc it is generally from a 'central prolapse' which is what you have been diagnosed with, even if it is mild. There are some suggestions, according to our speakers, that this should be the stage where the operation occurs...before it become CES-R (CES Retention) - this is when the bladder stops working. Please go to ER is anything happens to your bladder! The videos below may help explain things a bit better than I can!