Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

Neck and lower back pain

February 24, 2012 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Hello,

First of all, here is my diagnosis:
Cervicobrachialgia on the right side
Lumboischialgia on both sides
Disc herniation at C6/7
Disc protrusion at L4/5
During the clinical neurological examination, the tone and trophism of both upper and lower extremities were symmetrical. There was hypoesthesia corresponding to the C7 and C8 dermatomes on the right side, as well as mild right biceps weakness. Hypoesthesia at L5 and S1 on the right side.
MRI findings of osteochondrosis with retrospondylosis and herniation at C6/7, as well as disc protrusion at L4/6.
A myelogram CT is recommended for further clarification.

Two years ago, I underwent a gastric bypass surgery in hopes of alleviating the pain. I lost 45 kilos, but the pain persists. Due to the gastric bypass, I am unable to take anti-inflammatory medications.
Currently, I am taking Targin 10mg three times a day and Baclofen 10mg once a day. These medications are not helping, and instead, I am experiencing severe dry mouth, a bitter taste in my mouth, and a strange noise in my ear.

The pain is so severe that it is almost driving me to madness. I am certainly not sensitive to pain, but these pains are unbearable. The pain starts in my back and radiates down through my hips, buttocks, and front legs. I can barely walk, and a few weeks ago, I thought it couldn't get any worse, but I was wrong. The pain has become very intense, making it difficult for me to perform any tasks, and in the evenings, I am in tears because it is unbearable.
I am under the care of a pain therapist who has administered epidural injections twice with no success. Currently, I am unable to reach out to him as he is on vacation. Physical therapy has also not been successful.

What can I do to help myself? What can I expect from the myelogram CT? Could it possibly be nerve-related?
Thank you
Kind regards

Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Good morning,

if the pain is where the sensitivity to touch is also disturbed, then it is to be assumed that the pain comes from constrictions in the area of the spine and would possibly improve through surgery.

If this is not the case, that is if the pain is in many other places as well, then it needs to be clarified which other cause could be possible.
What you can do yourself is a difficult question. Spontaneously, I thought of a pain patch as an option for pain treatment despite all intolerances, but of course this must be prescribed by a doctor.

In self-medication, you actually only have the option to complement pain treatment with over-the-counter sedatives.

And of course, you can contact the emergency service if your doctors are not available. Tel 112.

Does this help you or do you have any further questions?

Kind regards Dr. Schaaf