Back Pain

[AllanxAngie]

My partner has for the last 7 weeks been suffering with chronic back pain that came on suddenly. He has undergone a number of test including an MRI Scan . all of which have come back with negative results. He has undergone Botox injections into his back, this has not eased the pain at all. He has also had ESI (Epidural Steroid Injections) and again they have not eased the pain. The pain is constant and there at all times but he has sudden bursts of severe pain which causes his whole body to spasm.He has also lost two and a half stone in weight in the last year. He is 43 years of age and a very fit man in generally good health. Can anyone suggest the cause of this pain or possible tests that could give a diagnosis? We would be extremely grateful for any help, Thankyou

[NeurospineDoctor]

Without sciatica, the source of the pain may be bone pain, soft tissue pain from damged muscles/ligaments in the back, or pain from a non-spinal condition, such as kidney stones, infections, etc. A good phsyical exam by a physician who understands Low back pain is paramount.

[AllanxAngie]

Thankyou for answering my query. The back pain actually starts between the shoulder blades and radiates down my back and into my legs. I also have a tingling sensation in my thighs, and a numb feeling in my feet.Along with this pain i get spasms that i have no control over. I have had a physical examination by a neurologist and he doesnt believe the pain is coming from the cavity in my spinal cord. The MRI scans show nothing other than this cavity, which is between the 7th and 10th vertebrae. I dont know what to do anymore! They make me feel like they dont believe me but i am in constant chronic pain . I am under the pain management team now , and taking a lot of medication, but i am still in a lot of pain. please help !

[Swampfox]

I empathize with you. I've just gone through months of the same symptoms. Usually occurs when I've been resting for awhile and wakes me out of a dead sleep with cramps in the legs, swollen right foot, inability to bend the toes, my shoulders so tight they they feel like they are attached at my head.

Like you, no diffinitve anwers. Unlike you, I won't take shots. I've done them before without any meaningful outcome (i.e. it didn't work)

This time I had anodyne therapy done on my legs and feet 30 minutes 3 times a week for a month. I also had a bone scan done from head to toe. They found arthritis in my foot and some starting in my lower back.
The most of the pain is gone in my legs and the swelling in my feet - just the arthritis to deal with in the big toe and back.

I know with arthritis that I need to keep moving so I use a motor assisted stationary cycle called the eVO. <http://www.assistivetherapy.com> Swimming in warm water helps as well -salt water is better if you are near it. Stretching, massage, and a warm heating pad at night.

Those are things to start with... and watch what you eat and drink. Weight can contribute to it.

I've had to search around for the right doctors. I won't go back to doctors who do not listen.

[NeurospineDoctor]

Hello.

If the EMG is basically normal, than the "Cavity" or Syrinx in your thoracic cord may be the source.
Usually, surgery not an option, though a Neurosurgical opinion may be valid. Treatments may include spinal cord stimulators, and other symptomatic support Rx.