Seeking Guidance for Chronic Pain and Nerve Issues
Greetings, I'll be brief. I'm a 34-year-old female facing persistent back discomfort, primarily concentrated in the lower region. My medical history includes an x-ray of the upper back along with both an x-ray and MRI for the lower back. Recently, I received injections in my lower back, as well as previous treatments at the base of my neck stemming from a car accident I had back in 2011. I experience numbness and pain affecting the entire right side of my body, and occasionally, my left leg and foot also feel this discomfort. When I inquired with my Nurse Practitioner regarding why my Primary Care Provider didn’t proceed with the MRI despite recommendations after my upper back x-ray, she explained that upper back pain is generally more related to nerve complications. Similarly, the challenges in my lower back are also attributed to nerve issues. Yet, I find it puzzling that I continue to be referred to orthopedic specialists rather than a neurologist, as this seems to suggest a nerve-related condition. Her recommendation was to consult with the orthopedist and wait for the next steps. It’s worth mentioning that my upper back has troubled me for 14 years, while the lower back issues have persisted for about 4 to 5 years. The numbness and pain in my leg and foot started around the same time as my accident in 2011. Recently, I’ve come across information indicating that my back problems might be linked to PCOS, but since I don’t meet all the criteria explicitly, medical professionals are hesitant to make a definitive diagnosis. I'm reaching out for advice on the type of specialist I should consult and what specific tests I should request. I feel quite overwhelmed at this point. The most substantial relief I’ve found is from Lidocaine patches, which are ineffective and often don’t adhere. I hesitate to ask for more assistance due to a fear of being perceived as exaggerating my symptoms. The pain often makes standing and walking a challenge, and I worry when I suddenly lose feeling in my limbs while driving, or when I experience debilitating pain in my neck, back, arm, or legs. Doctors acknowledge that something seems amiss, yet they indicate that it is not urgent enough to warrant major concern at this time.
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 4:40:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and frustrated with the ongoing pain and numbness you're experiencing, especially after several years of dealing with these issues. Your symptoms, particularly as they relate to numbness and pain across your body, indeed suggest a potential nerve-related problem.
Summary of Key Points:
- Chronic Pain and Nerve Symptoms: Your history and current symptoms may require a more comprehensive neurological assessment.
- Need for Further Evaluation: Considering your extensive history and current symptoms, the involvement of a neurologist might be beneficial.
- Symptom Management: It's important to seek effective relief methods.
Explanation:
Chronic back pain and associated nerve discomfort can arise from various underlying conditions. The numbness on one side of your body, alongside issues with your legs, points to potential neurological involvement, which may not be fully addressed by orthopedic specialists alone.
Your mention of PCOS raises an interesting dimension; although it typically presents with hormonal and metabolic issues, some studies suggest it could be linked to musculoskeletal pain in certain cases. However, your symptoms do not directly align with PCOS alone.
Next Steps:
-
Consult a Neurologist: Ask for a referral to a neurologist who specializes in pain management or peripheral nerve issues. They can evaluate your symptoms in-depth and may suggest further testing such as nerve conduction studies or additional imaging, such as an MRI of your entire spine.
-
Request Specific Tests: During your visit to the neurologist, discuss the possibility of:
- Electromyography (EMG): To gauge nerve and muscle function.
- Nerve conduction studies: To assess the integrity of your nerves.
- Full spine MRI: To investigate for any compression or anomalies in the spinal cord and nerves.
-
Simplifying Pain Management: Considering your experience with Lidocaine patches, explore alternatives by discussing:
- Prescription topical treatments (e.g., analgesic creams).
- Physical therapy: Ask about targeted exercises that may help improve function and decrease pain.
- Medication: Consider medications (e.g., nerve pain medications like gabapentin) that could specifically address your discomfort.
-
Keep a Symptom Journal: Maintain a detailed record of your symptoms, triggers, and any changes to help your healthcare team better understand the pattern and severity of your pain.
-
Communicate Openly: Don't hesitate to express your concerns and the impact these symptoms have on your daily life to your doctors. This communication is crucial to ensuring you receive the support and treatment you need.
Taking action with these steps can help clarify your diagnosis and guide you towards more effective management strategies. Remember, it's essential to advocate for your health: your symptoms are valid and deserve attention.
Related Questions
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Healing Progress Post-GBS: Toe Concerns
I am a 28-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 131 pounds. My current medications include Fomadatine and Zyrtec, prescribed due to my ongoing battle with Chronic Gastritis and SIBO. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both smoking and alcohol. My health concern revolves around the toe adjacent to my pinky toe on my left foot, as well as my pinky toe on the right foot. Since August of last year, I have been on the mend from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Recently, I've noticed that at night, the skin on my feet tends to turn a reddish pink, although this usually improves after I walk around. However, two of my toes have remained red, with one appearing slightly swollen. Generally, my pinky toes are quite thick, but the condition of my left foot's toe is worrisome for me. It seems that I'm unable to upload an image to illustrate my issue.
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.