Out of Proportion Pain

[Lisa]

Hello,

I am knew to this board. I have a quick question. I went to see a dr and he did the Patrick Maneuver on me. He stated that it produced out of proportion pain in the left lower back. Also he stated the gentle axial compression of teh head produceed a report of sharp and electrical pain in the lower back and radiating to the left lower extremity. I dont understand this... I do have osteoarthrtis moderate in my left hip and mild in my right, lumbar disc disease with radiculopathy, discs L-3, L-4 & L-5 DDD with mild liftward herniation, left S-1 radiculopathy, tear of the posterior margin of the annulus fibrosis at L-4 & L-5. Could you please explain to me this? They are saying I shouldnt have the pain I do. I am 36 yrs old and havent worked in 5 yrs cause of the pain. When I was much younger, I fell off my horse onto a metal railroad tie and landed on my lower back. Any advice would sure help me! Thanking you in advance!

Lisa

[Dr. Joshua]

The Patrick maneuver means flexion, rotation and abduction of the hip joint and it's used in diagnosing conditions affecting the hip joint. It is not useful in evaluating back / spine problems. Abnormal Patrick maneuver in your case is probably indicative of your hip osteoarthritis.

The head compression test also is not informative in diagnosing lumbar spine problems.

You did not mention what kind of pain you are suffering from, could you elaborate on that? What did your doctor conclude, and what is being planned next?

[Lisa]

Thanks for replying Dr. First of all the dr is saying that I am lying about my pain with the about question I have asked u above. He is saying that the pain I am feeling doesnt go with what those tests show. The pain I am suffering from is pain in my lower back that goes down my leg. I could be walking, standing, etc and my leg gets that severe pain and I fall. There were times I fell when I was just standing there doing nothing and then I fell down my deck steps and basement steps. I have a hard time sitting, standing, walking and even laying down for periods at a time. I am now having anxiety attacks, my first one was the middle of last year when they took me from my home in an ambulance, I also have alot of burning in my left leg and the feeling like there is bugs inside crawling around. I recently had a EMG of my right hand because I am waking up with my hand tingling and falling asleep. I have to shake it when I get up to make it feel normal again. The EMG came back normal and the dr told me it could be arthritis. I did have a rotator cuff surgury several years ago so maybe that is acting up. I am currently on Vicodin, Napoxen, Tagmet, Skelakin. The dr makes my feel like I am making this up and I am just so depressed. Had many MRI's and Xrays done too.
Thanks Again!
Lisa

[Dr. Joshua]

I'm sorry to hear that you haven't reached a good understanding with your doctor. Sometimes communication is difficult both ways. Remember that you are always entitled to a second opinion.