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What Causes Severe Leg Pain?

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Posted on Wed, 30 Jul 2014
Question: Hello, I am a 64 year old female that recently has had a sciatic nerve problem in right leg. The pain is almost unbearable about an 8 on a daily basis. I only have Medical and have been waiting over 6 weeks to get an MRI done....This is now effecting both arms with severe "charlie horses" and bothe hands are numb. My right hand is very painful/ especially in the mornings. When I wake up I am in severe pain and it feels like my body is compressed and tilted. The clinic gave me Baclofen and Vicoden for the pain which helps somewhat. My question is: Will an MRI show nerve degeneration? If not, then is there a different kind of test that will show the damage? I would appreciate any help as the pain is really getting to me, I am getting very depressed with all of this and I am usually a Happy Camper! Is there anyway to speed up the approval process for Medical authrorizations? Thanking you in advance...
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Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes MRI spine will show nerve compression

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case.
Yes MRI spine will show nerve compression is severe or not along with any degenerative changes.
Also you can do EMG-NCV [nerve conduction study] to know location of nerve compression.

For these symptoms you can continue your analgesic and add neurotropic medication like pregabalin consulting your doctor.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and interferential therapy will give quick relief.
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.

If you can show that there is severe nerve compression leading to nerve parasthesia and weakness then your approval process for Medical authorization can speed up.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 5164 Questions

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What Causes Severe Leg Pain?

Brief Answer: Yes MRI spine will show nerve compression Detailed Answer: Hello, I have studied your case. Yes MRI spine will show nerve compression is severe or not along with any degenerative changes. Also you can do EMG-NCV [nerve conduction study] to know location of nerve compression. For these symptoms you can continue your analgesic and add neurotropic medication like pregabalin consulting your doctor. Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help. Physiotherapy like ultrasound and interferential therapy will give quick relief. I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level. If you can show that there is severe nerve compression leading to nerve parasthesia and weakness then your approval process for Medical authorization can speed up. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.