Herniated Disk pinching Genital Nerves

[fak_et]

I posted about this already as I wasn't sure what was causing it but Ive pretty much established that I herniated a disk (l5s1) and it is pinching my genital nerves.

Basically, half of my penis and scrotum is almost numb/weird feelings/no pleasure. It seems to be getting worse and I am really getting worried.

Ive been to GP, Orthopedic Surgeon (didnt want to operate because Im only 21), neurologist (completely ignored my problem), urologist (said i am normal urologically and its a neural problem), osteopath (reviewed my MRI and thinks I really should get a second opinion on surgery and there wasn't much they could do).

I am very worried I am going to be stuck like this for life, it is horrible. I have an appointment with some spinal decompressionist therapies to see if they will help and an appointment with a neurosurgeon next week.

I am leaning towards just jumping to surgery, its been 3 months and symptoms have only gotten worse with conservative treatment (rest, injections, NSAIDs, etc.) I am having worse back pain and leg pain by the day.

Anyone been in the same boat and how did it result?

I am thinking that time is of the essence and that I really need to do something about this.

 

[hard8foru]

had same disc problem but not the genatlie problem, tried everything but surgery for 10 months then went for the microdiscectemy. no pains since. i had very bad leg pains all the way down to my foot before gone right away.

 

[Smartalk]

I can see where they're coming from not wanting to do surgery in someone so young. Spinal surgery like any other surgery is not without risks. What the surgeon and yourself for that matter, have to consider if at this stage the benefits outweigh the risks. At the end of the day only you can decide that having been advised by your surgeon.

In this case I would recommend a neuro-surgeon doing the operation, that is if your decided to go ahead. The comparison between an orthopaedic and a neuro-surgeon is the difference between a car mechanic and a watch repairer. I would not let a car mechanic repair my Rolex. Remember it is your body ask all the questions you want, if you don’t get any satisfactory answers or don’t feel confident with the surgeon in question. Then find someone else.

There is also a technique available, which is best suited to a person of your age where an enzyme from the papaya fruit is injected directly into the disc under x-ray control, know as chemonucleolysis The enzyme causes the disc to shrink and remove the pressure form the nerve causing the numbness. In your case the genital area.

 

[B_625girth]

have you considered seeing a chiropractor???? I don't know your specifics but sometimes a chiropractor can do some good. I first went to one in 1996 when I could not breath without pain, and my back was "S" shaped. my chiro knows his field and doesn't promise he can fix stuff that he can't. he knows of his limitations, and has told me that if my disc(s) problems get worse. surgery will be in order. something out of his hands. but he did set me up with some exercises to strengthen my back and abdominal muscles, and I actually only see him about once a year.

 

[BiItalianBro]

Man, I am very empathetic to your plight...having similar issues that have gone on and on and on and on and on.... and all the docs have been playing the 'its not my issue' game.
Even at my age (i am 15 years older than you) they shy away from surgery; the reasoning being that, given my activity level... if they have to go back in to correct it again, the success rate drops significantly.

 

[drdna]

Well, it is unusual to have this symptom of numbness in the genitals from pinched nerves, since L5 and S1 do not really contribute to this area (it is usually S3, S4, S5). Occasionally, people will have pain referred from the disk itself, but this is usually burning groin pain, not numbness.

I would avoid operations on the spine because I do not think it will help you at ALL for this condition.

In all cases I have seen, numbness in the genitals arises from other causes. Most commonly there is peripheral nerve entrapment of the genitofemoral nerve or referred pain due to myofascial spasm of the gamellus or piriformis muscle (which lies over the sciatic nerve).

Occasionally, numbness arises from a central neuropathic cause, like an arteriovenous malformation of the lower thoracic spinal cord or neurolytic lesions (such as those of Multiple Sclerosis).

It is important for you not to get fixated on spinal discs, right now. Self-diagnosis is a trap. What you should do is to see a specialist about this problem. You should see a physical therapist, another neurologist who knows what he is doing, and a pain management specialist with experience in pelvic/urogenital pain. Make sure all the specialists you see have experience in treating urogenital neuropathy.

The good news is that in most cases some simple exercises and treatments will improve your problems, and you will not need surgery.

By the way, chemonucleolysis isn't really done on patients any more, not for the last 30 years or so. There are a lot of much better modern techniques for humans. Chemonucleolysis is still used in veterinary medicine, though.

I would also avoid the traction machines. Unless you have a Grade 1-2 contained disc herniation with clear MRI nerve compression, you can do more harm than good.

 

[Smartalk]

Hi Drdna,

You’re either in the medical profession or just want to prove to others that you have a good sound knowledge and understanding of anatomy. There is nothing wrong with that, however the poor guy just wants a safe and effective solution to his problem and where to find it. What he does'nt want is to be sacred half to death with all the medical names and terminology, derived either from Latin or Greek, which mean nothing to him. I have always found this to be the case in self-opinionated, arrogant, pre-Madonna medics. For goodness sake listen to the guy, empathise with him, use your knowledge and expertise to point him in the right direction, instead of scaring the shit out of him.

No wonder people shy away from doctors and hospitals

 

[hockeyguy741]

Have you ever thought of going to a chiropractor or a acupuncture clinic, hope you feel better soon

 

[B_Think_Kink]

Someone in my family has compressed disks in their back. A careful exercise routine was given to them and they felt so much better. I'm not sure if you can do some simple stretching and exercise, but perhaps asking your doctor or specialist can assist you in finding safe exercises for you. Good luck.

 

[midlifebear]

I began to have numbness down my left leg. Didn't think much of it until it began to interfere with my ability to walk more than three or four blocks, and then I'd have to sit down. I had a PET scan and an MRI for prostate cancer, as well as some other amusing magnetic resonancing procedures, including just plain old X-rays to get a good look at my lower back and if there was a chance that prostate cancer had begun to invade bone tissue or other parts of my body. The lab diagnosticians were over achievers in that they included a detailed explanation of everything they found abnormal with my skeletal structure as well as potential problems. Fortunately, no cancer had made it to my bones, but one thing that caught my eye reading the results was the observation by the diagnosticians that I was well on my way to develop major sciatica.

Although my urologist wasn't interested in treating my sciatica, he recommended a physical therapy clinic where, among other things, as a last resort they also use steroid injections to ameliorate pain. They sort of eschew chiropractors, but have their own somewhat painful massage and skeletal manipulation techniques that feel like they are wrenching flesh from bone. Once this particular pain and physical therapy clinic can no longer help then and only then do neurologists and bone doctors consider surgery, regardless of age.

I attended six weeks of physical therapy that focused on teaching me how to sit, stand, and continue my therapy on my own. These folks were amazing. After two weeks of strictly following their instructions (which were sometimes impatiently yelled at me because I wasn't following certain exercises correctly) the sciatica and leg pain were gone. A few months ago I got lazy and quit doing the simple daily exercises and the pain started to come back. I immediately returned to the 20 minutes every morning and 20 minutes at night routines they had designed specifically for me. I can do them on an exercise mat while watching TV. The pain quickly went away once I continued with the exercises.

These physical therapists are unlike any I've ever known before. They all have advanced medical degrees and can read an MRI a Hell of a lot better than a GP or Internist. In fact, one of them quickly diagnosed what I thought was a rotator cuff problem with my shoulder when I swam in their olympic-size swimming pool. I was just over reaching with one arm with each stroke. They even trained me to eliminate that problem. And before the original six weeks were over I could swim with no shoulder pain. Again, the cure invovled a bit of yelling on their part. I wasn't the swiftist student.

But I'm not in the USA where many times back problems are automatically regarded as slice and dice issues. However, don't despair. There are similar physical therapy clinics in the USA that are just as big and the staff is as equally qualified and -- most importantly -- intelligent. Seek them out. I wish I could tell you where to look, but I suspect you'll find a specialist who knows about such places and can direct you to one.

Good luck.

 

[fak_et]

The spinal decompression guy is a chiropractor with access to spinal decompression stuff if necessary, i have an appointment in a couple days to see what he says. I also have an appointment with a neurosurgeon.

The osteopath which was big in manipulation saw my MRI and she said she is one of the most conservative doctors I will ever meet and she really thinks i ultimately need surgery. She said looking at the sheer amount that has came out the back, that its not gonna ever go back to normal and will continue to cause irritation. My disk is BLOWN out the back. I agree that self diagnosis is bad but doctors haven't been much help and after all, I almost have a pre-med degree so I do know a thing or two.

Im worried that I might wait too long and cause my nerves to die all together, was having sex the other day and half my penis felt nothing it is a very disturbing situation.

 

[bb341]

GET AN INVERSION TABLE. QUICKLY. They're about $100 at a sporting goods store like Academy or Dick's. Best money I've ever spent, bar none.

I've had a microdiscectomy on L5S1 in the past, 10mm protrusion. Also a bulging L4L5. Had HORRID problems 3 years later due to overdoing it during a move. My dad mentioned his chiro putting him on one and how much it helped him. I figured, what have I got to loose.

Got the inversion table, and strangely enough all the problems I had with paraspinal muscle spasms from l4 up disappeared within a week of starting (attributed to the L4L5 problem). Zero problems in that range for the last 2 years. As far as the leg pain, genital numbness, foot numbness, it's all but gone. Figure 15 minutes a day daily for a couple of weeks, then you can taper off from there. I probably could have avoided the surgery had I known about the inversion table back then.

Docs don't like to talk about them because it takes money from their pockets and is a cheap alternative. Medical docs have a similar disdain for chiros in general. If it can't be treated with drugs, expensive therapies, or surgery, then they keep it silent. You are young enough that your disks may recover much faster than mine (I'm mid-30s). Do surgery as a last resort, but give this a shot first.

 

[drdna]

Yes, well sorry if I offended anyone. That was not my intent. Since my background is in neurosurgery and pain management, I have seen a lot of this sort of thing over the years. Sometimes I use medical jargon, and I forget other people have no idea what I am talking about.

Anyway, I would definitely see the neurosurgeon and see what he has to say. Worsening leg and back pain is always concerning. Surgery is certainly something to consider, and it is very safe. I had back surgery myself a few years ago and I went home the next day. These days a lot of people go home the same day. It is not a big deal. If you are having worsening weakness in the leg, don't hesitate.

The spinal decompression/chiropractor thing is NOT something I would recommend, as it can make things worse for someone in your situation.

You are not in danger of permanent nerve damage unless you are having incontinence or weakness in the legs. When I had my back injury, one leg was paralyzed. After I had surgery, it got better. Now you would never be able to tell.

There are a lot of options out there to treat this, and some of the best are simple exercises that can help out. The key is to find some competent medical help.

 

[OCMuscleJock]

Yes, well sorry if I offended anyone. That was not my intent. Since my background is in neurosurgery and pain management, I have seen a lot of this sort of thing over the years. Sometimes I use medical jargon, and I forget other people have no idea what I am talking about.

Anyway, I would definitely see the neurosurgeon and see what he has to say. Worsening leg and back pain is always concerning. Surgery is certainly something to consider, and it is very safe. I had back surgery myself a few years ago and I went home the next day. These days a lot of people go home the same day. It is not a big deal. If you are having worsening weakness in the leg, don't hesitate.

The spinal decompression/chiropractor thing is NOT something I would recommend, as it can make things worse for someone in your situation.

You are not in danger of permanent nerve damage unless you are having incontinence or weakness in the legs. When I had my back injury, one leg was paralyzed. After I had surgery, it got better. Now you would never be able to tell.

There are a lot of options out there to treat this, and some of the best are simple exercises that can help out. The key is to find some competent medical help.

Totally agree here... I work in neuromuscular therapy and clinical rehab and think that you definitely need to see a neurologist first...HOWEVER, a competant Chrio that is also a D.O. are a good sounding board and they do can can do specific things to help...without ballistic adjustments. Also, Massage, stretching, exercises are a good thing. You have to keep the area strong and with good blood flow. Core strength is a good thing.

 

[uncutblond34]

I herniated this same disc, and my ortho told me right away that I needed surgery before it did irrepairable damage. I held off from July until November,doing physical therapy, etc. and I'd just had enough. I didn't have too many problems with ED, however, I felt like my bladder was full and I wasn't going to make it to the bathroom. Half the time when I got to the bathroom, nothing happened. So in November, I agreed to the surgery, I was in the hospital overnight, and 5 years later, I haven't had a problem yet ! If you want to try something fun when they get you fixed up, and you enjoy edging, try edging while you're looped up on painkillers... hehehehehe makes for a long, fruestratingly slowwwwwwwww killer orgasm. Anyway, I don't know what area you're from, but I would and have recommended my ortho to alot of people. He's in Florida, but as far as I'm concerned, he's the best ! Write me if you'd like his name. Keep us posted on what happens, and best of luck to you, I've been there......

 

[ripvanwinkle]

an acupuncturist healed my back and kept me from certain surgery.
i, too have some feeling loss, but it still works! amazingly, i have read where total never loss from that region still does not prevent orgasms!

 

[fern70769]

Anyone been in the same boat and how did it result?

.

My L5 is herniated too. Im in no pain (zero) 98 percent of the time due to my Inversion Table. I use it for about 3 or 4 minutes every morning and again when I come home from a long day at the office ( I sit on my ass all day ). Basically, it's a contraption where you strap your ankles down, lay back and go upside down (heels over head). It allows your spine to decompress takes the pressure off your nerve roots (which is what is being pinched & hence the pain).

Google "inversion table" or go to Academy Sports or Dick's or Amazon.com or HSN.com or even WalMart.com

They run as low as $125 and are well worth the investment.

Good luck with your back pain

Fern70769

 

[Pecker]

My older son (38) is having back surgery next Wednesday for two herniated discs. Other than the excruciating pain his major complaint is his loss of erectile function and incontinence. I've had four lamenectomies myself.

The decision is yours to make, fak_et. You must ultimately choose for yourself among the various options you have been given.

 

[basque9]

eI have been where you are now fak_et. My first surgery almost 30 years ago involved only the lumbar area discs and there was no penis involvement! However, my most recent laminectomies involved all of the lumbar discs and two in the sacro spine! I was not having any apparent erection problem , but after the second surgery I had to employ jelquing to get back my erectile function! In my case traction did no good and surgery was indicated! What you are dealing with, in my opinion, is entirely too delicate to involve chiropractory..you need the expertise of a competent neurosurgeon !

 

[D_Pubert Stabbingpain]

My L5 is herniated too. Im in no pain (zero) 98 percent of the time due to my Inversion Table. I use it for about 3 or 4 minutes every morning and again when I come home from a long day at the office ( I sit on my ass all day ). Basically, it's a contraption where you strap your ankles down, lay back and go upside down (heels over head). It allows your spine to decompress takes the pressure off your nerve roots (which is what is being pinched & hence the pain).

Google "inversion table" or go to Academy Sports or Dick's or Amazon.com or HSN.com or even WalMart.com

They run as low as $125 and are well worth the investment.

Good luck with your back pain

Fern70769

There are hundreds of these things!
Are there specific features that are "must haves?"