Electric Shock in my lower back

Man I hate to hear of you experiencing this.  I had this very type of pain down my right leg and lower right back right before I had my back surgery.  I had to walk very gingerly from the pain anyway, but every so often that "electric shock" experience would overtake me and I felt like going through the roof.  I did not have swelling the next day, as you describe, but I know it had indicated that my back situation had to be addressed with surgery.  I just couldn't take the pain any more.

Well, I really haven't shed any light on your situation, but know that you are in my prayers tonight.  I feel for you, my friend.

God bless you.

Lindaloo

I get back electric shock feelings as well, but have been told they are muscle spasms. I've had pretty severe ones ever since having radio frequency done in November- was put on a muscle relaxer for right after the procedure, but my Dr has kept me on it since I continue to have them. I get them really bad when I am showering and washing my lower back- it feels like fireworks are going off in my back. I do not get swelling from them though and my situation doesn't seem near as severe as yours does and I wish I could tell you something that would help. I do hope that you get some answers and relief soon!

I had an MRI a month ago. Surgeon said everything looks good. He didn't want to hear about my issue. He just said it all looked good.

The electric shock or maybe I'd say a knife stick in the middle of my lower back will take place for just a second. Then no more pain, but the next day becuase of the shock, there is swelling going on deep inside next to the spine and surgery location and that causes me to not be able to hardly walk. I'm so stiff and my legs are like noodles and very weak.  I have lots of trouble with weak legs. I told my surgeon that, but still, he said, everything looks good. I have been so frustrated. It takes weeks or months for me to be able to walk and feel like normal again.  All because of the swelling. I told the doctor I respond really well to steroid treatment because that helps the swelling.  But I can't get the shots because of my rods, so the put me on a pac. This time the doctor said he try me on a long term steroid like 6- 8 months to try to settle down the swelling. But when I asked him what the electric shock was and what was it hitting to cause my legs to go like noodles, he could not give me an answer.....that's what I meant by all that. : )

That does sound to be nerve related. I don't have the stabbing pain that you have but I have alot of arthritis in my vertebre & facet joints. My pain issues seem to be swelling & muscle spasms but mine are constant and never go away. If a nerve is being irritated at the time you are feeling the shock it could very well cause the symptoms you are experiencing. My symptoms go all across my lower back and especially in my right side.

If you aren't seeing a pain management doctor I would consider checking into one. Not sure why the doctor said you couldn't have injections with the metal. I have metal and am able to get injections. Normally they will work to find the nerve that is causing the problems with diagnostic injections first. I would try to avoid taking steroids long term. Even 6-8 months on them could cause some side effects you wouldn't want. Do some research before starting them.

Hope you can find some relief!

PS. FireflyHillary, I have back spasms everyday unless I take 1/2 flexiril every morning. So there is a big difference between my spasms and the electrick shock I experience. In my heart of hearts I think I'm either hitting a nerve or my spinal cord (if that's possible) because of the severe damage it causes for just a split second hit.
: (

SE-Sis, I have to agree with the others on getting a second opinion. I have L4-L5 issues and get a burning type pain that radiates out from the spine continuously. Has went on since before and after surgery. It makes sense that a nerve pinch could possibly be causing your problem. I definitely get someone else's thoughts if it were me. Hope you get to feeling better soon and Good Luck.

Hello.  I am new to this forum.  about four years ago, at 46, I had my first incident with what felt like a severe electric shock in my lower back.  For about five weeks after my mobility was limited due to my back being "locked up."  I began having these incidents every few weeks, sparked by bending over, twisting, or lifting.  Previously, I had maintained a good exercise regimen, especially lots of stretching, which I felt necessary as I was getting older.  Two years ago I discovered that my mother was diagnosed with low calcium levels.  As I was about to sign up with a new doctor and get a complete physical, I had this checked, as well.  It turned out I had an almost zero calcium level, even though I had lots of dairy in my diet.  The doctor told me what I was experiencing was back spasms.  He sent me to a neurologist.  She ran tests, took x-rays, but gave me no diagnosis.  She only said I "likely" had some arthritis and "possibly" disc degeneration.  Very vague.  Since, I continue to do everything to avoid having to bend (not easy as I am a teacher and have to work with students at their desks) or lift.  Exercise is limited and since foot surgery I have not been able to walk, causing me to put on about 15 pounds over the last year.  This is not helping the back.  It is frustrating living each day just trying to prevent that electric shock.  If anyone manages to come up with a good diagnosis from their doctor, please post so I can take something to my next doctor. 

Thanks.

Hello, I'm new at this, but I have also been experiencing an electric shock feeling. I'm currently waiting for approval for a fusion at the L3-4 level. I get that electric shock feeling at least 2-3 times per day, every single muscle from my lower back down suddenly jumps for a second because of it. I kind of feel like a frog in a high-school biology class in that aspect. It happened a few weeks ago right infront of my surgeon as he was helping me off the exam table. He said it was most likely a part of my spinal cord being suddenly pinched for half a second that isnt being pinched around the clock, just when I move wrong. I worked with electricity alot before my injury, so I'm pretty familiar whith that muscle jump if you hit a live circuit, and thats identical to the feeling that I'm getting, plus the excruciating feeling like you've just been zapped. I dont know if thats what you're having, but my doctor told me it is from sudden spinal cord bumps or pinches, not the nerve roots. I hope that helps and you feel better.

No worries....

But it does make me wonder how SESis is doing...Michael..can you update us real quickly on how she is doing before we retire this thread?