[jsewell]

Billy Bob as far as dermatomes go my doc knew immedietly that my foot drop would be effected by the L5 nerve, It covers the top of the foot and the flexing ability. Each nerve has its area that it is that it takes care of. I hope all of this explains it to you.
Seems like the test you have not had from reading this post is the discography. As they stick needles into each disc , you can tell if one is offending. I had horrible pain that was spreading in my thoracic spine a few years ago, all tests including MRi showed nothing wrong. But my pain was getting progressively worse including the intensity as well as the area it was involved in. well when that needle went into T7 i cried it hurt so bad, i was moaning and the doctor had to stop for a few minutes to try to calm me down. There was another lower one that hurt pretty bad too, so my surgery was planned out of the outcome of that one test.
I just wish this can get figured out for you. Get copies of all your test results . Then if you are able to go to another doc, you have everything they need.
Are you able to go to another doctor by the way? I know you mentioned you are not thrilled with the one you have.
Judy