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Thigh weakness/foot drop after spine surgery

Posted by luamiller @luamiller, Mar 27, 2023

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has had thigh weakness after lumbar fusion surgery which is creating foot drop. I had my surgery 1 1/2 ago and my leg weakness and foot drop are still persisting. Just curious if anyone else has experienced this and if you have has it resolved?

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DadCue | @dadcue | Mar 2 5:17pm
In reply to @beedom "Thank you! All info appreciated! It might sound odd but the Chiropractor I plan to see..." + (show)
@beedom

Thank you! All info appreciated! It might sound odd but the Chiropractor I plan to see is somewhat of an intuitive in the way that he approaches the body. I know a number of people who have been to him so giving it a chance!

Jump to this post

A chiropractor's research nurse has been calling me about a study being done. They are affiliated with the hospital I go to. I assume it is about my spinal stenosis and maybe my foot drop. I have never seen a chiropractor for any of my spine related problems. I suppose I should be open minded enough to give it a try. Maybe at least get the details about what they propose to do.

I don't want a lumbar fusion so I need to be open to alternatives.

REPLY
2 replies
beedom | @beedom | Mar 2 6:35pm
In reply to @dadcue "A chiropractor's research nurse has been calling me about a study being done. They are affiliated..." + (show)
@dadcue

A chiropractor's research nurse has been calling me about a study being done. They are affiliated with the hospital I go to. I assume it is about my spinal stenosis and maybe my foot drop. I have never seen a chiropractor for any of my spine related problems. I suppose I should be open minded enough to give it a try. Maybe at least get the details about what they propose to do.

I don't want a lumbar fusion so I need to be open to alternatives.

Jump to this post

It might end up being helpful! Keep an open mind but ask lots of questions! If you go, can you post what you learn? Thank you and best of luck!

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beedom | @beedom | Mar 2 6:38pm

Sounds like me except I'm not positive that my involves the lumbar region. Still figuring that out!

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empresskristine | @empresskristine | Mar 3 9:42am

Yes.
I have left thigh weakness and left drop foot post (2) spinal fusions, 2016(360 fusion) and 2017, (XLIF)
2016 also had (2) artificial discs implanted.
Neither has improved since that time.
I have adhesive arachnoiditis from dura “cut,” when opening me, front, left abdomen and an abscess formed that remained for another year. I take medical cannabis capsule BID for the “stinging,” nerve damage because Gabapentin made me depressed.

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1 reply
miriaml | @miriaml | Mar 3 9:49am

Yes, I have nerve damage in my right leg and I have a foot drop.
The two surgeons who initially put my hardware in, put it in incorrectly.
A cage was placed on the nerve and caused the damage.
I wear an AFO and use a cain to keep from falling.
Usually after a year if the condition of the foot drop doesn’t change it becomes permanent.
Your surgeon should have told you this.
Consult with your surgeon before seeing a chiropractor.
Physical therapy is a must after surgery.
I would get a second surgeon’s opinion.

REPLY
1 reply
elizadolittle | @elizadolittle | Mar 3 10:13am
In reply to @dadcue "A chiropractor's research nurse has been calling me about a study being done. They are affiliated..." + (show)
@dadcue

A chiropractor's research nurse has been calling me about a study being done. They are affiliated with the hospital I go to. I assume it is about my spinal stenosis and maybe my foot drop. I have never seen a chiropractor for any of my spine related problems. I suppose I should be open minded enough to give it a try. Maybe at least get the details about what they propose to do.

I don't want a lumbar fusion so I need to be open to alternatives.

Jump to this post

I would give it a try. Even if it doesn't help you, the study could help someone else. "Nothing ventured. Nothing gained."

REPLY
1 reply
luamiller | @luamiller | Mar 3 10:56am
In reply to @miriaml "Yes, I have nerve damage in my right leg and I have a foot drop. The..." + (show)
@miriaml

Yes, I have nerve damage in my right leg and I have a foot drop.
The two surgeons who initially put my hardware in, put it in incorrectly.
A cage was placed on the nerve and caused the damage.
I wear an AFO and use a cain to keep from falling.
Usually after a year if the condition of the foot drop doesn’t change it becomes permanent.
Your surgeon should have told you this.
Consult with your surgeon before seeing a chiropractor.
Physical therapy is a must after surgery.
I would get a second surgeon’s opinion.

Jump to this post

I agree with you. I would not see a chiropractor without talking with my surgeon first. I am finding that if I walk with boots (dress) I tend to pick my foot up better. My surgeons PA suggested I try it. Otherwise, I use my AFO.

REPLY
beedom | @beedom | Mar 3 4:43pm
In reply to @elizadolittle "I would give it a try. Even if it doesn't help you, the study could help..." + (show)
@elizadolittle

I would give it a try. Even if it doesn't help you, the study could help someone else. "Nothing ventured. Nothing gained."

Jump to this post

Agree! Good to search all avenues because you never know what you can learn!

REPLY
beedom | @beedom | Mar 3 4:45pm
In reply to @empresskristine "Yes. I have left thigh weakness and left drop foot post (2) spinal fusions, 2016(360 fusion)..." + (show)
@empresskristine

Yes.
I have left thigh weakness and left drop foot post (2) spinal fusions, 2016(360 fusion) and 2017, (XLIF)
2016 also had (2) artificial discs implanted.
Neither has improved since that time.
I have adhesive arachnoiditis from dura “cut,” when opening me, front, left abdomen and an abscess formed that remained for another year. I take medical cannabis capsule BID for the “stinging,” nerve damage because Gabapentin made me depressed.

Jump to this post

I'm sorry! You've been through alot! I'm glad you found something that helps!

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