Lumbar stenosis leg weakness

@wareagle Welcome to Connect. I am a spine surgery patient. My issues were in cervical and that also caused leg weakness and walking with a limp. That is called funicular pain when pain is referred to another area of the body. Do you have any cervical stenosis in addition to the lumbar issues?

My case confused several surgeons who would not help me. I found medical literature with cases like mine, and took that to Mayo where I had surgery that resolved it all. I did not have nerve root issues or lumbar issues; only spinal cord compression in my neck.

Jennifer

I had severe lumbar stenosis, no issue lying, sitting, even standing, but when i walked i had aches in buttocks and down both legs. At times my legs felt like they would give out during or right after walking. This went on for a year.
MRI showed impingement on nerve roots.
After much thought, i had surgery L2 to S1 and to pelvis, fusion et al.
Its been 5 months since surgery, went very well so far, cleared for all activities at the 8 week mark. Hopefully will continue to improve, but could live like this.

Like you, had no pain at all, but numbness in both legs if walking over 4 blocks. I was insecure walking. It was diagnosed as spinal stenosis in L3 to 5. In November I had a laminectomy and discectomy. Most all of the numbness is gone.

Unfortunately I now have a herniated disc pushing on the nerve root causing sciatica in my right leg and now I have pain. I have an appointment at Mayo mid June. I feel a second surgery will be required to remove the hernia/extrusion.

Because numbness caused by stenosis can be progressive and possibly cause cauda equine leading to loss of bowel and bladder control, I felt it needed the laminectomy surgery. I hope for more information after the Mayo visit.

I consulted with two surgeons before surgery and now aim headed to Rochester Mayo.

Good luck to you! Is there a possibility of a second or even third opinion? Ivie

Weakness is a serious problem. You should seek out a neurosurgery consult at Mayo.

Welcome toMayo Clinic Connect. I think you will be pleased with the folks willing to offer their experiences; what did/did not help.

Thank you so much. Please give me updates and the name of your doctor. That has been the most difficult thing to find a doctor who has seen someone without pain. Again, thank you!

Not sure how to go about that. Don’t you have to have a doctor’s name?

Have your PCP contact the Back Clinic (904) 956-0029 or try yourself. Mayo Jacksonville.

How did you know what doctor to make appointment with? That is my biggest problem is finding a surgeon who has seen my problem with no pain, just weakness. I leave near Atlanta, but would be willing to go to Mayo.

@wareagle - I’m a huge Mayo fan but the spinal clinic at Emory is also highly rated. Worth a look.