That's what the surgeon told me too about the nerves, that it could take months or even years to get better. But after 4 years it hasn't improved. Have you had a cervical MRI? I had laminectomy in my lumbar and it didnt help lower back. My thigh on my left leg stays 50% numb all the time even when sitting down. And I went from gabapentin to pregabilin and it minutely helps. But I recently had an MRI of my neck and found I have cervical myelopethy which is closing down the root canal and am being told if I fall just right or get in a car wreck I could be paralyzed for life. But my question to them. Could that also be affecting my lower back but no one can give me a definte answer. I met with my chiropractor the other day and he gave me the analogy of "water runs down hill" so the pinched nerves and spinal cord being pinched ' could ' be affecting my lower back. My main problem is my lower back muscles start going numb when I'm standing or walking, And then my legs start going numb. I can't be on my feet for over five minutes without having to sit down or lean over something to relieve the tension, So I'm highly considering having the neck operation, I'm not excited about it but I have to try something I might as well be paralyzed I feel like I am anyway. Not being socially active and unable to do the things I want and need to do. I even had my cleaning lady fold and hang up my clothes. I roll around the kitchen on a stool to be able to cook and do the dishes. I have a chair in my shower. It's pathetic. I'm extremely overweight because of my inability to be mobile. If any one else has these similar problems please let me know and what have you had done and has it helped.