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Quad muscle soreness due to spinal stenosis. How to fix it?
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Feb 15 5:50pm | Replies (38)Comment receiving replies
Don't take surgery off the table, nerve root or myelopathy of the central spinal cord CAN do damage that can't be undone. I had several doctors tell me "get the spine surgery while you still feel good" meaning don't wait until you are suffering a debilitating neurologic deficit. While my Thoracic Microdiscectomy removed a huge 10mm HNP from my spinal canal, I am about 6 mos out from that surgery, and it appears I may have some lingering damage, I am researching what to do next to confirm this, or to blame it on my severe stenosis on L4-L5 which I need to get fixed next.
Replies to "Don't take surgery off the table, nerve root or myelopathy of the central spinal cord CAN..."
Hi John,
Sorry for what you're going through. I've had sciatica twice and stenosis was the primary cause.
The first surgeon I saw would only do fusion (S1 through L4). I got a second opinion, and that surgeon said he could try a procedure called a laminotomy first. If that failed, then he would do fusion surgery. I liked that approach, even if it meant a second surgery.
The laminotomy involves drilling a hole in the back of an affected vertebra - usually L or S vertebrae. This give more room for the sciatic nerve, relieving the pain. Because it is a hole, the physical integrity of the vertebra remain intact (versus a laminectomy, for ex.).
Anyway, something for you to consider. I had laminotomies at S1 through L4, and 12 years later at age 71, still haven't needed fusion surgery. I am in the gym everyday and maintain a very strong set of core muscles. This is very good for my lower back, and according to my spine surgeon, allows me to avoid fusion surgery.
All the best to you John.
Joe
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@johntow
I have pretty bad spinal and lumbar stenosis but, fortunately, for years it was asymptomatic.
But a little over a year ago it started radiating pain down my legs. A caudal epidural steroid injection about 9 months ago stopped the radiating pain and a total knee replacement stopped the rest of the pain. For now.
I have a great neurosurgeon on call. We have a deal. When the steroid shots stop working, I call him.