Neuropathy from lumbar stenosis?

Yes, I have failed lumbar back surgery. Developed neuropathy almost immediately after surgery. I had zero leg pain and mid-hip pain before surgery. I did have bursitis in both hip joints prior to surgery. Orthopedic surgeon said the bursitis pain was caused from my back problems, and would go away after surgery. That didn’t happen, I’m in far greater pain post surgery than I was before. It’s been 12 years ago, still have original back pain except it’s much worse, neuropathy in both legs, and bursitis in both hip joints. I do not recommend back surgery. Try everything else first.

I spent a week at Mayo Rochester in June 2021, for idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. Did a ton of test and bloodwork. No cause for my neuropathy was found. I also have moderate to severe stenosis at L3-4 and L4-5. Talked with a neurosurgeon at Mayo and she said there was NO connection between the stenosis and my neuropathy. She wanted to do a multi-level laminectomy. I do have some back pain but nothing compared to the neuropathy, so I decided against the back surgery. I think all the time if I had the surgery is there an outside chance the neuropathy would get better. Who knows. There is no end to the suffering in sight. No drugs work, except marijuana gummies does help some.

Investigate going to a pain clinic and discuss with them spinal cord stimulation.

Jennifer,
You said you had cord compression at C5/C6 and had cervical fusion. Did you have neck pain also because of the cervical problem?

@martyk Thanks for asking. Yes, I did have neck pain, and pain all over my body. I think there was pain generated from the bad disc too, and it was slipping a bit causing cord compression. I would get muscle spasms in my neck and bad cervicogenic headaches on the back of my head, and even some vertigo intermittently. My physical therapist was treating me with a Dolphin neurostimulator on the nerve roots to block pain signals.

Are you having similar symptoms?

magnum52 - I did attempt spinal cord stimulation 4 years ago for a 25 minute treatment and literally got home and that night, had trouble standing. Back pain a 6 -7 and doc could not figure out why. Following week, went back for 15 minute treatment, same thing, not good. Idea was to stimulate lower back area which might help with reduction in numbness lower legs and feet. This doc refuses to try again, I told him that he didn't have to worry about that. But makes me wonder in percentages how many folks with back issues have PN.

Why do so many of us have spine problems and neuropathy? Can any one answer this?

Yes and YES! I was in the absolute worst pain of my life until my back surgery. The surgeon removed a large triangle-shaped piece of cartilage which he said had calcified and was "hard as bone". He said it would never have gotten better without surgery.

The recovery was not a cakewalk, but I'm thankful I had a great surgeon who "fixed" me.

The million dollar question! But, I did try. In Aug 2019, I went so far to have targeted injections in the L-4 -L-5 area, the following day, pain level below one. It was an epidural lumbar spinal injection and my walking for 3 days improved 50%. Had second treatment a month later, got 5 days. Because the relief didn't last longer, the pain management anesthesiologist would not do 3rd injection. My neuropathy did not go away but decreased. Boy, those five days were terrific. My problem is that when a doc sees me walk in with supports and a cane... yet I do walk in on my own, I think they are afraid to do a procedure making me worse off than when I walked in. So, the spine problems continue along with the PN. Any connection or simply a coincidence??

Probably because the nervous system runs through the spinal cord and nerves do not like it when they get compressed or damaged by spinal issues. At least that's what this side of the peanut gallery thinks. 🙃

I'm with you on that 100%. The "sensations" (for lack of a better word) in my feet if anyone touches any area of my back is something my docs can't figure out. Best described as chills, vibrations, intense feeling bottom of foot. Remove hand from back, instantly stops. I told one doc it's like my peripheral nervous system in the back is fired up...electrified. Response..hmm.
Thanks for your insight.