Connection between Neuropathy and L4,L5 Issues

@melissa59 - I have constant numbness, all the time as if my feet are asleep. The only time I get the tingle is when I touch my back. About 6 months ago, I noticed I can now touch just about any area of my spine up to about 5 inches from the neck and I get the tingle feeling. The tingle increases in intensity in feet and toes as I move my hand closer to lower spine. Remove my hand from back, tingle stops. Two very well-respected neurosurgeons refuse to operate saying surgery would not help which is fine with me. My opinion is that with no pain, the risk of surgery is not warranted. Mayo in 2020 said my PN is not back related. Confusing!

Well, I am not a doctor but everything I have been told is that the nerves run up and down the spine. The real problem is identifying and locating the nerves and where they are being constricted. If you’re not having pain, I suggested adjusting to it. I have seen everyone possible and that’s the advice I’ve been given. I tried everything, shots, Gabepentin, needling and have not had any positive results

Did you have lower spine issues on your MRI showing likely impingement?

So they diagnosed you with PN based on Nerve Conduction/EMG and symptoms were always just foot numbness? Did they do small fiber punch biopsy as well at Mayo?

All it was able to identify was the degeneration of L4 L5. It’s my understanding that it’s really hard to identify nerves with an MRI in that area.

They did. The actual diagnosis came back as idiopathic. However, they did suggested it could be the l4l5 issue that’s causing it.

I use a 12" tens unit on the floor. It helps my neuropathy 100%. There are 6 ways to use the current, but keeping to the lower level no more than 5 (out of 10) is what works best. These small floor units are sold in the catalogs that pushes low priced household and pharmacutic items. Maybe on ebay as well.

I do the same thing and it helps. I have to set it to 7 or 8 because my nerves don’t conduct very well

@melissa59 - EMG tests at hospitals in PA, Maryland and MN. I got official dx in April 2016, idiopathic sensory motor PN. In 2018 PN was getting worse, got 2nd test at PA hospital, same answer and in 2018, also had genetic testing done. All good on genetic tests. In early 2020, went to Mayo in MN, they did EMG and test for autonomic neuropathy. I asked about a biopsy punch and neuro doc at Mayo said not necessary. Results of all 6 or 7 tests pointed in one direction. Idiopathic sensory motor small and large fiber neuropathy. In Nov of 2021, I was able to get an appt at Johns Hopkins, they confirmed all what Mayo said. So, I'm done with tests. Bottom line, I have what I have, and I honestly feel that even if the issue is caused by a lower back problem, no doctor will operate because I can walk into a doctor's office on my own with no pain. Doctors see numbness and bad balance as acceptable. I have friends and family in the medical community, outside neurology and they agree with my assessment. Now I concentrate on how to best live with PN, continue to travel and make necessary adjustments. I remain positive and above all, I keep moving. Best to you and others!!

That’s almost the exact train that I have been on.
The only plus is that they did absolutely every test they could and ruled out any devastating diagnosis. Other than IPN and my L4L5 issues, I have no serious problems. It really helped relive the mental stress I was going through and I am dealing with it in a much better and positive way.
Thanks to Dr Dyke and the great staff at Mayo