Connection between Neuropathy and L4,L5 Issues

I've been somewhat suspicious about lower spine issues causing my PN and several MRI's between 2015 and 2019 did reveal issues but, not to the point of causing the numbness in lower legs and feet, told by two top level neurosurgeons. I have zero pain. Yet, in 2019, University of PA suggested steroid shots. Went to pain management doctor at local hospital and had steroid injections (3 a month apart) resulting in less numbness, increase in feeling and improved walking gait and better balance which lasted about 5 days after each shot. This "test" was being done to determine if L-3 to S-1 had nerve issues causing the PN. Surgery? Nope. If I just touch lower back area, immediately I get increased feeling.... tingle in feet and toes and that exists today. My neuro doc just scratches her head as did the doctor at Johns Hopkins. In last 3 years, I feel my peripheral nervous system is now hyper-sensitive and it all started in L-4 to S-1 area. I am glad that surgery is out, but doctors can't figure out why I have the degree of sensitivity. Add it to the list of symptoms with no answers.

Swimming is great too. Don’t have back surgery. That and foot surgery are the worst for nerve damage as I have found out after foot surgery. My neurologist has said to me to never have back surgery. Exercise. Excercise.

Totally agree!!!
I am 70 and work out 4 times a week. Core strengthening, cardio- no inclined steps though as it jars the back- walking and stationary bike. Lifting but only motions I replicate in an average day- no bench press, no military press—
Then I hang from a pull up bar for 60 seconds- no pull ups just a relaxed hang with deep breathing. It totally decompresses my back and relaxes the muscles I worked on

@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!!

I’ve had neuropathy for years, have had L4-5 fused - caused from herniated discs, stenosis, etc. which I had before the neuropathy started, which was probably due to statin use.
I’ve had Covid twice in the past 6 months. Both times my neuropathy has gotten worse- I now feel like I have socks on, a new symptom.
There’s no treatment, hopefully it’ll lessen as the virus finally leaves, still have terrible balance and brain fog. I take 200 mg of gabapentin, which helped me sleep years ago when I had a lot of neuropathic pain, and I still take it with no side effects. Good luck- no cure but avoid Covid!!

I’ve had neuropathy for years, have had L4-5 fused - caused from herniated discs, stenosis, etc. which I had before the neuropathy started, which was probably due to statin use.
I’ve had Covid twice in the past 6 months. Both times my neuropathy has gotten worse- I now feel like I have socks on, a new symptom.
There’s no treatment, hopefully it’ll lessen as the virus finally leaves, still have terrible balance and brain fog. I take 200 mg of gabapentin, which helped me sleep years ago when I had a lot of neuropathic pain, and I still take it with no side effects. Good luck- no cure but avoid Covid!!

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.

Where do you place the pads?
Thank you!

@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!!