1. < Neuropathy

Connection between Neuropathy and L4,L5 Issues

Posted by seidholz @seidholz, Oct 29, 2023

I have been diagnosed with idiopathic PN by multiple Neurologists at Mayo, UNMC and Northwestern- the numbness runs from my knees to my feet with only occasional burning however it affects my balance and comfort.
I have also been diagnosed with degeneration of my L4 and L5 on my right side after years of intense physical activity led to 2 hip replacements.
I have started to notice that my PN becomes somewhat asymmetrical after certain core workouts I do to strengthen my core… is it possible that the L4/L5 issues are causing me to pinch nerves leading to my PN?
BTW- I was very happy with all of my doctors at each facility. Mayo in particular
Dr Dyke is fabulous

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

kd59 | @kd59 | Nov 23, 2023
In reply to @artscaping "Good evening @seidholz, and thank you @jenniferhunter for the introduction. As a matter of fact, I..." + (show)
@artscaping

Good evening @seidholz, and thank you @jenniferhunter for the introduction. As a matter of fact, I was with my two MFR therapists this afternoon. Right now I am struggling with a hip socket that flakes out on me. All of a sudden, as I turn the corner into the kitchen, my right leg will collapse in pain.

I was diagnosed with SFN (small fiber neuropathy) in 2013 through the use of a stem cell biopsy in my ankle. Fortunately, I knew a wonderful lady in my mountain village who was completing her training in (MFR) Myofascial Release Therapy. I began to see her every week and she explained the process to me. If you have spent a little time reading the posts on @jenniferhunter's MFR discussion introduced in the post above, you will begin to understand how this treatment can help relieve pain and facilitate movement.

And you undoubtedly know by now that SFN and other neuropathies are the result of nerves that have been damaged or restricted by things like post-surgery scar tissue. It is also unfortunate but true that nerve cells can die and the messages to your brain are restricted or misunderstood. The result is pain. We would hope that our bodies would regenerate the nerve cells. However, that takes a long time. So if they are dying faster than being replaced, there will be pain and discomfort.

Some of us have difficulty finding the cause of this condition. In that case, our situation is labeled idiopathic. My SFN is the result of trauma from accidents, injuries, and surgeries. Do you know how you acquired your neuropathic condition?

I am going to give you a link to a series called "Strolling under the Skin". This will introduce you to a visual display of connective tissues that can become involved in your neuropathy. You will be able to see how much tissue is actually inside your body.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW0lvOVKDxE&t=86s

At this point.....I have MFR sessions twice a week with two MFR therapists. Thanks to their effort I can drive a vehicle, take a walk along the river, and socialize with friends and family.

Let me know what you think and if you have additional questions.

May you be safe, protected and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris

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SFNs are quite common with the genetic connective tissue disorder I have, hEDS.

REPLY
melissa59 | @melissa59 | Dec 2, 2023
In reply to @cjcatmom "I have experienced PN since August 2022. My knees to my ankles started bothering me about..." + (show)
@cjcatmom

I have experienced PN since August 2022. My knees to my ankles started bothering me about 4 months ago. I recently saw a back doc who told me I had arthritis in the L4 and L5 area and he prescribed a cortisone shot to my back.
(My L4 and L5 vertebrae were knocked out of alignment when I went down a flight of stairs in a metal walker at 3years old). I got the shot on 11.15.23. I am waiting for the shot to fully take effect. The doc said about 3days. It feels like some lessening is happening already. I will update in 3 to 4 days.

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How has the shot helped your neuropathy symptoms so far?

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daisy22 | @daisy22 | Dec 2, 2023
In reply to @marvininhouston "The way that I understand it is that if you have PN from a compressed disc,..." + (show)
@marvininhouston

The way that I understand it is that if you have PN from a compressed disc, once you remove the compression, the nerve can regenerate. I think the amount of time that the nerve was under stress plays a role also. In my case, the doctor said that my muscles did not atrophy and he hopes that once the nerve regenerates itself, reconnects, I should gain strength back in my right foot (of which I currentlyfail the 'big toe test'). He said I might have to deal with the pain, numbness, pins and needles forever, however, I'm seeing other YouTube doctors say it can recover. Therefore, I'm trying to maximize my chances by the right diet, nerve gliding/flossing, PT, exercise and vitamins that promote the healing.
Except for this self inflicted PN because I waited too long to have L4/L5 surgery, I am very healthy. Knock on wood ...
I do not think the nerves regenerate themselves when you get PN from diabetes, RA medicine, chemo or the like.
This is what I understand from reading. It's not like doctors are overwhelming anybody with information. There's a doctor above that was noted as 'great'. If they were that great, why are you here seeking answers? I had to read on and off for a few months, came up with a series of questions, and before I get done asking, it seemed like my time was up. Not sure when patients have PN why can't doctors just give you a standard diet to follow, vitamins to take, and immediately refer you to PT. Such as alpha lipoic acid shows get for diabetic PN but not compression PN. I guess if they gave out standard information I wouldn't be making return visits ... ugh

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I had anterior total hip done 4/22/23 and still have leg problems, but the hip is good. I am going to go to my chiropractor and get myofasical therapy. My spine is shot. I now have thoracic back pain from herniation and bulging with scoliosis and L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. The spine surgeons I've seen won't operate on my back. I have terrible leg pain with tingling and pins and needles. Thanks for myofascial therapy. Also, is this kind of like aggressive muscle therapy I've read about. Thank you.

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