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Does anyone know what causes nerve pain in legs and back at night?

Posted by elizabeth17 @elizabeth17, Sep 10, 2024

When I try to go to sleep I am experiencing shots of nerve pain mostly in lower or upper back and in my legs. Does anyone know what could be causing that and what to do about it? I am 71 years old.

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sisyphus | @sisyphus | Sep 13, 2024

The reason at age 80 I do not have this problem often seems to be because I feel it only happens when my body is not well-worked in with exertion such as striding, walking steps wherever possible and stretching/flexibility. Here's a Time's workout that I find that give immediate 'perk-up.'
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/01/well/move/strength-exercises-aging.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/11/well/move/bodyweight-strength-workout.html
And do get up often -- How often I have to remind myself!!

Of course a healthy diet (I'm sure CDC has something on it, as well as state health depts, but I find Harvard Public Health is handy with pictures)

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Sep 15, 2024

@elizabeth17 sounds like you’ve got nerve issues in the L4-S2 area and relieving the downward pressure from all day being erect may be the culprit. Have you tried placing a pillow under your legs when in bed on your back? Also, if laying on your side place a pillow between your knees to relieve the lateral pressure on your lower spine. Visiting a physical therapist would also be a big help for a home exercise plan. I’m 71 y.o too but don’t consider myself old and these have been the best years of life so far. Even with my OA and PN we are having a blast.

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mjj | @mjj | Mar 12 9:27am
In reply to @dlydailyhope "@elizabeth17 I have cervical/lumbar spinal issues (stenosis, degenerative disc disease, myelopathy, osteoarthritis, neurogenic claudication) and small..." + (show)
@dlydailyhope

@elizabeth17
I have cervical/lumbar spinal issues (stenosis, degenerative disc disease, myelopathy, osteoarthritis, neurogenic claudication) and small fiber/peripheral. It affected my head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs and feet.

It seems you may have issues with spinal cord/nerve root compression (may be from disc/bone spurs/vertebrae issues) that radiates and shoots electrical shocks to your upper/lower back and legs.

It would be good for you to see an orthopedic spine specialist and/or neurologist for MRIs of cervical and lumbar spine. They should be able to help give you options for treatment (pain management, nerve pain medications, spinal injections, PT) based upon diagnosis.

You will want to be careful not to fall or get chiropractor adjustments which could worsen symptoms (especially if you have compression of your cervical spinal cord). I do not believe taking supplements for your symptoms will make a difference (they help small fiber neuropathy if diagnosed through neuropathy bloodwork/skin punch biopsy) but do little for your spine. Supplements for osteoarthritis/inflammation and change in diet to reduce inflammation may help if diagnosed.

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I have just about all the symptoms you listed, dlydailyhope. I'm 82, and had a spinal injection for pain a couple of months ago. It was like a miracle, but the pain will come back, according to the doctor. My orthopedic doctor gave me physical therapy, which helped a bit. There are excellent exercises for sciatica on-line, demonstrated by physical therapists.
I wish you, and the rest of us, the best luck in dealing with this horrid pain. I don't want backs surgery, but I may be headed towards this, I'm afraid.

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