1. < Spine Health

Thigh weakness/foot drop after spine surgery

Posted by luamiller @luamiller, Mar 27, 2023

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has had thigh weakness after lumbar fusion surgery which is creating foot drop. I had my surgery 1 1/2 ago and my leg weakness and foot drop are still persisting. Just curious if anyone else has experienced this and if you have has it resolved?

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DadCue | @dadcue | Mar 18 12:39pm
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@dadcue Thank you for your response. I think a rollator is a good idea and you..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@dadcue Thank you for your response. I think a rollator is a good idea and you can apply the brakes if you need to lean on it while walking.

My dad had injuries from falling. In his 60’s, a skull fracture and head injury, a collar bone fracture some years later, and a hip fracture in his 80’s. Accidents like that happen fast and you don’t see them coming.

I know spine surgery is a really big step and I’m glad you have had conversations with your doctor. So you can see where I’m coming from. I think about myself too because I broke my ankle 4 years ago and it can fatigue and give out on me. I’m trying to improve strength in it without pushing too much and causing pain. That could become a fall risk for me as I age. I have a walker from recovering from the ankle fracture and a rollator too.

Jennifer

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I always bend forward and lean on the rollator when I walk but I don't use the brake unless I'm going downhill. Shopping cart sign they call it.
https://spinecenterbr.com/what-can-the-shopping-cart-sign-tell-you-about-your-back-pain/

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Mar 18 2:27pm
In reply to @dadcue "I always bend forward and lean on the rollator when I walk but I don't use..." + (show)
@dadcue

I always bend forward and lean on the rollator when I walk but I don't use the brake unless I'm going downhill. Shopping cart sign they call it.
https://spinecenterbr.com/what-can-the-shopping-cart-sign-tell-you-about-your-back-pain/

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@dadcue The reason I mentioned the brakes is because the rollator may not prevent you from falling if you do loose your balance going forward. In that situation, grab tight on the brakes. If you lean too hard on it, it can roll out from under you. A conventional walker is a better choice if there are balance issues. I'm also writing this for everyone who is reading this and considering a rollator. The advantage is you can sit on it.
Jennifer

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Berk | @gba | Mar 18 2:53pm
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@dadcue Thank you for your response. I think a rollator is a good idea and you..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@dadcue Thank you for your response. I think a rollator is a good idea and you can apply the brakes if you need to lean on it while walking.

My dad had injuries from falling. In his 60’s, a skull fracture and head injury, a collar bone fracture some years later, and a hip fracture in his 80’s. Accidents like that happen fast and you don’t see them coming.

I know spine surgery is a really big step and I’m glad you have had conversations with your doctor. So you can see where I’m coming from. I think about myself too because I broke my ankle 4 years ago and it can fatigue and give out on me. I’m trying to improve strength in it without pushing too much and causing pain. That could become a fall risk for me as I age. I have a walker from recovering from the ankle fracture and a rollator too.

Jennifer

Jump to this post

Thanks, Jennifer. Yes I use a cane and wear a brace. My big problem is numbness and no feeling in my feet. No balance either. I exercise and walk every day. You have a nice Day!

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Mar 18 3:35pm
In reply to @gba "Thanks, Jennifer. Yes I use a cane and wear a brace. My big problem is numbness..." + (show)
@gba

Thanks, Jennifer. Yes I use a cane and wear a brace. My big problem is numbness and no feeling in my feet. No balance either. I exercise and walk every day. You have a nice Day!

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@gba I don't know your situation, but that must take extra care to walk with no feeling in your feet and you really need to be looking so you don't misstep. I know that numbness can happen from neuropathy or injury. One of my fellow mentors here on Connect with neuropathy has had improvement with feeling in her feet with Myofascial Release therapy. I have done MFR for years too, and it benefits me a lot. I don't have numbness, and I did this as therapy for my neck and chest for thoracic outlet syndrome. Here is our discussion if you want to check it out.

Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

Walking is so good for us. I'm trying to walk more and build strength and endurance in the ankle I fractured 4 years ago. You have a great day too! I hope you have some nice spring weather to enjoy.

Jennifer

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4petesake | @4petesake | Mar 26 10:40pm
In reply to @gba "Anyone have a Spinal Tap hit nerves in error ?" + (show)
@gba

Anyone have a Spinal Tap hit nerves in error ?

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I did, decades ago. As I recall, it hurt at the time for a day or so, but the pain went away after that.

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dennymt | @dennymt | Apr 2 2:05pm

Had L4/L5 lumbar fusion in October, 2022. L5 pedicle screw "stretched" my nerve, resulting in severe right leg weakness and right drop foot. Screw was removed January, 2023. Even though I have read where damaged nerves do heal, although slowly, my neurosurgeon told me it is unlikely my condition will improve. I am unable to walk with a cane or walking sticks. Am continuing aggressive physical therapy. Fortunately, do not have to deal with a lot of pain.

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2 replies
beedom | @beedom | Apr 3 4:21pm
In reply to @dennymt "Had L4/L5 lumbar fusion in October, 2022. L5 pedicle screw "stretched" my nerve, resulting in severe..." + (show)
@dennymt

Had L4/L5 lumbar fusion in October, 2022. L5 pedicle screw "stretched" my nerve, resulting in severe right leg weakness and right drop foot. Screw was removed January, 2023. Even though I have read where damaged nerves do heal, although slowly, my neurosurgeon told me it is unlikely my condition will improve. I am unable to walk with a cane or walking sticks. Am continuing aggressive physical therapy. Fortunately, do not have to deal with a lot of pain.

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Wow! I'm sorry! We place our bodies in the hands of surgrons and end up with damage, It sounds like you have a good attotude. I'm happy that you're not dealing with pain.

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bunnybear | @bunnybear | Apr 4 8:27am
In reply to @dennymt "Had L4/L5 lumbar fusion in October, 2022. L5 pedicle screw "stretched" my nerve, resulting in severe..." + (show)
@dennymt

Had L4/L5 lumbar fusion in October, 2022. L5 pedicle screw "stretched" my nerve, resulting in severe right leg weakness and right drop foot. Screw was removed January, 2023. Even though I have read where damaged nerves do heal, although slowly, my neurosurgeon told me it is unlikely my condition will improve. I am unable to walk with a cane or walking sticks. Am continuing aggressive physical therapy. Fortunately, do not have to deal with a lot of pain.

Jump to this post

A friend of mine just had bridge surgery where they took some either muscle or tendon and placed it in her dropped foot and corrected the condition. I can find out which and report back. She researched this and traveled to one of the rare surgeons who did the surgery . If can figure out how to private message you I will see if she will share information with you via email.

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beedom | @beedom | Apr 4 2:05pm

You're so kind. I am intetested in that surgery. I think there is a surgeon in my area, but I would love to hear of her experience. I don't know how to private message on here but maybe if you could post it would help othets as well. I love the way people help each other on this site! Thank you again!

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me75 | @me75 | Apr 14 5:46am

I’m also having pain in my thighs and in the ribs after spine surgery from T2 to S1 it got better when I was in therapy but when I stopped it get worse so I’m starting again on Monday. I have noticed my balance is off cause I have one leg shorter so I’m having a foot lift made for my shoes , I hope that helps

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