Leg numbness

[Aravindan]

Hi,

Two months back I had surgery for Disckectemy and fusion for my problem with L4 & L5 and L5 & S1. I was having severe back pain and numbness right from my left buttocks, back side of my thighs, left side of my calf and foot. Immediately after sugery I got rid of my pain. Within two months I have recovered to the extent of walking without support.

My present problems are :

1. My numbness from buttocks, back side of my thighs, left side of my calf and foot still continue
2. Due adductor muscle weakness I am not able to walk freely and my toes are very weak.

Please suggest any treatment and guide me to get rid of my above problems.

Aravindan
[email protected]

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[neurospast]

I hope your surgeon has told you that most likely you will not have a full recovery and if you would have a full recovery this might take upto 2 years. The problem is that when nerves get squashed/pinched or what ever, they will be damaged which will influence their signal (electric) to a target (feeling, muscle power and so on) which in general is weaker thus less effective. To get feeling back you could stimulate the area by rubbing it, stroking it what ever and hope for the best. The same with movements you find difficult, try. if you have the problem on 1 side use the other side to help e.g. bend both knees, extend both knees. Imagine the movement you want to do and try. Focus your mind on the problem you try to solve (Imagine that you extend your toes and bend your toes). In general you ought to get support from a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or the surgeon team should provide you with exercises. Do remember it is early days so a lot of hope!

[Aravindan]

I hope your surgeon has told you that most likely you will not have a full recovery and if you would have a full recovery this might take upto 2 years. The problem is that when nerves get squashed/pinched or what ever, they will be damaged which will influence their signal (electric) to a target (feeling, muscle power and so on) which in general is weaker thus less effective. To get feeling back you could stimulate the area by rubbing it, stroking it what ever and hope for the best. The same with movements you find difficult, try. if you have the problem on 1 side use the other side to help e.g. bend both knees, extend both knees. Imagine the movement you want to do and try. Focus your mind on the problem you try to solve (Imagine that you extend your toes and bend your toes). In general you ought to get support from a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or the surgeon team should provide you with exercises. Do remember it is early days so a lot of hope!

Hi,

Thanks for the reply which is more encouraging...

I continue to do the physio exercises suggested by physiotherapist and I recovered a lot except for the weakness in my left leg toes, which is taking time. As you say, if I continue to do the exercise I should get back to normal strength in my toes.

Still, I would like to know whether I have to go for any treatment to my numbness problem or not. Please reply.

Thanks once again.

Regards,
Aravindan

[anthonyk]

Good u re responding well to physio session
But i feel u need to also check your postures like bending to pick object off the ground, when driving like using a lumbar support,
when working on your computer, your bed etc, all that also contribute to the healing process, maintain your exercise session prescribed by your physiotherapist
will really help alot, usually takes time for total healing to take place.
Regards

Hi,

Thanks for the reply which is more encouraging...

I continue to do the physio exercises suggested by physiotherapist and I recovered a lot except for the weakness in my left leg toes, which is taking time. As you say, if I continue to do the exercise I should get back to normal strength in my toes.

Still, I would like to know whether I have to go for any treatment to my numbness problem or not. Please reply.

Thanks once again.

Regards,
Aravindan

[davisjone]

It is important to practice stretching exercises about 5 to 6 times a day for 6 to12 weeks after Disckectemy, since this is the time period in which the scarring occurs.The safest way to stretch is to lie down and maximally flex the hips and gradually extend the knee. This maneuver will also stretch the hamstring muscles, which is important for rehabilitation of the back.

[toddchaney]

You would need longer than 8 weeks for recovery and need to be very cautious about lifting and mowing for a while longer than that. Pain is common, but usually well controlled with oral pain medications.