What Could Cause My Left Leg To Go Completely Numb When I Lie On My Back? Prior Back Surgery?
I have had 3 discectomies at L4-5 and a 1 Laminectomy at L4-5 w/ discectomy at L5/S1. My last surgery was in December of 06 and these symptoms started about 3 weeks ago. My left leg goes completely numb (all the way to the toes) and I get what feels to be SEVERE electric shocks in various parts of my leg, but only when I sleep on my back. I have tried elevating my legs, but no change. I have since started sleeping on my side, but I can’t do that now because it’s causing severe pain in my hips. Any ideas? I am trying to get in with my surgeon, but that may take a while.
Tags: Back, Cause, Completely, Could, Left, Numb, Prior, What, When
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:03 am
There’s a pinched nerve in there somewhere – you need to speak with your surgeon or doctor as soon as possible.
It can cause blood clots if you ignore the problem.
Go to your doctor – they are usally easier to speak to than your surgeon.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
a nerve is being pinched causing numbness
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:47 pm
You still haev a problem in the L4-5 area. That is where your sciatic nerve runs. I have this and also have severe pain if lying on my side. Unfortunately it is my best choice. You should have not done the surgery in my opinion. I have three friends who have had the same procedures and none have had success. They say there is no surgery to help me and I would not choose that route. I’ve lost all feeling in my leg for 5 months once. A chiropractor will help you the most. I’ve been dealing with this L4-5 issue for 30 years plus severe spinal stenosis.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Since you last had surgery 4 months ago after multiple surgeries in the same area, you likely have scarring around the surgical site that is causing the impingment on your nerve. Also there is an increase of growth of blood vessels as part of the healing process that adds to the compression of the nerve. More surgery will only add to the scarring. You may need to get cushions that keep you in a semi upright posture if that helps. Your surgeon at this point will be of limited assistance because they make their money cutting, not in follow up on existing patients. See a neurologist (not a surgeon or a pain management Dr) The neurologist will test for further damage and test for arachnoiditis etc. Good luck with that. I know how your pain feels I am in a similar state.