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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Numbness In Leg And Foot. Had Back Spinal Surgery. Taking Neurontin. What Is The Uncomfortable Feeling?

Several years ago I had back spinal surgery and have numbness in my lower left leg and foot ever since. Lately, it is progressively more painful. Lots of tineling in my foot and tightness at my ankle. It is more painful at nighttime. Presently, I take Neurontin but is there anything else I can do to ease the uncomfortable feeling 24/7. Thank You.
posted on Thu, 22 Aug 2013
Twitter Thu, 22 Aug 2013 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 23 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on
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Spine Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi
Thank you for your question.

From the symptoms you have described you may be developing adjacent segment disease or scar tissue leading to stenosis at the same level. Let's see what these two things are.
Adjacent segment disease means increased movement at the vertebrae above and below the level where you had surgery several years ago. This movement or even the growth of scar tissue can lead to stenosis (second diagnosis) which in simple terms is narrowing of the spinal canal that pinches the nerves. I would suggest obtaining a fresh MRI of lumbar spine with and without contrast.

Please continue taking neurontin if it helps. Image guided nerve blocks can help this type of neurological pain which will first need MRI for evaluation. Lyrica (pregabalin) is another medication which is helpful but consult a doctor before starting it. Steroids like medrol dose pack can help acute exacerbation of pain. I hope one of these options work for you but if nothing works satisfactorily you may need to see a spine surgeon who handles revision spine cases.

Wish you the best and please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed's  Response
Hello,

It is a neurological pain. It may be due to compression of the spinal nerve roots.
Physiotherapy helps in strengthening the back muscle and improves the symptoms.
Consult your doctor and request for an MRI of the spine to rule out nerve compression ans post surgical complications.
Drugs like Gabapentin may help in reducing the pain.
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Numbness In Leg And Foot. Had Back Spinal Surgery. Taking Neurontin. What Is The Uncomfortable Feeling?

Hi Thank you for your question. From the symptoms you have described you may be developing adjacent segment disease or scar tissue leading to stenosis at the same level. Let s see what these two things are. Adjacent segment disease means increased movement at the vertebrae above and below the level where you had surgery several years ago. This movement or even the growth of scar tissue can lead to stenosis (second diagnosis) which in simple terms is narrowing of the spinal canal that pinches the nerves. I would suggest obtaining a fresh MRI of lumbar spine with and without contrast. Please continue taking neurontin if it helps. Image guided nerve blocks can help this type of neurological pain which will first need MRI for evaluation. Lyrica (pregabalin) is another medication which is helpful but consult a doctor before starting it. Steroids like medrol dose pack can help acute exacerbation of pain. I hope one of these options work for you but if nothing works satisfactorily you may need to see a spine surgeon who handles revision spine cases. Wish you the best and please let me know if I can be of further assistance.