Back Pain Forum - Lumbar and Thoracic spine pain causing weak left leg?

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Q: Lumbar and Thoracic spine pain causing weak left leg?

asked by: mountainclimber on August 7th, 2008

New User

I'm a healthy (except for this) very active, fit 36 year old woman. In 1988, I fractured T12 and L1 in a horseback riding accident.

I felt I had fully recovered from this until about 5 years ago when I began experiencing left leg weakness after strenuous activity.

Last year, I fell and fractured (chipped really) T6. There was a lot of soft tissue damage. I experienced huge amounts of pain and muscle spasm, but no urinary or bowel problems. I had full sensation in both feet and regular reflexes.

Now, I have frequent back pain, in both lumbar and thoracic areas which may be set off as simply as being in a car which swerves quickly, or being roughhoused in fun by a friend. My left leg and foot feel constantly weak, and upon exertion will tremble violently or just fail and crumple beneath me as I walk (downhill is worst)

I have had numerable x rays and an MRI which showed no significant narrowing of the spinal canal. physio and ims help significantly until something happens to trigger the pain/ weakness again.

I spend at least an hour a day stretching or exercising as per my physio therapist. I am not overweight.

Can anyone offer any suggestions for a permanent solution?

Thanks very much for your help.

Replies(4)

RichT

replied on August 8th, 2008

Active User, very eHealthy

Hello Mountainclimber,

Welcome to this forum!!!

Sorry to read about the pain that you are in from various injuries.

I'm glad that you have had x-rays and MRIs taken. It is also good that you are doing exercises under the care of a physical therapist.

"Can anyone offer any suggestions for a permanent solution?" - Mountainclimber, I really wish I could, however, from the many many posts on this forum and communications with others, "a permanent solution" is unlikely. I really didn't want to say that, but that does seem to be the reality of spinal issues for the vast majority of us spineys.

I would however suggest that you seek advice from 2 or 3 of the very best spinal surgeons in your area. In my opinion they are the most knowledgable when it comes to back issues.

I wish you the best. Take care.

RichT

Users who thank RichT for this post: mountainclimber

Kika

replied on August 15th, 2008

New User

Mindful exercise?

Hi Mountainclimber,
I wonder what exercises you get from your physiotherapist and how much information you get about them (why you are doing each one and how exactly to perform them)?

I've recovered from a one big disk prolapse in my lumbar spine - mainly by seeing a very qualified Pilates teacher who is also a physiotherapist. I am aware of that every spine story is different, but having seen people recovering from all kinds of back pain problems in my own experience as a Pilates instructor I know that what often is helping people is simply to gain more control over their muscle tension and "reprogramming" of movement habits. The problem for most people with back pain is that the muscle tensions that is being caused by the pain prevent the body from recovering.

I advise you to seek information from a Pilates teacher in your area (someone with certification and preferably a physiotherapist or other medical education as well).

I wish you the very best - and know that since you are already in good shape - recovery is even more likely to happen (and mountain climbers tend to have a very good body control Smile

Kika

Anonymous

replied on December 22nd, 2008

help!!!

Mountainclimber, I am new to these sights and have read numerous posts/questions and you are the closest one I have found so far to what I am experienceing.
I am now 34, but I was 32 and in good physical health when I was rear ended by a drunk driver. it fractured my T5 and crushed my T6 vert. the Dr.'s game me about 6 months to try to heal on my own, when I was not showing any improvment they done a Kyphoplasty on my T5 and left the T6 alone. I did show some alittle improvment in pain but not enough to get me back to work. so they went in and done a kypho on the T6. I have not improved any since then. they have done cortisone injections, trigger point injections, osteopathic manipulation, physical therapy, massage therapy, and accupuncture. I am taking 4 percocets a day, plus they just put me on nueurantin (sp). I am still in alot of pain, but I do manage to live somewhat a normal life. prolonged setting, standing, bending, pulling. (well you get the point) hurts me. I live in the miwest and now the extreme wind chill is keeping me inside with heat on my back.

can you share any knowledge you have with me. any resources/web sites or anything.

i am starting to get desperate here.

Thanks,

Russ

littleonefb

replied on December 22nd, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

Russ, I am very surprised that you had Kyphoplasty done for fractured vertebrae that where caused by an auto accident.

From all I had read about it at my own spine surgeon's office, it specifically stated that it was for osteoporosis compression fractures and not for us in fractures from accidents or in patients with young, healthy bones.

Just doing a google search on Kyphoplasty now, gives me the same information.

If you are still using the same spine surgeon that did they Kyphoplasty now, I would seek the opinion of a second and even a third spinal surgeon as soon as possible, before deciding on any surgery again with this spinal surgeon.

From what I just read on line, the spinal surgeon appears to have used something to treat your fractured vertebrae that was not recommended to be done.

Fran

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