Did not have any symptoms till about one year after surgery.now pain is so extreme I have been to the emergency room on two occasions was told that I now have peripheral neuropathy.very concerned that now I am going to have neuropathy for life.please I need more details of how this could have happened. Due to surgery.Very much worried about my being able to return to a close to normal life,right now I'm miserable. PLEASE HELP! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
Can lumbar fusion cause peripheral neuropathy ?
Question posted by Bob denny on 20 Feb 2015
Last updated on 23 October 2021
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5 Answers
missyshianne
23 Oct 2021
Let’s not give people false info here! Lumbar fusion or any part of the spine is known for causing neuropathy at times. Specifically when the fusion fails or if you have an abundance of scar tissue. Also it can happen due to the hardware. Typically it can be felt in the feet or legs with a lumbar fusion. But depending on where you had the fusion and what nerves are impacted depends on where you would feel the neuropathy. I am being scheduled this week to remove my fusion hardware due to complications and neuropathy is one of the complications indeed. I’m 39 years old, 1 year and 3 months since fusion and 2 years and 6 months since the car accident (I was not at fault) that caused my spine injury. It’s so easy to be quick to blame diabetes or other diseases for neuropathy. But there is a medical saying “when you hear hoofbeats , think horses not zebras” Meaning a spine issue is more likely the main reason for neuropathy when an injury is present. (Injury includes the fusion surgery)
balbanese
21 Feb 2015
Surgery is so invasive, yes it can be, but only a Dr could tell for sure. As for the rest of your life? Very god chance that will not be the case, provided the proper steps are taken to first find out, from a Dr what exactly is the cause for the symptom so cure can be pursued.
fastcarbon
21 Feb 2015
Lumbar fusion can and does cause peripheral neuropathy. I had a multi-level lumbar fusion in 2012 and started with aching legs and numb but burning feet. I am currently on 225mg Lyrica and up to 20mg Oxycodone every 6 to 8 hours. My surgeon acknowledged nerve damage and a Physiatrist in his office and my current Neuro confirm Peripheral Neuropathy. Mine started about two weeks after surgery. I also ended up in the E Room twice for 8 -10 level pain.
Bob denny
21 Feb 2015
mine also started several weeks after surgery but nothing to the extent of the pain I have now.I'm collecting data and as much information as I can so when I see my doctor I can be informative and know what answers to look for.thank you for your input my opinion the more knowledge I have the better chance I have of not being buffaloed thanks again appreciate your time and consideration,sincerely Bob.
Esme13
20 Feb 2015
Hello Mr. Denny,
As a fellow peripheral neuropathy sufferer I can empathize with your emergency room grade pain and discomfort. And the anxiety that accompanies inner voice questions such as, "Am I going to have this for the rest of my life?" Now in my third year of dealing with this, I can tell you that your next move should be to make an appointment with a board certified neurologist, preferably one with interest or long experience with neuropathies. If your insurance plan requires you to see a primary care physician first, do that, but insist on seeing a neurologist for a throrough work up, physical exam and clinical history. Given your history of lumbar fusion, there are more than enough reasons to refer you to a specialist. Normally, the neurologist will order a number of blood tests and depending on your clinical findings, may order an EMG and/or an MRI of your back to determine whether there is a new problem at the fusion site or nearby.
You don't mention whether you are diabetic, a heavy drinker, a chemotherapy recipient or someone who takes loads of supplements or vitamins. My neurologist told me that he has seen peripheral neuropathy in individuals who drink lots of energy drinks loaded with vitamin B6. These are all questions a neurologist will ask in order to exclude a correctable cause of your symptoms. While you are waiting for your appointment, you might want to ponder whether you have good days and bad days and if you can detect any pattern or trigger for bad days. Do your shoes fit properly? Is the pain made worse because something is rubbing the skin or you lack arch support? These are the kind of questions to ask yourself to help you gain a better sense of control over this invisible form of suffering. Good luck to you. God bless, Esme
Bob denny
20 Feb 2015
thank you for your time and interest in what I'm going through it seems like everytime I get a little bit information it kind of helps me to relax a little more and realize that it is something that is very much treatable.I have a doctors appointment on the 26th and I will take my notes with me to let him know that I am in the loop on what should be done to help me with this life long thing that I've got to deal again thank you for your input
Esme13
21 Feb 2015
You are very welcome. Peripheral neuropathies are not well known in the general public and so the most frequent response you get when you tell someone about it, is a quizzical look accompanied by, "Your feet hurt?!" "What?" So often people think you are malingering or a certifiable hypochondriac. It helps me to belong to a peripheral neuropathy support group; I've learned some coping techniques and it simply helps to know even one other living soul dealing with the same maddening thing. One unexpected peak of a silver lining in all this is when I have a good day, it's a REALLY GOOD day and my happiness and appreciation in the day's events is magnified. Totally unexpected, but something to be mindful of. Good luck with your doctor's appointment. All best, Esme
Nattjenta
21 Feb 2015
I couldn't agree more with esme13. You definitely need a good neurologist. I had cervical spine surgery about 4 years ago which was very successful.
Unfortunately, I am now having extreme pain in my lumbar region. I visited my neurologist a few months ago and was diagnosed with something caused facet disease. It's when the spine developed spurs that rub against each other with bending or movement. There is a very simple minor surgery which apparently can instantly correct the problem. Instantly remove the pain. This sounds like an excellent solution except for the fact that I am on Xarelto. It specifically recommends against any surgery that involves the possible involvement of the spinal fluid. This has scared me off until I can get more information.
But as you can see, it really takes a neurologist to identify problems such as this.
Best of luck to you!
kaismama
20 Feb 2015
No, lumbar fusion cannot cause peripheral neuropathy. It is damage to the peripheral nerves, those in our hands and feet mostly. It can be caused by some diseases, largely diabetes but other things can cause it too. Trauma to the nerves, or vitamin deficiencies can cause it. So can autoimmune diseases.
missyshianne
23 Oct 2021
This is so very incorrect. Fusion can and often does cause neuropathy
oangelle50
24 Oct 2021
Yes, it can. Happened to me, unfortunately
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peripheral neuropathy, pain, surgery, symptom, emergency room, emergency, lumbar
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