Leg Cramps due to Disk Herniation?

[postalbob]

I am 34 years old and have a ruptured disk at the L5-S1 joint, as confirmed by MRI in July 09. Saw a spine specialist and he said it should heal itself, with no surgery requied. In the last 3 months I have been getting periodic(about 4 to 5 days a week) calf spasms to where the calf muscle locks up and my foot points out.  When I originally threw my back out this is the leg that I had all the pain/numbness in.  I was at the doctor Fri and had no reflex in that foot when he tried to get one. I am assuming that there is permanent nerve damage to this particular nerve.  I have minimal pain in back or leg, but am wondering if getting surgery would be beneficial for this problem??  Or if this "cramping" is even a possible side effect for this problem?

[squirtatious]

Always use surgery as a last result is my motto. My l5/s1 root nerve compression due to spondylolisthesis began march 21st of 2009. Since then, my legs have never, ever been the same again. Calf cramps can absolutely be  a direct result of a back issue.  I wish u the very best hun!!

[Kalvin]

It's not necessarily permanent, an EMG might be helpful to figure out what exactly is going on. It's kind of hard to know what would be beneficial until you find out what's wrong.


Take Care