Muscle Twitching and Spasms in Legs and Feet

[Maxkwak]

Can lumbar spine problems (or spine problems in general) cause chronic twiching and/or spasming of muscles in the calves and feet?

My background: Posterior interbody lumbar fusion (L4-S1) 7 months ago, anterior cervical fusion (C5-C7) about 4 years ago, and undifferentiated spondylitis. Leg muscles twitch constantly, regardless of activities, worsen when I first lie down, but then settle down to mild twitching all night long after being in bed awhile. If I do any physical activities (walking on treadmill, stretching, eliptical machine, etc.) the twitching goes into severe spasms in my calves and sometimes in my feet during the night. Sometimes the calves will spasm when I climb stairs during the day, but I immediately walk out the spasm. On bad nights, however, I have to get up every 10 minutes all night long to walk out the spasms. If I don't exercise, the spasms are infrequent, but the twitching is constant. With exercise, the spasms are chronic on a nightly basis. At night my lower back frequently tightens or spasms, and in my sleep I'll arch my back and tightly lock my legs in a stretch to counter the lower back spasm, and it will wake up in the process; this may, at times, contribute to the leg spasms, but it doesn't happen everytime. I'm still having moderate groin and hip pain since the lumber surgery, but benefits have far outweigh the discomfort, and the pain is slowly but surely diminishing. The twitching and spasms preceded the lumbar surgeries and have not abated since the surgeries.

I don't have MS and don't seem to fit the pattern for RLS. I've taken RLS meds, potassium, magnesium, quinine, heomeopatic remedies, etc. but nothing help. Flexeril 3x daily will help when spasms get bad, but the side effects are pretty intense, so I stopped exercising for the sake of trying to sleep at night.

I would appreciate any insight you may be able to provide regarding back problems and leg and foot muscle issues. Thank you.

[will270]

How old are you max?
Are you most comfortable sitting than in bed?
and are you  diabetic?

Willl270

[Maxkwak]

I'm 56, in otherwise good health, and have no neurological or systemic diseases, such as MS or diabetes. The twitching does not involve the entire calf muscle ususally, but rather small areas of the muscle contract first in one spot then another, moving around rapidly in differenly locations within the calf, or at least that's how it feels. It's possible to see the muscle move in various areas and to feel it with my fingers, but I feel it much more intensely than it shows. I have it all the time in both legs regardless of whether I'm sitting or in bed, but in bed it initially gets much worse, but then settles down after I've relaxed for awhile. If I get up to go to the bathroom during the night, when I return to bed the calf muscles jump around intensely, but eventually settle down. If I exercise or even stretch during the day, I'll have leg and foot spasms all night beginning two to four hours after I've gone to bed and often lasting the entire night. It's really awful. When my legs and/for feet spasm, very often my lower back also tightens or spasms, too. It's for that reason that I wondered there might be a connection between my spine problems and spasms in the legs and feet. In the lower back, I had moderate stenosis but the main problem was scar tissue impingin on my nerve roots. The lumber fusion was an 8-hour surgery because the doc had to separate the scar tissue from the nerve roots. The twitching preceded the surgery, however, and has not improved after the surgery.

[CindyS2231]

Hi, I can relate to what you are going through. I had a discectomy at L5-S1 about three years ago. The twitching started soon after. It was so frustrating trying to explain to doctors and physical therapists how a constant twitch in my leg changed my life. They were all clueless.
I had flexeril on hand from before the surgery, but it gave no relief from the twitching. The PT told me it would go away. I decided to have patience, that lasted a year. I became desperate. I was sleep deprived every night, up 5-7 times per night. At night cramps would start in my calf, and when I tried to stretch it out the front of my leg would cramp. My leg became "locked" and I had to get out of bed and hobble around until it went away. When I walk my leg feels weak because each time I raise my leg my calf spasms. I had quit exercising like you. I was wondering what my future would be like. Here I am in my forties and I can't exercise. My family doctor prescribed amitriptyline in a low dosage. It helped a little, the twitching was the same frequency but less strong. I tried different dosages. The bottom line was that I was still getting up 3-4 times at night instead of 5-7. I was happy for a while but my life still wasn't back to normal. I went to another doctor and asked for neurontin but he wouldn't prescribe it. At that point I felt hopeless and on my own.
The reason I am responding is because since that time I got creative and came up with some solutions that have made this manageble for me. My twitching is in my calf and hamstring on the back of my leg. I noticed it was better when those muscles are stretched slightly. So with all my daily activety I keep that in mind. There is a wall behind my desk at work that I can rest my leg on in a strectched position with my toe neutral instead of pointed. In my car there is a ridge to bend my toe backwards to stretch my calf, etc. For at night I got a "night splint". It is a boot that people with plantar fasciitis (problems with foot arches) wear at night to keep from pointing their toe. The problem with the boots was that I would get a cramp while wearing it at night, and it was hard to get it off quickly in the middle of the night. I still wear the boot if I sit on a recliner when watching movies to keep my calf stretched. Luckily my husband is handy. We have an old water bed frame with a sleep number bed. First he made an extention to the foot board that I could put my foot on to keep my toe form pointing. There is a space just above the mattress for my heals, so I can get some dorsiflexion. He also made a brace for the side of the bed. In the middle of the bed I put a 10 lb weight with some ankle weights to help keep it from rolling. I always have the foot of my bad leg on one of these to keep my toe from pointing. I am to the point that most nights I don't have cramps. If i feel them coming on I quickly put my foot back on one of the braces. I am gradually increasing my exercise. As I get in shape it takes longer for my calves to cramp while walking. I can't stand the thought that the twitching could go on forever, but this is the most normal my life has been since surgery.
I hope this is helpful.

[husker415]

My calf and feet spasms are not severe but the pain is.  No amount of pain killers seems to help.  Help back surgery over a year ago and continue to have chronic pain, but this problem came on a couple of weeks ago and is getting worse.  Haven't been to the gym for awhile either (sinuses).  This is my third night without sleep.  Any ideas?  I'm getting a bit conerned here.

[JJ_]

I have been reading your post and have finally found people that have some of the same symptoms as I do.  I hurt my back by lifting a 35 lb box of potatoes. I did physical therapy and a years worth of chiropractor. My back seems to be doing well but I have constant twitching in my legs. I also have twitching in my feel and heal pain. If im not active the pain is manageable but some times I can barely walk. I just had and MRI done and that looks good from what they say. I guess my next stop would be to see a neurologist. I'm scared im going to wind up in a wheel chair. My doctor keeps telling me he has no idea what is causing my symptons. :(

[CindyS2231]

I recently tried Earth shoe tennis shoes. They have a "negative" heel, meaning the heel is lower than your toes. They keep my calf slightly stretched all day. They have been very helpful.

[Gabyt91]

Hi

I have the same problem ...and cant find an answer..
a massage terapist in china recomended me to strech like jjHusker
but keep coming and coming back  again...?????

[Maxkwak]

Thank you very much Dr. Mandu! I have heard that iron can help people with restless leg syndrome but I never tried it because that wasn't my diagnosis. You suggestion would be a wonderful, simple cure if it worked, so I will try it.

CindyS2231 I just saw your post and appreciate your suffering! We are kindred spirts hobbling down dark hallways in spasm during the middle of the night. I've been diagnosed with an arthritic disease called spondylitis, which affects the spine and, in my case, all of my other joints. I have had some intermittent leg relief with the prescription anti-inflammatories used for arthritis, but they are heavy-duty drugs that require ongoing blood tests to monitor safety: sulindac, injectable humira and methotrexate. With the sulindac, espectially, the twitching diminishes to low intensity, and spasms become occasional. But then I have flare ups, like now, with viciously jumping calf muscles and spasms in the legs and feet, so today I'm also starting a Medrol Dose Pak. I also got relief if I took a big dose of flexeril right before bed, but that left me feeling like a zombie the following day. I don't expect to ever be free of spasms or twitching, but I'll be satisfied if I can stay in bed at night longer than 15-minute intervals at a stretch. I'll also try your exercises. Thank you!

[Zak_Han]

hi,deep and intensive acupuncture can help,as it good at relieving inflammation of soft tissue around lower back area, so inflammation stimulation was reason..

[Twitchy_in_Indiana]

I’m glad to hear that there are others like me. I thought I was the only one with this twitching issue. I had back surgery over 8 years ago to remove a herniated disk. For fifteen years prior to the surgery, I was in constant pain. The surgery was a God-send and I’m please to say that I don’t have the pain anymore. However, I do have a constant twitching since some time after the surgery. I’m talking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It is nonstop. Sometimes it’s worse than others. Exercising makes it more active. Sometimes at night my leg will cramp. My foot points straight out and it all locks up. I have to jump out of bed to put weight on it to break it loose. The weird thing is that the twitching is in my left calf only. No where else. My family doctor has given me medicines for restless leg syndrome but no help. I’ve tried calcium, potassium, Iron and anything else that I could find that I may be deficient in. I asked my family doctor if it could be related to my back surgery, he said no, it’s just something that happens. Sorry, Doc, wrong answer. I have decided that I’m going to go to a neurologist. With today’s knowledge, technological advancements, there has to be a way to turn it off.

God bless. I hope we all find the answer.

[CindyS2231]

Update: My leg is still twitching 24/7, but I am doing so much better. I just passed the 4 year anniversary of the back surgery that caused the dreaded twitching. When I look back:
1. It really helped to keep may calf stretched at night. I had less cramping and started to sleep better. My leg was less tight during the day too.
2. Next I very gradually increased my activity. As I have gotten stronger the twitching has decreased, and I can do more before my leg "goes wild".
One exercise in particular seemed to really help. Two years ago a physical therapist had me lay on the floor, on my front side with a pillow under my hips. I stabilized my spine by squeezing my glutes and abs. Next, I bent my knee and raised my lower leg. The first one sent my leg into a spasm. She told me to keep trying. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I couldn't live a normal life with such a weak leg. It took me a few months to be able to do 20 reps. Next I did two set of 20. Then I added a 1 lb weight to my ankle and did as many as I could. It was a balance of increasing reps without aggravating my leg too much. It has taken 2 years and I am up to 9 lbs. I can't believe how long it has taken to build up strength, but it has really helped. This exercise has changed my life. I can ride my bike 10 miles at a time and am taking a reform Pilate's class. Even though I am more active, my leg twitches less.
You are all in my thoughts. I hope this helps.

[queenfroggie1]

Hi, To all, I just joined the forums due to the fact that I am to my wits end. Let me start out with explaining a little of my back ground. Please bear with me if its a little long but i would appreciate some patience and maybe some kind of feed back please. So here goes:
1. Back in 1999, I had my daughter, immediately after I came home from the hospital i discovered while doing dishes, changing diapers, anything that ment bending over just the slightest was incredibly painful. i mean within 5 minutes, Well, i just ignored it and dealt with the pain. continued doing the everyday duties i had to and was in pain.
2. Mentioned to family doctor on and off of this odd back pain but the doctor doesnt really do much but puts me on darvocets and thats about all.
3. Since 1997 i have been a waitress and well, 2008 still a waitress. In 2003 I move down about an hour closer to my family but still with the same doctor who ends up retireing and a new doctor takes over. Well, by this time i have tried a chiropractor 3 times. 1st time it helped unbelievably, 2nd 2x's in complete pain not to mention by this time my back is completely locking up to the point of having to be picked up out of bed and off the couch and put in an upright standing position just to try and loosen up. Also, many episodes of siatic (sciatic)(spelled wrong, I know) pain, actually lost feeling one day and got out of the car and fell when i stepped.
4. Doc made an appt for an x-ray for my back and then was refered to the spine clinic. Well, That is when the disaster started has continue since. Met with the spine doc. He tells me as we look at the xray it is a simple vertebra out of place(his exact words) and with p.t. with go back into place. Well, i agree since i figure my faith is in his hand he knows what he is talking about and it will help and it will get better. Well, I drive for p.t. only to meet with them 2x a wk for nothing more than a waste of time for them to tell me how to pick up things, vaccume and so on and so forth, and never once touched me.
5. Well, here we are to the future and its a little over 2 years later and im and in a daily pain level of 8-9. cant find a new doc, mine is a jerk and wont perscribe me anything more then a few vicodin a month cause he says everyone gets additicted to them. now he sent me to see another spine doctor only because i called up to him and spoke with the nurse and she alerted me to something in med. files that i finally found out was alarming and was not told of. so here goes and was urgently sent for an mri. I was born with lumbar spondyleothesis now grade 2 almost 3, I have basicly no reflexes after the test was done on my left leg, no reflexes at my ankle and behind my knee, and a bit more reflexes on my right side. I have shooting pain down my leg on my left side that feels like someone is stabbing a knife out my shin bone just below my knee and my either feels numb, tingly or a dull pain, and i cant lean over the sink to look in the mirror or do dishes, or even lay out clothes on a bed for more than 5 minutes with my muscles in my legs twitching uncontrollably and unbelievable pain.
Now, mind you we looked at the same xrays from the original spine doc visit and you can clearly see the white lines down the sides of my spine where the pars....(cant remember the rest of the name) are broken and i even ask the new rejected spine doc(sorry my opinion of these docs are not high) told me. Now, I have developed a severe case( im assuming its rls/plmd), sometimes durning being awake but when im sleeping or start to rest I get major unconfortable feeling in my legs and occasionally in my arms, but when i do fall asleep terrible, terrible jerking, and twitching in my legs so bad ive kicked my boyfried and left bruses. i have experience the jerking awake and it was so bad with charleyhorses that i just cryed. Everyday my legs hurt and are so tight. at night i get the feeling and i either pound my legs on the floor, twist my ankles almost breaking them, or just pace the floor to no end. I barely sleep and if i do i wake to extreme anxiety attacks to trying to get more sleep but then i get the odd feeling in my arms.
    Please I need help, I nothing in my record to abusing pain meds nor and all honesty am i additicted to them but my doctors are jerks and not compationate at all and i need something stronger. I even told then since i do have to work and take care of my daughter and function without being a zombie, i would be happy with a level 3/4 pain, this way i dont over do it. But i just cant handle the level im at. any advice before i have a nervous breakdown or something....sorry soooooo long...

Thanks, Froggie

[Maxkwak]

Sorry to hear about your prolonged difficulties! Spinal problems can take a long, long time to diagnose and treat. So, don't give up! There are many other kinds of meds that you can take to deal with the pain besides painkillers. Have you seen a pain specialist or neurologist? I found that the twiching and spasms are made much more severe if I take certain meds at night. I've eliminated all meds in the evening and I'm doing better at night most of the time. For example, I can't take anti-inflammatories before bedtime. I'm on permanent low-dose prenisone (5 mg) and that has been helpful with much of the pain, but have terrible spasms if I take it in the evening. By eliminating all meds in the evening, really bad night spasms are infrequent and ususally associated with my back tightening up. I still have chronic low-grade twitching and mild spasms at night, and I might just have to stand for a minute or so until they pass, but at least I'm not falling over or pacing the floor all night. Good luck!

[gules]

I have all these symptoms and never had back problems! I injured calf muscle real bad 3 1/2 years ago. After several mris and other tests on every part of my body because of all the neuro symptoms, they finally just said I have RLS and BFS and probalbly a trapped nerve. Still very active at 52(raquetball, walk when I play golf) and coach soccer. But left leg is very weird. When I curl toes, I get a tremor. When I try and flex muscle it just goes into spasm. But all the symptons you people mention is what scares and concerns me and just can't get used to. Refuse to take drugs.

[noeffort]

Hi Max, I was doing a search on Google, and it matched your ongoing saga.  

Though I have not had any surgery (i am hoping to evade that as long as possible) I do have spondylolisthesis, which is slightly different than your diagnosis.  Mine comes not from arthritic condistion, but a few acute, "ballistic" injuries - car crash, lifting a patient out of bed, etc - and then wear and tear from extreme sports through my 20's and early 30's.

My L4 and L5 "slip" forward pinching the nerves and the beginnings of "some" (osteo) arthritic narrowing is occuring between L5 and S1 according to my physiatrist (spine doc)

As i mentioned above i used to "be" a P.T., but had to change careers because I knew the wear and tear would only get worse.  And so I have gone to P.T., a few times (x12 visits) in the last few years each time there is a flare up.  These flare ups happen like 1x yr or so.

The interesting thing is that I get almost the same symptoms you are describing... Fasciculations (the sporadic uncontrollable muscle twitches), in the calf, quads, mostly the (lateral) higher calf on the outsides and the mid to lower inner thighs.  It begins with the tiny fasciculations, then it builds into tightening and spasms, till then it can only be described as intense grabbing.  I describe as if a huge condor has swooped from behind, wrapped itself across my lower back, and has grabbed onto my thighs and calfs with its enormous talons.  It "nervy" and jumpy at first, and with each step increasingly worse, almost dropping me to my knees if i dont stop, stretch, (whimper) and then try to move again.  Eventually it subsides (like a 1/2 mile of walking painfully) and then it is just "tight" and painfully "sore".

if the intense part is a 9-10/10, the soreness is like a 7-8/10.

It then basically moves to a recovery phase where what is leftover is basically a tightness across my back (no real pain "in" the back itself) and then in the legs and calf where I was feeling the spasms and pain I now feel "as if" I have the recovery day pains after doing squats.  When I was younger and played football/etc... I would do power squats w/ heavy weights until exhaustion, and its that "soreness" that you feel the next day, you know?... that is exactly what it feels like after the spasms are gone.

I'm wondering... Is this slightly different than what you are feeling?  I dont get them "at night", they can come at any time, like i said usually once or twice a year.

But my real question is in regards to the Prednisone x 5mg you take.  Do you find any adverse effects?  Do you get "Moonface"?  Any worries about long term usage suppressing other symptoms that you may not want to mask - what have you been told to watch for?  etc.. etc...

Any info would help.

[Maxkwak]

I'm so sorry to hear about your challenges, but at least you seem to have a good understanding of what's happening, given your PT background. In the year and half since my posting, I've made a couple of changes that have helped with the night spasms. First, no meds after 12:00 pm noon. It seems that taking anti-inflammatory meds in the evening worsened the problem. Second, I've changed from soft-sole shoes to hard-sole shoes. I wore the soft-sole shoes for years because of arthritis in my feet, but found that not only can I wear hard-sole shoes (Mephistos --- very expensive, but worth it), but when I do, my calf muscles are happier. I don't know why, but when I put on a pair of soft-sole shoes, I get minor cramps in my calves when I walk or climb stairs. Together these two changes have tremendously lessened the nighttime discomforts. I still have muscle twitching, but it isn't severe. I've also stopped taking prednisone because it made me confused and I'm still trying to take off the extra weight it causes. Best of luck with your issues and I sincerely hope that you find relief soon.

[Cynthia508]

Okay, you guys will probably think I'm nuts, but I have similar problems with my back and legs.  I was in a car accident in 1977 and have had trouble ever since, and the older I get the worse it gets.  I had been told for years that I needed to have back surgery, but had heard so many negative things about back surgery that I resisted (I prefer to use natural remedies whenever possible).  I eventually opted for trying disk decompression after my back got so bad that I couldn't even dress myself.  I needed to do something.  The amazing thing was that 5 weeks of disk decompression did wonders!  And after I quit the treatments, my back continued to improve.  After 20 years of terrible pain, I am now completely pain free.  It's been 3 years since I had the treatments, and I can honestly say that I feel wonderful.  I just recently started running every other day, and it feels awesome!  (I loved running when I was younger but was told 15 years ago by numerous medical professionals that I would never run again because of the damage to my back.  My disks were 50% gone.)  So if any of you have back problems, I would strongly suggest finding a medical professional that specializes in disk decompression and look into it.  It's absolutely amazing.

Regarding the leg issues...once I completed my disk decompression treatments, I also started having the leg cramping and twitching.  It was always much worse at night, and it was very difficult to get to sleep.  However, I found something very simple that worked very well for me.  Surprisingly enough, I found that putting an ice pack on my lower back completely stopped all the symptoms and gave me a good nights sleep.  I just started going to bed with an ice pack.  I can't explain medically why it would work, but I can tell you that in my case it most definitely did.  After I had done that for a while, the symptoms in my legs finally went away.  It took a few years though.  The symptoms went away as my back got better.  Anyway, maybe my sharing my experience will help someone.

[Shannie40]

I have been experiencing SEVERE leg and foot spasms off and on for about 20 years. In the past 3 years it has become nightly and honestly, getting to be unbearable!

I am a 40 y/o active woman. I do alot of walking as I am a nurse. I am in good shape and stay well hydrated. I make sure to keep up my potassium intake and take B12 supplements.

I have had increasing, almost debilitating leg and foot spasms almost nightly for the past 2 years. I stretch before going to bed and have been given Baclofen 10mg- 2 T PO QID by my neurologist to take nightly a few hours before bedtime.
My recent MRI showed a lesion on my spine( sorry, my copy of the report is at work and am honestly so tired from last night I am drawing a total blank on what level it's at!).My neurologist states that he believes the lesion is a congenital defect, but is going to monitor it for progression and growth every 6 months. In the meantime he would like me to start a regimen of Zanaflex for the muscle spasms and Provigil for the daytime somolence and fatigue.

I am NOT into taking medication- even though I am  a nurse, but I am at my wits end. I need to be able to get a good nights sleep to be able to function in my nursing capacity. I am awakened  from a sound sleep nightly with the most severe pain in my feet and calves. My lower extremities spasms so severely I fall out of bed to the floor, unable to stand to try and walk them off. This ,in turn, wakes my husband who tries to massage the spasms out of my legs.

He has accompanied me to my neurology appointments and has told my neurologist that my nightly spasms and pain are interfering with both of our sleep. My neurologist has been made aware that my spasms are progressing to the point where I am beginning to get them during the day and even while driving. This is dangerous as I have no control over the muscle at all during these events. My spasms last anywhere from 10-20 minutes each cycle and usually happen at least once to twice every 2 hours all through the night.

I have tried every home remedy imaginable. I have tried vitamins, massage, water aerobics, stretching- all to no avail. I am planning on starting my samples of Zanaflex and Provigil this weekend, but am extremely nervous about doing so. I do not want to take anything that can be sedating or addicting, I just want to be out of pain.

Are there any others with the same problem? Does anyone have any advise? All information would be most appreciated and helpful. I am beyond desperate at this point.

BTW- the MRI and MRA of my brain did not show MS lesions, which my neurologist had worried might be causing my symptoms.My LE nerve conduction study also showed normal .
Thanks...and wishing you all a pain free day! :) Shannie

[CindyS2231]

I am sorry to hear you are suffering so much. I had the same problem 4 years ago. I got so desperate that I did try medication. It helped me sleep a little better, while I was finding other things that would help. I would not hesitate to use medicaton temporarily to keep your sanity. When your legs get so tight at night there is no way you can do enough stretching during the day to strecth them out. I have an old waterbed with a select comfort matress. My husband is handy and made wood braces for the bed for me to put my feet on, so my feet and legs would always be in a stretched position at night. I has done wonders for me, and I no longer use any medication. I can't remember the last time I had a cramp at night. My leg is still twitching but my life is back to normal, and I am very active. At some point I gave up trying to find why my leg twitched and started brainstorming about what I could do for myself to solve the problem. No doctor has ever offered anything but medication. Without meds I was up 5-7 times a night with cramps. With meds it was 3-4. That was not an acceptable long term solution. It is not a very common problem and I have never found a healthcare worker who ever understood how torturous it is. I wish you the best.

[NOLAKatie]

I have suffered with chronic lower back pain for 10 years.  I had a sports injury in high school.  I am 25 now.  I am 5'7" and 130 lbs.  I went to a doctor when the injury initially happened, and things seemed to get better.  The pain came back tenfold a couple of years ago, but I refused to see a doctor.  For me to see a doctor, something has to REALLY be wrong.  I didn't think a doctor would want to be bothered with my back pains.  

I am in so much pain that making the bed, shaving my legs, bending over to pet my cat, and emptying the dishwater are things that I will be paying for for a few weeks.  Forget sweeping the floors and doing laundry!  I know there are some of you who understand what I am talking about.  

Well, a few months ago I started getting this twitching in my legs.  It would happen when I first lied down at night.  It would continue for about 20 minutes and then settle down.  My legs would just jerk.  Sometimes it would be caused by shooting pain down my legs and other times it just seemed like there was no rhyme or reason for it.  I didn't think it was muscular, though.  It seemed deeper than that.  I also found that if I lay a certain way, my legs would go crazy.  I had to find the right comfortable position before I could relax.  I always get what I call "phantom nerve pains".  For example, I feel my right foot toes go numb and then I get a dull pain in my left knee, then a slight burning in my right calf, and tingling in my left thigh, etc.  This is 100% of the time.  Finally, I went to an orthopedic surgeon spine specialist.  My doctor ordered an MRI, put me on Mobic (Meloxicam) and ordered PT 2 times a week.  The MRI showed 3 herniated disks caused by annular tears in my L4-S1.  The doctor also said I have DDD (Degenerative Disk Disease).  Clearly, my nerves were/are being compressed.  

I go to PT for core strengthening and traction.  Traction is amazing.  Traction is disk decompression.  They strap 2 harnesses onto you and hook you up this pulling machine.  One harness hold you in place and the other is attached to the pulling machine.  It pulls your spine apart and it feels divine!  It's my little St. Catherine Wheel.  It lasts for about 3 days, so I get it done twice a week.

I hope this helps someone.  The bottom line is my twitching legs and weird leg sensations are caused by nerve compression.  Traction (disk decompression) is a great thing.  I am still in pain, but the twitching stops because of traction.  Mobic is good, but the pain comes back at the end of the day.  I cannot take pain killers because I am a teacher, so I am dealing with this pain.  I am going back to the doctor to start epidural injections in 2 weeks, but this makes me nervous.  The procedure looks scary in writing.  I'm assuming that if the injections don't work, I am looking at surgery.  

I understand how y'all feel about chronic pain.  It is literally very depressing.  People tell me to stay positive, but I don't understand what the point of living is if every single moment of my existence is PAINFUL.  Back pain costs a lot of money and I have no patience for it.  Nothing seems to be working for the pain.  I also feel a lot older than I am.  Everything hurts.  I am only 25!  I should be going out and having fun on the weekends, but I am stuck in bed.  After work, I lie down in bed.  On the weekends, I am in bed.  This does not sound like a young bachelorette living her big city dream.  This sounds like my 80-year old grandmother is West Palm.  I am sorry to say that I have begun to lose all hope for being pain-free.

Again, I hope this post helps someone.  Take care.      

[NOLAKatie]

*UPDATE*

I wanted to update my last post.  I went to my orthopedic surgeon on Wednesday and we scheduled an epidural steoroid injection because PT and the anti-inflammatory did not help my pain.  She also put me on 30 mg Cymbalta for the "phantom" nerve pain/numbing/tingling, and not for depression.  Apparently it "blocks the pain pathway".  I have been on Cymbalta for a few days now and the side effects are intense.  My mouth is dry and I have a metallic taste in my mouth.  I am very loopy, which is affecting my work performance.  I am very drowsy.  I zone out frequently.  Sometimes I feel like I am going to throw up.  It's day 3 and I'm wondering when these side effects will cease.  My pharmacist said it takes some people 2-3 weeks, but my doctor said it will take a few days.  I am supposed to increase my dose to 60 mg in a week.  Have any of y'all ever taken this drug for your back issues?  Any advice?   Thank y'all!

[opus88]

hi there sorry for you're unwanted side effects..not easy to deal with!!
I have the same issues with my back and the nerve pain down the legs. I've never tried cymbalta however I've taken neurontin(gabapentin) for abt 5 yrs. its an anticonvulsant and works wonders for this type of nerve pain.
I have a few side effects especially like now when I am increasing the dose(2700 mg now)...feel sort of spacey and yes dry mouth. but otherwise no biggie, these side effects are minor in comparison to the pain...
BTW do you're homework on epidural steroid injections....
best place to find more info on them is the PAIN MANAGEMENT FORUM....
read alot before you go ahead with this treatment, ok
good luck to you

[Jrussbag]

Katie- from my experience (and great spinal specialist) i have chosen not to take any meds and espec not epidurals, as they are temporary and perpetual. I saw 3 spinal specialists, REAL Dr's dont advise you towards an epidural unless it is your last option...think about it- its a needle to your spine, that has temporary effect!
I have DDD and minor herniation on several lower discs. I ruptured a disk about 3yrs ago. It was explained to me that it was actually good since it acted as a pimple would. (when it pops, it relieves pressure internally) With the rupture however, it put pressure on a nerve, caused my calf to weaken (to a limp), thus, a discectomy 4days later to relieve the disc fragment pushing on the nerve..
I suffered mild nerve damage in my calf that causes perpetual fasciculations, especially at night.... which brought me to this thread!
I apprec any advice but i would offer this to all..... it seems the more i utilize the calf and STRETCH regularly the better it is. I know our schedules dont coordinate properly but it helps and it makes sense. Its almost as if my calf is telling me it needs attention. As with any muscular issues in the body, stretching can only help. Try to lean towards exercise bikes and elipticals over running, as running is not good for joints/back. I realized this after my wife convinced me to run NYC marathon! Best of luck, i hope this helps.

[NOLAKatie]

Thank you, both, for your advice.  Since my insurance won't cover the epidural, it is no longer an option.  I guess some things work out for the best.  I am still, however, in a world of pain.  My insurance also wouldn't cover Cymbalta, so after weening myself off of that, I am on Neurontin.  The side effects are intense, but I know I can get through this in a few weeks.  I am so frustrated.  My doctor wants so badly for my pain to go away, but the insurance company could care less.  Surgery seems to be the only remaining option.  Physical therapy did not work and meds don't seem to help with the pain.  The jerking and pain down the back of my legs have improved with the Neurontin, but the severe pain in my lower back won't cease.  I don't mean to use this site to complain.  I just want a solution to this problem.  Is surgery my only hope?  Ironically my father is a retired surgeon and advises against me having surgery, but I feel like I am running out of options.

Jrussbag,
I used to be a ballet dancer (before the back pain) and I am not a stranger to muscular twitching and pain in my legs.  What seemed to help me was using a heating pad before activity and stretching the muscle.  After activity, ice helped.  The heating pad loosens up your muscles and gets you ready for action.  The ice relieved the pain after activity.  I don't know how helpful this advice is to you, but I would try using a heating pad first.

Take care, everyone.

[opus88]

HI again, I am so sorry for all your pain, I can hear the agony ur in.
Have you tried narcotics? My pain was never as severe as yours sounds but never the less were very limiting in what I was able to do. I've been on oxycontin for 6 months now and it does help the back pain and mobility, however I find it doesn't help at all with the leg/thigh pain.
I've also read on the pain forum where TENS machines can do wonders for some people and back pain, have you looked into that?
I'm glad epidural is no longer an option for your sake, and I sure hope surgery is a last resort also.
keep fighting

[sandy8800]

some times when you are on a muscle relaxer for a long period of time it can cause twitting.  I had the same thing i was on flexarill for years and out of the blue i had twittes my pain managment doctor changed my muscle relavxer to soma and two days later the twittes are gone  i hope this helps you

[NOLAKatie]

Dear opus88,

I'm reluctant to take narcotics only because I'm a teacher and I need to be on my A game.  Do you find that these drugs inhibit you mentally at all?  Opus88, thank you so much for your suggestions.  You are really very helpful!  Take care!  

[skeetelmore65]

Hello, I just read all the posts and have some things in commen..the excruciating burning back pain. I was told that I had DDD and arthitis in my L4-L5..It can be so miserable. You can't do anything..but lean against something to get some ease. Temporarily..unfortunately. I had ACD & F Spinal Fusion '06 and 3 ESI's in which were a mistake..bc the first two helped and I was so happy I hugged the doc and told him that I loved him, but the third one tore all of that down..I was lying there w/my face in little hole and they had music blairing in the background and the doc was talking to someone that apparently was helping him that he was taking a trip to LA and he hit something that made my whole body jump. I raised my head and asked what..what what was that? He told me to put my head back down and he studdered and answered with FRICTION. He told me to immmediately sit up and got in my face and asked if I had heavy breathing or was my ears ringing. I just told him that my hands and my feet were numb. They kept me for an hour under deep surveilance..I mean that they paced in front of my door and I had a heart monitor and blood pressure every 5 min. I truly believe they messed me up bad and I would like to know just what happened ...I am still numb in both hands and feet. It is only getting worse since now I have pain everywhere in my body. Actually that is when all the back pain started..HMMM? Of course, they cover their hides with the statute of limitations..conveinient..It is just not fair that they can destroy a persons life so quickly and I worked professional as a Vocalist in Nashville...not anymore. I can't play my guitar. My whole world has been turned upside down. What am I gonna do? Does anyone know. I have the leg pains, especially under my knees...oh...it is terrible. I can't stand for over 5-10 min.my back feels like it is on fire. I run...or should I say limp to the bed to lay down. I stay in the bed a lot..since my pain is still in my neck too. I feel like I am falling apart or should I say have fell apart. Well, I sure hope u get ur symptoms under control. If anyone knows what is going on w/me..I would appreciate it..oh..I do have those leg and arm rls symptoms ...so creepy and you have to stretch all the time..I sure hope u feel better and I will say a prayer 4 u guys...Take care and always GOD BLESS    visit my website that I am just now working on,but it has a lot to say @ docs that leave u hanginng and ur life tooooo    http://skeetelmore65.blogspot.com/

[opus88]

Hi Nola...I wish we could help one another out alot more, our info is pretty darn limited..
I wanted to mention abt the neurontin..most of those side effects will wear down in a few weeks so be patient...
As far as the narcotics..I am on a fairly low dose of oxycontin, and it does help with the back pain,,,as far as inhibiting mentally, there is some fuzziness/forgetfulness/lightheadedness....but quite minor really, and no I don't think mentally I'm any different, just maybe you'd call it slower reactions???
It would be worth a try if you're pain is limiting you're life!!
Just make sure and see a Pain Management Physician (PMP) who can prescribe and monitor the use of these meds for you correctly.

SKEETEL
My God girl...You need to see a good lawyer/doctor combo(apparently there are some)..what that doctor has done to you is inexcusable ....how can they talk and play music when they are dealing with our bodies and in an area that could effect our whole lives???....I am so sorry for your problems and how unnecessary too.
All I can say is its my opinion that this doctor...has seriously injured a nerve in your spine...read up on ESI's and what complictions are possible.

I suggest both of you join the PAIN MANAGEMENT forum....there are many posters there in similar pain and they have sure helped me with many questions...

God bless you both

[opus88]

HI again skeetel, I would also suggest that you go on the ASK A DOCTOR forum and see what they think may have happened.
Have you seen any doctors since that are willing to tell you the truth?