Herniation and loss of disc at L4-L5 level due to advanced DDD.

My disc herniated in 2006,  since age 14, I have had chiropractic care in all 3 areas of the spine.  My low back has always been the worst for symptoms pain etc.  My 1st MRI in 2006 showed significant loss of the disc, and central herniation.  The bulge was listed as minimal since there wasn't much left to be pushed out.  I had emg's done at the time that were normal for my legs.  In recent months I have had increasing burning in both legs and feet, and numbness and tingling.  It comes and goes.  For awhile now, when I walk, and if I continue walking without stopping my legs get weird.  It is as if hey feel heavy, wobbly, uncoordinated, and I probably look like I have palsy or something like it.  This has also worsened recently, where it comes on sooner than it used to.  If I lie down and try to lift my legs by bending at the knee they wobble and jerk all over.  They also quiver alot if I try to point my toes and bring my ankle back to a 90 degree position.  This is whether I do it lying down, or try to raise up on the balls of my feet while standing.  My foot and ankle are quivering. What is this, and why does it happen if I keep walking?  I am getting new MRI's today of cervical and lumbar.  I have issues in neck also causing arm and hand issues.  This is as a prerequisit to seeing a neurosurgeon.  Do they let your spine fuse naturally or is that not usually an option?  I am 51 and haven't worked since 2003.  Thanks for any input.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Herniated disc can cause the symptoms you describe. It may be related to the pain itself or can be the result of injury to the nerve (i.e., weakness and/or sensory changes), which can worsen as you continue to exercise/walk. What did your new MRIs show?

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[candrews223]

I had my MRI's done yesterday.  Last ones were 2006 and 2008.  The symptoms I described seem to be worsening as far as weakness and tremors.  I think it is mainly my Quads and may involve moving my lower leg backwards.  I walk like Frankenstein.  No increased pain at the time.  I have been having burning sensations more often and in it varies in location.  I have been having pain in both sides of my buttocks and it goes into the top of the back of the thigh and skips to the outside of the calf muscle down  the lateral side to around my ankle bone.  My main concern is permanent nerve damage, and surgery being my only option to avoid that.  Thus losing my ability to walk.  My neck has its own issues, and I will be looking into that more also.  I really appreciate your taking the time to do this for people looking for answers.  It is hard to get this from the actual physicians you are seeing a lot of the time.