Severe foot pain

I had a spinal fusion L5-S1 in 2003, and have had two other surgerys in the following years. One to remove the hardware and the other was exploratory. This is 2011 and I live in severe pain still. Last year I had spinal injections for pain management with no relief at all. Now I am developing severe foot pain in both feet. This pain is so severe at times I can not walk or sleep at night. My feet hurt so bad I can not flex them or move them at all. The doctor that did the spinal surgery released me a year and a half ago saying there was nothing more he could do for me! I do not know where to turn or what doctor to go too. I am only 50 years old and want an active life but can not walk! Can anyone help me?

[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.

I am sorry to hear about your constant pain. There is a condition that may result post back surgery called failed back surgery. It usually occurs in patients who do not have clinical or imaging evidence of nerve compression. Or it may be a result of 1) the surgery not removing all of the herniated disc, 2) postoperative inflammation/scarring, 3) surgery at the wrong spinal level, 4) muscle spasm or 5) psychosocial issues. Treatment would include re-operation (if indicated/allowed), chronic pain intervention, rehabilitation, and/or neuropathic medications.

It sounds like you have explored the chronic pain option. Have you been to physical therapy? If not, I would highly recommend this. You will also need to follow up with your pain specialist.

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