muscle fasiculation post discectomy

Approximately 5 months after microdiscectomy l5,s1 for ruptured disc, I developed muscle fasiculations in affected leg with muscle cramping. The twitching can be seen below the knee all the time. The muscle cramps occur usually below knee with the foot locked and difficult to place foot flat. This is very painful until I place foot flat. I am awaken from sound sleep and have broken a couple of teeth due to pain and clinching my jaw until I can stop cramp. I had MRI around 8 months post-op-no significant findings. I had EMG  about a year post surgery and showed neuropathy both legs worse on affected leg. I am now 3 years post surgery and continue to have fasiculations and muscle cramps that occur 5-6 times a month. What advise can you offer?

[boneman]

This may not be any help, but have you considered the possibility that the fasiculations and cramp might be coincidental to the discectomy? Even though neuropathy has been demonstrated, there could be other parallel processes at work.
I am an osteopath, but somewhat ironically have a history of back problems myself. I was suffering the identical symptoms to you, though perhaps not quite so bad. I had been taking statins for about four to five years, and during this time had been getting progressively stiffer legs, culminating in the severe cramps and fasiculations. Talking to patients, I realised I was not alone, and about two months ago, after much investigation and thought, I stopped my statins. The symptoms abated within 24-48 hrs, and have not returned.At least two of my patients have had a similar experience.
I must emphasise to everyone reading this - NEVER STOP TAKING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING YOUR MEDICAL ADVISOR - but this is an avenue to consider, especiallyif you have ruled out everything else, and of course if you are taking statins in the first place! Naturally, if you suffer from severe high choesterol, this would have to be dealt with in some way, and this should take precedence over finding an answer to the cramps.
Don't listen to anyone who advises you to take salt tablets - it won't help.

[Campiana]

I have this SAME thing!  I am 10 months post-op.  I had an extruded L5-S1 that resulted in calcified fragments impinging the S1 nerve root.  All I ever experienced prior to sx was sciatica, but little by little I am developing fasiculations, weakness in hip abductors, SEVERE calf cramps, and plantar flexor weakness (primarily gastroc).  I think this is what is causing the calf cramping - the gastroc isn't working as well and the peroneals and posterior tib are taking the brunt of all the plantar flexion.  

So what does this mean?  Is this just typical nerve regeneration?  Do I just continue to focus on strengthening the hips and calves or is there something more serious going on here that I should focus on before it gets worse?  I don't have any pain with any of this (other than the calf cramps).  Any neuro specialist recommendations would be exteremely appreciated!  

And to make this extra tricky - about a month ago I developed this nifty little thing where extending my toes (but not dorsiflexing the ankle) makes my piriformis contract.  If you can figure that out I'd be really interested!