Suggest Treatment For Leg Numbness While Having Degenerative Disc Disease

Posted on Sat, 2 Jan 2016

Question: I had a hip replacement in August. I also have degeneration disc in my lower back. lately I have been having a numb feeling in my upper right leg. all if a sudden sometimes it feels like bugs acting up in my leg--like nerves. any ideas? would gabapentin help this? Appreciate your thoughts

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of disc related nerve involvement

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to HCM.

I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Disc disease may lead to numbness and tingling in limbs depending upon level. L2, L3 nerves may involve upper region of thigh region.

Gabapentin , Pregabaline or Amitriptyline may help in these symptoms(since these are prescription drugs you may need to check in with your neurologist before starting)

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Do get back to me for further queries.

Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (9 hours later)

thanks. is this something that will go away on its own? will it go away?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Continue physiotherapy and medications as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You need to do regular physiotherapy for back muscles. Use of pregabalin or gabapentin will help in pain and abnormal sensation.
Visit a neurologist if symptoms increase to get examined for need of repeat imaging or operative intervention.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (9 hours later)

the pain and numbness is in my right upper right thigh above my knee in the right side Left side is good. pain not in back. I had my hip replacement in right side in August.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Take pregabalin or gabapentin

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The possibility of nerve injury during hip surgery is very rare and in presence of degenerative disc diseases first possibility may be nerve compression in back region.
You should take pregabalin or gabapentin for relief.
The symptoms will increase with time.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (17 minutes later)

so you are saying it will increase and not decrease?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Age related changes may occur

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Degenerative disc disease is mostly age related and increases with age but symptoms may well be controlled and abated with regular physiotherapy.
Use of medication may be required for few months only.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (10 hours later)

why all of the sudden do I get a feeling like bugs are stinging in a certain section of my thigh. It comes and goes. thanks in advance

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take medications as advised with physiotherapy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Are you taking pregabalin or gabapentin?
If not, start at low dose with methylcobalamin and physiotherapy.
Nerve irritation leads to such symptoms.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

yes, I take 300mg in morning and afternoon if I remember I take 2 400mg at night. I do sleep good. I take gabapentin. I just started the ones during the day. I have been taking at night. thanks

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Continue same dosage

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I think the doses are sufficient at present.
Wait for 2-3 weeks for full benefits.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D