Hello everyone! :wave:

Can someone here tell me if 'footdrop' automatically means there is neural compression somewhere in the lumbar spine?

Thanks for your help,

L :)

Yes, you have a neural compression.
You need surgery as soon as you can.

Foot drop is serious, my pain only went to my knee & never got to the foot. see a good doctor, dont' rush into surgery, mine was fixed with physical therapy. There are many other options before surgery. There are no guarantees with back surgery, and it should be your last option.

Hi :wave:

Thank you both for the advice - it is much appreciated.

L :)

Hi. I cannot answer your question, but I can tell you my story. I ruptured a disc at L4/L5 with a free fragment resting on the nerve. I wound up with drop foot which came on all of a sudden - I simply couldn't lift my toes nor lift my leg very high, and was dragging my foot behind me. I needed crutches, so had a microdiskectomy to remove fragment off nerve. Immediately, I could lift my toes again and regained strength in my leg, but leg is still numb and in pain at two weels post op. I was told I had a 75% chance of regaining my leg, 50% chance if I waited any longer. I was in pain for 6 months prior to this latest back bought, and for 2 years prior to that. I can tell you it is frightening to lose the use of your leg. I really couldn't walk anymore, and was at my wits end, so did the surgery. I did not do any PT this time around only because the slightest movement caused sharp pain, so I couldn't do my regular back stretches. If PT helps, and you can do it, by all means try it. Surgery is a last resort.

You're quite welcome, check with a doctor & if they surgery immediately, at least get a second opinion & ask if PT or something else may be helpful.