Ask an Expert: Severe muscle cramps in legs and thighs

Spine and Back Health

Severe muscle cramps in legs and thighs
06/03/2011

Question:

My sister had minor back surgery last year. About four-six months after the surgery she developed severe leg and thigh cramps. Nothing seems to help. They are getting gradually worse. What do you suggest?

Answer:

Hello, thank you for your question. It is simply impossible for me to make any suggestions for your sister without a great deal more information, including information about her physical examination, history, etc. In my humble opinion there is no such thing as "minor" back surgery (and I'm a spine surgeon!). I think the most obvious place to start would be for her to go back to see her surgeon so s/he can try to determine what might be wrong. If upir sister has moved or cannot see her previous surgeon she should seek a consultation with a spine specialist where she lives now. Good luck.

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Response by:

David J Hart, MD
Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University