I am not certain what you are asking, but I will do the best that I can. I have had this all of my life, but the typical neuropathy symptoms set in in my 30's. From numb toes to numb feet it has progressed until most of the symptoms are at thigh and hip level. My hands and arms are also involved, with numbness and tingling that wakes me at night, and weakness. I walk with a cane. I am 52.

The main thing is to eliminate all treatable causes, if it is related to your back issues can it be treated? If you have exhausted those avenues the next step is to get your pain under control. You will find a lot of advice here, from lifestyle modifications to supplements to medications.

Once your pain is controlled it is possible to have a very"normal" life. I keep house for 5-7 people, cook, do laundry. I have a cleaning woman for heavy jobs and we moved the washer and dryer up from the basement. Stairs are tough and I save them for going up to bed. We leveled the floors so that I don't trip at doorways.

Vacations are different. I have learned that anything that requires stopping and starting- museums, theme parks, airports, is better done with a wheelchair. I can get up and walk when I have to, but it is very important to conserve energy. It is also, paradoxically, important to exercise as tolerated. Some of us notice a definite lessening of the pain in the feet when we are walking.

The phenomena that you describe of the vibrations setting off a flare is another common experience. Riding in a car does that to me.

It does get easier, even if it gets worse. You can come to an uneasy truce with your symptoms and learn to manage them. Knowledge is power. Become as expert as you can, both about your own condition and and about the ways to treat it. Find a doctor who will work with you to maintain the best possible quality of life.

I woke up this morning feeling good. My medication is working well, I wasn't sore from yesterday's physical therapy, and the elephant that has been sitting on my chest all week seems to have lost weight. I was looking forward to playing with the dog, with a base pain level that would have kept me in bed all day ten years ago. We really can cope with an enormous amount of stress if we have to.

Keeping asking questions. People on this forum are really helpful!