Originally Posted by
LGHT
...
As far as a pinched nerve what level of weakness would I have to see before I would consider that? This is the first leg workout I've done in a long time and outside of this workout I really haven't noticed my left leg being weak. When I ride, walk, hike, climb stairs etc. I just found it odd that the leg is a lot more sore than the right which would lead me to believe it's a lot weaker. I'll do some research on the topic for sure. I have my annual coming up and I think they do an EKG so I'll ask the doc about it to see if that would show any signs.
I'm not sure that there is any specific level of weakness that indicates one thing or another. But an unexplained weakness can have one of two causes: either weak muscles or a weak signal getting to those muscles. The weak signal in turn can have two primary causes: either the brain region responsible for generating the signal is damaged or the wiring that transmits that signal to the muscles is damaged.
If exercises such as those suggested in this thread resolve the problem then it was probably due to a muscle weakness. If not, then it is probably due to a weak signal coming from the central or peripheral nervous systems. The primary way of diagnosing those problems is with a nerve conduction study -- where they stick electrified needles into your nerves and muscles and measure the conductive capabilities of those nerves and the effect on the muscles. I would try the exercises first -- even if they do leave you "crying for mommy"...