In the meantime, I hope you dont mind me asking another question. 1999-2023 Veritas Health, LLC. The first 3 weeks were rough in terms of inability to walk longer than 20 minutes without tiring, night hip pain and constant incision stiffness. What causes reherniation after microdiscectomy surgery? is a fellowship trained, board certified orthopedic surgeon who has been practicing since 1999 and specializes in complex spinal treatment. Another reason that the pain could be continuing is because of an unsuccessful surgery, which is a risk one takes before undergoing the procedure. By 6 weeks post-surgery, most patients discontinue pain medication, however, it is still possible to have painful flare-ups or stiffness that requires medication. You may need oral steroids. Be sure to check in with your healthcare provider before starting this exercise to ensure it is safe for you to do after your lumbar laminectomy and discectomy surgery. Is there a way to increase my physical fitness before work, so that the chance of having pain during the workday stays minimal? (pain radiating down the back of the leg) after total discectomy, another discmay have become herniated. C7-T1 Post operative pain - Neurology Pain Around Belly Button | 10 Belly . I have not spoken with him since right before my surgery that a.m. in the operating room. Even though the nerve is injured at the spine, it feels like the pain is coming from the . One possible source of this type of secondary nerve irritation is piriformis syndrome, which refers to issues with a muscle deep within the buttocks called the piriformis muscle. One reason for continued pain even after a discectomy could be a misdiagnosis. Sciatica pain starting 3 weeks after discectomy. I had L5S1 ALIF fusion 10 days ago. Standing, walking, swimming wasn't a big issue, however sitting down was . Thank you for choosing Dr. Corenman as your healthcare provider. Thank you for choosing Dr. Corenman as your healthcare provider. For example, your surgeon may perform a lumbar microdiscectomy to remove the herniated portionof a lumbar discin your lower back. Before going home,someone will instruct youon how to care for the incision site, along with activities to avoid. wound pain. Stopping halfway because you are feeling better, or quitting early on for other reasons, could result in a relapse of pain that causes you to need additional medical treatment. If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-288-7474. To get the full experience of this website, AtTheSpine Center, were dedicated to providing you with high quality, personalized back and neck care. Contact us today with any questions about these surgeries, or find a surgeon near you who is trained in Inspired Spine methods. If your doctor prescribesmedicationfor you to help with pain or inflammation,take it asprescribed. A discectomy,sometimes called apercutaneous discectomyorlumbar discectomy, involvesremoving the herniated portion of the intervertebral disc (the nucleus pulposus)that is pressing on thenerve or spinal cord. About 2 weeks after lumbar microdiscectomy, most patients begin to experience significantly less pain and higher energy level. In addition to those resulting directly from the surgery itself or a spine injury, these lifestyle choices can increase ones likelihood for reherniation after microdiscectomy: As you can see, patient compliance plays a major role in ensuring ahealthier, more completerecoveryafter undergoing a lumbar microdiscectomy procedure. Obviously, I need to do a fresh MRI with gadolinum to discover whats truly happening. This is quite normal and should not be cause for alarm. is surgery that creates space by removing the lamina, the back part of the vertebrae that covers your spinal cord. Sleeping on your stomach or flat on your back puts significant stress on your spine. The great thing is that there is NO pain in my back!!!! Right after your procedure, any numbness will likely not be any cause for concern. Althougha minimally invasive procedureisoften considered the best practice for dealing with damaged spinal tissue, no surgery is completely without risk. Your plan is good. Acute pain is more likely the result of recurrent disc herniation following a shift in weight distribution across the vertebral levels. The most common reason to have a microdiscectomy is to alleviate nerve pain that has not resolved within a reas. Ususally, movement of the low back reproduces pain in the buttock. Can;t wait until Monday a.m. to call his office again. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books. A herniated disc may cause pressure on a nerve, resulting in intense pain in the buttocks and hip area and radiating pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg, a condition called sciatica. The Best IOL for 2022 RXSight Light Adjusted Lens, Will refractive surgery such as LASIK keep me out of glasses all my life. Christopher J. Bergin, M.D. There are other possible reasons for pain after a laminectomy, discectomy or a microdiscectomy. And although recovery from lumbar microdiscectomy is quicker and less painful than more invasive types of back surgery, youwillstill need to take some precautions. For example, in addition to the herniated disc that was treated with a microdiscectomy, you might also have nerve irritation related to inflammation near the sciatic nerve. According to a study in the Journal of Neurosurgery, outpatient microdiscectomy is 75 to 80 percent effective at eliminating sciatica pain caused by disc herniation. IV pain medication is stronger than oral but you obviously can not be on an IV drip outside of the hospital without some prearranged licensed care. The best way to avoid pain and other issues after surgery is to choose a procedure that has minimal risk. There was an immediate relief to my back pain. A burning sensation after spine surgery can be the direct result of these muscles and ligaments repairing themselves during the healing process. The most common is inflammation. https://neckandback.com/conditions/peripheral-nerve-anatomy-neck/. Was able to walk longer, and had almost no pain, except for the incision site stiffness. For patients experiencing nerve pain from a herniated or bulging vertebral disc, significant weakness and numbness can result in the legs and buttock areas that correspond with the pinched nerve. All I feel is the tightness in my hamstrings, no stabbing pain like before. Lumbar Decompression Back Surgery. My back was inflamed afterwards, and I had some hip pain the following day, but I didnt think much of it, because those episodes happened during my previous recovery and would resolve with rest>rest in 2 days max. Although its important to take it easy and rest, you need to maintain some level of activity at home. One reason your leg may still hurt after microdiscectomy surgery is because of the way compression can affect nerve roots. Much like anytype ofback surgery, your body needs to be active afteralumbar microdiscectomy to encourage blood flow and to help strengthen and stretch muscles that support your back. Additionally, he is very active in the Global Spine Outreach, an international initiative that provides treatment for Cali, Colombia children with spinal deformities. On the other hand, be careful not to overdo it. As was mentioned earlier, the type of surgical technique used during the initial procedure and type of herniation strongly influence whether or not there will be a recurrence. Yes, a swollen nerve can mimic the same, but less severe pain from the herniated disc. Although most patients enjoy noticeable pain relief immediately following the surgery, nerve recovery after a lumbar discectomy is dependent on a variety of factors. Could this new pain be a sign of a still existing compression, or is the nerve just saying hello, I am alive? Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 18 total). It depends upon the caliber, velocity, distance from the muzzle and the path of the bullet. My health is my most important concern, will just have to see how things go. All rights reserved. Additionally, he is very active in the Global Spine Outreach, an international initiative that provides treatment for Cali, Colombia children with spinal deformities. Though I had no pain in this right buttock area post surgery, I did have numbness and tingling. I am still having burning pins and needles in my ankle and lower leg even though the nerve is no compressed. Also, other tests, such as the slump test and straight leg raise, are positive for pain in the buttock. I would say be patient and gently perform hamstring stretches (which is the main exercise that stretches the sciatic nerve) GENTLY to try and cautiously squeeze the edema out of the nerve root. Could it be that the nerve is just waking up and healing? an infection in . Stronger painkillers, such as opioids, are typically used in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Christopher J. Bergin, M.D. As fellowship-trained physicians with over, treating spinal conditions, we offer patient recommendations for treatment, including conservative care, non-operativetreatment, and sophisticated, customized surgical solutions. What follows is a snapshot of life after a microdiscectomy, along with common microdiscectomy recovery mistakes that everypostoperativepatient should avoid. In the days and weeks after surgery your body needs time to repair the incision. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Instead, take up walking, swimming, or another low-impact form of exercise. The bones help protect the cord . Our physicians serve as innovators in technology, actively participate in national and international research studies, and areatthe forefront of medical knowledge. Living with a pinched nerve causing both leg and buttock pain can be agonizing. I want to write about my lifestyle, pain levels, routine, and how things are generally going two years after my microdiscectomy. 1.1 Recurrent lumbar disc herniation. This is called recurrent disk herniation. trained physicians with over 50 years of experience, treating spinal conditions, we offer patient recommendations for treatment,including conservative care, non-operative treatment, and sophisticated, customized surgical solutions. "Endoscopic microdiscectomy is the modern approach to repair herniated discs," Dr. Liu states. , the top reason for leg pain after a microdiscectomy or similar decompression procedure is an incorrect initial diagnosis. For editorial comments and questions, you can reach Dr. Bergin via email. I haven't worked since the end of May and my time from work that I have available to remain off work and not lose my job is getting real close. Thus, we know there is a 3-6% risk of a recurrent disc problem happening after lumbar discectomy surgeries. A new treatment, Barricaid, which is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, was specifically designed to close the large hole often left in the spinal disc after microdiscectomy. With it being the weekend, I am in limbo!!!! During this surgery, your surgeon removes your damaged disk to relieve pressure on your nerves. Galvanic current has long duration impulses selections that can be used to stimulate dennervated muscles. Prescription non-compliance can cause side effects and other consequences that place your health and wellbeing at risk. This surgery uses smaller cuts (incisions) than an open lumbar discectomy. Generally, herniated disc surgery recovery is relatively quick, with a high success rate. These can include: blood loss. The "no pain, no gain" adage does not apply," Dr. Liu says. If the nerve is still irritated or swollen, there can still be pain present, greater on the side of the prior herniation. Any activity (like walking) can stretch the root. Symptoms are generally more severe than inflammation above but dont necessarily have to be. Disc degeneration and herniation are common back problems leading to surgery. These patients may benefit from a minimally invasive surgery called microdiscectomy, which is considered the gold standard surgical treatment for disc herniation. This compression is most often the result of a herniated lumbar disc. This review, with the help of a case study, provides a detailed account of the possible biopsychosocial risk factors underlying piriformis muscle syndrome, post discectomy. Although symptoms are varied and can become more severe with movement, they typically include: Leg pain and weakness Mild to severe pain in the lower back or buttock area Feelings of numbness or tingling in the leg or foot By ignoring the pain, you mayalso be neglectinga serious issue that could cause long-term damage. i was so confused and lost about which procedure i should treat my back pain with.Dr.Corenman is just so kind to make time from his schedule to help me :')! Spinal discs are gel-filled capsules located between the spine's bony vertebrae. How to best prepare for it, if there is a way? so i received the microdiscectomy on march 12 of last year. Back pain can grow progressively worse and more disabling, depending on the cause. Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 74 total). As fellowship-trained physicians with over50 years of experiencetreating spinal conditions, we offer patient recommendations for treatment, including conservative care, non-operativetreatment, and sophisticated, customized surgical solutions. Microdiscectomy Candidates In NYC Similarly, a thinned-out and stretched- out annulus place the patient at higher risk for reherniation, along with a wide incision of the annulus during surgery. Unfortunately, this microdiscectomy recovery time depends on many factors, including the patients general health, the speed of tissue recovery, the success of the procedure, etc., so the actual herniated disc surgery recovery time can be longer. Return to light work duties when you are able. Next Page: Recovering from surgery to correct a herniated spinal disc is no time to sit "back" and relax. "Clinical studies indicate that patients who engage as soon as possible in stretching, conditioning exercises that help strengthen back muscles and who participate in low-impact, aerobic exercises like walking, biking or swimming actually return to their normal, daily activities more quickly," Dr. Liu says. Ive been reading through many of these questions and respons 38 year old male, 5'8 165 pounds. Or is it normal after this kind of surgery and will resolve on its own? Its been 4 months post surgery, but my pain status varies and fluctuates day to day. Surgery went well. If youhave diabetes, practice good blood glucose management. Buttock pain after a minimally invasive keyhole discectomy procedure is most often nerve-related. I, also, had a discectomy done due to a severe herniation in lower L4/L5. You will beaskedto keep theareaclean and to cover it while bathing or showering. Also known as spinal decompression surgery, laminectomy enlarges your spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and is typically performed on patients with severe symptoms or those with symptoms that are worsening dramatically. Post-Surgery Inflammation Shortly after a discectomy or a less invasive microdiscectomy is completed, you may not immediately notice any pain until the anesthesia wears off. I have a sitting job, 3 hours total commuting per day. I will keep going with my phyisical therapy, perform gentle stretches additionally and contact my surgeon again if things havent improved after 12 weeks? Your backbone, or spinal column, is made up of a chain of bones called the vertebrae. The cause of it depends on your original back problem and what type of back surgery you had. Some pain in the back or buttock region post-op is completely normal. How long ago did you have your surgery? Did I herniated my disc again by starting to walk and even drive too soon after the surgery -- the next day? Thank you for input on this. In this article, we are going to walk through the potential causes of buttock pain after spinal discectomy surgery. Get Veritas Health Newsletters delivered to your inbox. This site is for educational purposes only; no information is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Can't wait to try the steroid pack. However, two days after the long walk, I developed buttock nerve pain in my right side, the very side that was compromised before surgery. In some cases, a reherniation might present in the form of back pain up to two years after a microdiscectomy. The disc may press on the spinal nerves and cause pain and numbness in the buttock and leg. Herniation can occur due to back injuries, undue spinal stress from heavy lifting or participation in sports, and even the normal aging process as the spinal discs dry out and become more brittle, forcing a disc's outer membrane to crack and its inner core material to ooze out. They prevent vertebrae from rubbing together and help maintain spine flexibility. Hi guys, Exactly 1 week ago I had a microdiscectomy on l4/l5 to remove s herniated disc crushing my spinal cord. Lumbar discectomy is a type of surgery to fix a disc in the lower back. Now considered the gold standard treatment forremovingherniated lumbar disc tissue, a microdiscectomy procedure is an ultra-precise method that requires only atinyincisioncausing minimal disruption to surrounding healthy tissue. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomyduring the same operationand doesnt require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. Sciatica is the type of pain that originates in your lower back and typically radiates down one or both of your legs. Our physicians serve as innovators in technology,actively participate in national and international research studies,and are on the forefront of medical knowledge. We have asolidcommitment to excellence in diagnosing and treating spinal injuries and conditions spanning all age groups. Asa patient,thereare five classicsymptomsto watch for: When experiencingrecurrent discreherniation, a patient might also report pain in a different location, intensity, orrelated tophysical activity. Results: Successful lumbar decompression or discectomy and absence of distal foraminal entrapment was . Special caution must be exercised for patients who have decreased skin sensation at the surgical site and/or pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes. Jogging isnot recommendedwhen you havedisc herniation. Usually, patients are discharged either the same day or the day after their surgery. As with any form of surgery, laminectomy carries a risk of some side effects. A herniated disc may cause pressure on a nerve, resulting in intense pain in the buttocks and hip area and radiating pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg, a condition called sciatica. Most disc herniation occurs in the lumbar spine, causing debilitating pain in your buttocks, thigh, and calf areas and is referred to as sciatica. version of the surgerythatcan be performed on various parts of the spine. The management of a re-herniated disc is much like the primary disc prolapse. It is one of the most common spinal surgeries performed to alleviate back and leg pain, offering 90 to 95% of patients who undergo the procedure of significant pain relief. When the root swells, some return of symptoms can be expected. However, some patients may have lingering leg painone of the classic symptoms associated with spinal nerve irritationafter. Areherniationafter microdiscectomymay occur in the immediate postoperative period, a few weeks to few months after the surgery, orwithinyears following the surgery. Discectomy, or microdiscectomy, is a procedure during which the surgeon removes a small portion of the disc that is compressing the nerve. PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. While it is hoped that any accompanying back pain . . To alleviate any concerns you might have, your surgeonwillcover any potential complicationsbeforethe procedure. Just to mention, even before surgery, I never had much leg pain. On occasion, after activity, this fluid pocket can expand and cause pressure symptoms. Finding the actual source of your discomfort following an initial microdiscectomy may involve: Specialized nerve tests Diagnostic injections to see if numbing other nerves in the same area relieves your leg pain Discussing your symptoms in greater detail Image diagnostics or procedures such as using a special dye to track nerve pathwaysThere May Be a Secondary Pain SourceLeg pain stemming from a spine-adjacent nerve may still continue after surgery if a secondary source is causing discomfort. NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or other medications may be used to continue managing pain after opioids are discontinued. The movements you notice that increase symptoms all stretch the nerve root so this would be expected for 4-12 weeks. By using this Site you agree to the following, By using this Site you agree to the following, Postoperative alif fusion pain in back of both legs, I have severe left hip and groin pain after a fusion. Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure with an outstanding track record for relieving pain. Theymay alsorecommenda diagnostic nerve root injection in cases whenan initialclinical diagnosis isnot evident. "Research has shown that microdiscectomy has a success rate as high as 90 percent in alleviating nerve pressure and eliminating pain," Dr. Liu says. For patients with strenuous or physically demanding jobs,waiting three months or longer before resuming physical work activities is the norm. that are efficient and professional, deliveredwith integrity and honesty in a cohesive, family-like environment. If that treatment is not effective, depending upon symptom severity, I will order an MRI. Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Its just a sort of sensitivity I havent had since the surgery. While rare, this can happen within the surgical site where the microdiscectomy was performed. However, if you have lingering pain for days after your doctor told you it should be subsiding or the pain is getting worse, you should letthemknow. Good night. Went ahead with microdiscectomy and surgery was successful. Start taking short walks around the house or the yard; climb stairs if you can do so without pain. The lumbar laminectomy may be one option. I still have the same foot pain as before surgery. Burning sensations can also be the result of nerve issues in the spine. Spinal discectomy surgery is a minimally invasive keyhole procedure in which a surgeon removes all or part of a disc in the patients spine. Dr. Liu also suggests that patients continue the herniated disc surgery recovery process by walking short distances during the first couple weeks after surgery and gradually building endurance until they can walk two to three miles a day. Will let you kow how things go. Inspired Spine has pioneered minimally invasive keyhole spinal procedures that are revolutionizing the world of surgery.