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Conditions and Diseases > Back Pain Forum > Post disectomy re-herniation & damaged nerve
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Q: Post disectomy re-herniation & damaged nerve
asked by: ashleej501 on November 1st, 2008
New User
I am 28, female, with a family history of herniated discs. Until last year, I ran 20-30 miles / week, along with other workout programs including pilates.

My back went out in November, 2007. I had a herniation at L5-S1. I have had 3 steriod epidurals, all of which provided minor temporary relief. I did about 25 decompressions treatments, which also did not provide much relief.

April 30, 2008 I had a discectomy. The procedure went well. I recovered ahead of schedule for the first month or two. Then I started to relapse.

About a month ago, they discovered that I have a new bulge at the same disc, L5-S1. I had a emg that determined that my sciatic nerve is very damaged. I had a discogram 2 days ago and am still waiting for the results.

Currently, I have a constant throbbing down my left leg from my sciatic nerve damage. I can not straighten my left leg. I can do normal daily activities. But the throbbing is slightly painful (nothing compared to pre-surgery) and my movements are pretty limited.

I am new to this forum and just wanted to see if anybody our there has had any similar experiences. I would love to hear your stories and advice. Thanks! Ashlee
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leewiz
replied on November 3rd, 2008
Experienced User
In a new review of 14 previous clinical trials, researchers found that in general, patients who received exercise therapy after surgery for a slipped disc got over their pain and physical limitations sooner. And a report from the North American Spine Society notes that formal physical therapy may maximize your recovery. They also note that recurrent disc herniation has been shown to occur in
approximately 5% to 10% of open discectomy cases.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fu llstory_70392.html
http://www.spine.org/Documents/open_discec tomy_2006.pdf

Are you currently in PT?
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ashleej501
replied on November 3rd, 2008
New User
Off and on. The surgery was 6 months ago. I did formal pt for a couple months. Then continued the program at home. But it irritates my sciatic nerve and my leg will throb for 2 days after every session.

Currently, I do a few things at home a couple times a week. It's very discouraging. Everytime I do an exercise, I hurt from it. I can't even straighten my leg due to the nerve damage. I try to ride a stationary bike once a week, but even that irritates it.

Prior to injury, I was very active. I ran 20-30 miles a week. I did pilates. I lifted weights. I would love to get back to that, but I am very discouraged.
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rooted
replied on November 7th, 2008
Supporter
Sorry to hear about these complications! What muscles or group of muscles did your PT try to target? Sometimes, tight piriformis muscles can aggravate the sciatica nerve and it does well to stretch the muscles of the pelvis to enhance joint movement and eliminate pinching. Slowly and gently strengthening your lower back muscles can help. Are you still in touch with your Pilates teacher? Will insurance cover more PT?
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mand11
replied on January 11th, 2009
New User
post disectomy
hi, Had disectomy six months ago but pain back with a vengeance, in left leg and foot.. same as before. waiting for a scan but dont want another op.. really frightened. how was your second op? have you recovered ok?
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ioannis1
replied on January 21st, 2009
New User
a question?
Hi, I'm about to have the same surgery and I'm now having second thoughts. Have you heard of anyone making a complete recovery?
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Steelhorse55
replied on September 8th, 2009
New User
Post op back pain from L5-Si Discectomy
Stay away from the second surgery, stick with P/T and core strengthening excersises along with OTC NSAID's (Aleve, Ibuprofen, X-strength Tylenol). Think about Accupunture and deep muscle massage.
These thing don't make the problem go away, but make them tolerable, with time you will feel better.
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bassdrumer
replied on September 24th, 2009
New User
19 y.o with disc herniation
My son is 19 y.o with an L-5/S-1 large disc herniation. The PT says he will know in 4-6 sessions whether he can help. My son says after 2 sessions it is helping. He told him to swim 4-5 days a week and/or walk in pool. I went to the surgeon today who told me PT is a waste of time. He said the only way PT helps is if nerve gets used to disc material whereas PT said he can reduce the volume of disc material and get the nerve to move away from disc material.
The surgeon said the real complication not talked about is residual low back pain after surgery up to 15% risk. Can someone tell me more about this? why does this happen if he does not have back pain now and how debilitating is this? Thanks so much for your help. I wish you the best and hope you find the way to low to no pain soon.
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