At 24 years of age, you underwent a microdiscectomy with good results. You have now developed another disc herniation at the same level and I assume the same side. This is not unexpected as another disc herniation at the same location (called a recurrent disc herniation) occurs about 10% of the time.
If you have no motor weakness, chiropractic and physical therapy are very good avenues for treatment. You have responded very well to chiropractic treatment and there should be no worries unless you develop further pain, weakness or bowel/bladder symptoms (which are very rare).
You still have a chance of another disc herniation at the same site but don’t worry about that as there is really nothing you can do to prevent it.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. 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.
