Dear Dr Corenman,
I had an L5-S1 microdiscectomy mid-July. My recovery was textbook, and at the 3-month follow up with my surgeon, I told him that the operation had been transformative. (I had experienced periods of nerve firing/twinges, but at around the 10-week mark something happened and I felt great for the first time in 18 months.)
3 days after the surgeon follow-up, I had a physio appointment with my long-time physio during which I was asked to lift a 16kg kettlebell in a ‘deadlift’ position. I intrinsically trust my physio and they have been so helpful prior and post surgery. I am a slight individual (not weak, but not heavily muscled either). Since this lift, I have not been feeling anywhere near as good. I should have refused to do it. My recovery has gone so well, and I would never have wanted to do anything to jeopardise that. So I am angry with myself for following instruction.
I now have niggling pains in my gluteus medius and a dull, but not constant, ache in the outer thigh. (Similar symptoms to prior to the surgery, but certainly not as intense – a ‘2 or 3’ on the pain scale rather than an 8 or 9.
This was now 2.5 weeks ago. Should any strain/sprain have gone by now from an over-exerted muscle during that lift? Should I be worried about a reherniation? What would you do in my position?
With many thanks for your time and expertise.