[aaslakson]

#34655

Hello-
I am 5-6 weeks post L5/S1 microdisctectomy for what the surgical notes indicated was a large herniation. Was in a lot of pain 9-10/10, neurological deficits, and muscle weakness prior.

Overall, things are going okay. I started PT at 2.5 weeks which was okay, the week 3.5 appointment some exercises were added that I think caused some discomfort. I have stopped those and just continued my walking and some of the lighter stretches that PT gave me.

For the most part I am doing okay pain wise, but for the past week or so, my calf has been bothering me. A little achy and painful. Flares up some when walking on the treadmill, but isn’t constant. Flares up some when sitting on a hard chair. My left calf (surgical side) is very atrophied. It is tender to the touch up by the attachment at the knee. Do you think this is indicative of a healing nerve root still? Or a nerve root that was irritated with some of the PT exercises? Also should note that I get achy feeling in my left hip occasionally when sitting in a hard chair.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#34656

Inflammation can take as long as 2 weeks to occur and can continue when the root is stretched. You might find it helpful to ask you surgeon for a short course of oral steroid. Be patient for recovery but try the steroid.

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.

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