[Connie]

#9261

Hello, I had surgery 8 weeks ago for a fragmented disc l5. It’s the 4th disc on left side thats herniated in 3 years with no explanation other than bad luck. I received steroid injections and PT. This was the first to fragment. The surgery went well thanks to my skilled surgeon but I have new back pain that persist. I can’t sit for more than ten minutes before a pressure sensation starts in my spine. I also feel like an ice pick is stabbing me 3 inches above the area of incision. Sometimes it feels like my spine is locking up and the little range if motion I have goes away. By the end of day I’m left with spasms, back and butt pain. A post op MRI showed no nerve compression, all looks great according to surgeon. How long will this last? I start PT in 3 weeks but can you suggest a stretch to help? I’m back to work and I drive and fly regularly. Will I at some point be able to tolerate sitting? How can I strengthen my core muscles to better support my body without “BLT” myself into more trouble. Many thanks in advance for your reply.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#9263

Lower back pain can persist after a disc herniation but the chances of long term lower back pain are only about 10%. It does take 3-6 months for resolution of this lower back pain. Core strength is important and I generally recommend Pilates through a well trained therapist.

I normally start PT one week after microdisc surgery. You might ask your surgeon if you can start sooner than the current planned start date.

Dr. Corenman

[Author]

Posts