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  • kiopo
    Participant
    Post count: 2

    Hello,

    I had an L5-S1 md around 5 weeks ago on a large left side herniation that was generating back pain, leg pain and some muscle weakness. I also have a herniation at L4-5 on the same side that was left alone. Back pain was completely gone after the surgery, but I did have new numbness and pains (like bad muscle cramps) in the left leg and foot.

    Last week I was gently swimming freestyle as part of the physio programme, and I felt a ‘pop’ in my back with some momentary and mild pain on the opposite side. The closest thing to the sensation I have felt in the past is when I have had lumbar chiro adjustments. Since then I have had mild sciatica symptoms on the opposite (right) side, mainly pain in the hip and S1 distribution thigh and calf, some burning sensations and muscle twitches. My worry is a contralateral herniation, but could this be anything else?

    Thank you

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    Opposite side symptoms can occur from an opposite side herniation but other considerations include a hematoma/seroma (collection of blood or fluid that is compressive after surgery) and an instability (rare) of the operated level causing angular collapse and nerve compression.

    If the symptoms are tolerable and you have some time, see if mother nature can allow some healing. You might ask your surgeon if you would be a candidate for an oral steroid. If you have contralateral motor weakness (see https://neckandback.com/conditions/home-testing-for-leg-weakness/), then this problem needs to be diagnosed with a new MRI.

    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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