Unfortunately, about 10% of patients will develop new onset lower back pain (LBP) after a herniation or microdiscectomy. This might be due to the annulus (the outside wall of the disc) tearing or the loss of “cushion” (nucleus) shielding against impact. Make sure you don’t have a low-grade infection by P. Acnes (lab tests will help rule that out).
If it is mechanical LBP (no infection or fracture of the facet-which can be diagnosed by the MRI), then rehab, core strengthening and Pilates can be quite helpful. You will have to give it time.
Dr. Corenman