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Neurology (Expert Forum)
4 months post microdiscetomy and still experiencing pain!!
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4 months post microdiscetomy and still experiencing pain!!
by belikelance, Apr 29, 2006 12:00AM
I had a double microdiscetomy (L5-S1 and L4-L5) back on Dec. 21. Since then, I have been slowly improving. But the pain in my back continues, and I have not yet returned to training. I am a competetive road cyclist and was hoping to race this summer. I am also a high school teacher, so I am on my feet for at elast 6 to 8 hours a day. I cannot ride for longer than 30 minutes without being in pain later in the day. The pain is mostly in the area of the surgery, although occationally it will travel down the back of my leg, but not past the knee. Also, I have been experiencing pain on the non-problematic side of my back as well.
I have three questions.
1. When will the pain stop and allow me to train again?!!!
2. Should I be concerned about the pain on the non-problematic side?
3. Is there anything else other than taking pain meds that I can do to help speed the healing?
I have three questions.
1. When will the pain stop and allow me to train again?!!!
2. Should I be concerned about the pain on the non-problematic side?
3. Is there anything else other than taking pain meds that I can do to help speed the healing?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, May 01, 2006 12:00AM
Unfortunately I cannot answer question 1
I don't know why you had the surgery but microdiscectomy is indicated for small focal disc protrusions that are thought to be causing neurological disability or severe pain. They mst be small or it will not work. It takes time for the wound to heal, and there may be assocaited muscle injury or strain also.
I would suggest seeing a sports medicine specialist as you are a comeptitive athlete, as well as pain meds a graded physical therapy program will be just as important. Standing 6-8 hours a day will not help too much either, sitting down for some of that may help.
Good luck
I don't know why you had the surgery but microdiscectomy is indicated for small focal disc protrusions that are thought to be causing neurological disability or severe pain. They mst be small or it will not work. It takes time for the wound to heal, and there may be assocaited muscle injury or strain also.
I would suggest seeing a sports medicine specialist as you are a comeptitive athlete, as well as pain meds a graded physical therapy program will be just as important. Standing 6-8 hours a day will not help too much either, sitting down for some of that may help.
Good luck
But start with consulting your surgeon.