Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Fragmented disc problems (L5/S1) query about surgery and reversible nerve healing

Hi

I have recently been diagnosed via an MRI as having a herniated disc (L5/S1) which has retracted some what but perhaps in the process a fragment has detached and continues to press on the s1 nerve. That in itself is causing me most distress as have cicra 30% altered sensation in my foot (mild numbness outer left; intermittent hot spots radiating; cramp feeling in my last 3 toes; occasional sciatica in my left leg; uncomfortable sensation in my left glut). I was told by the Reg that there’s a great chance any surgery to remove the fragment / repair the disc may prove to be non beneficial as the nerve feeling I have now could be permanent nerve damage. I feel quite helpless as no one seems to know conclusively but logically I would expect that if the fragment is removed, it may help improve but perhaps certainly prevent any further degradation? Can nerves recover, fully or otherwise?
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I so am dealing with sciatica caused by L5/S1 disc bulge. Attack occurred with little warning(Only mild knee pain and leg pain). Ended work day with those symptoms and followed usual routine before retiring to bed early. Awoke 10:30 pm to the worst pain in my life(This also includes time when I had a Fragmented disc on the right side L5/S1). By 2:30 I was in the emergency room getting a moraphine shot and a bucket of pills. It has been 1 month since then, I can walk but not without a limp and pain. Went back to my previous doctor that did my first back surgery 16 years prior and lo-and-behold he pull out my files(Not computer disc but the paper files). This man done an excellent job the first time and would trust him again. I now am trying Epidural injections. Will know something in 1-3 days!
If surgery is suggested by your orthopedic specialist, my suggestion is go for it. Quality of life is too important not to go for it. That is the very reason I had surgery the first time, I had nothing to lose!
                                                     Good luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi

thats encouraging to know, thanks. I guess we are all built differently and respond / recover in different ways....I'll bear in mind. cheers
Helpful - 0
1472865 tn?1286905554
As far as I know the nerves never recover....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
For what it's worth (and I'll defer to others on the Forum), I was told in Physical Therapy/Balance Therapy that nerves can regenerate -- slowly -- at a rate of 1/2 inch per month. Someone I know with nerve damage said it took him 1 1/2 years to recover fully. I have a compressed nerve , damaged muscle, multilevel DDD, and two areas of spinal stenosis -- I'm using conservative non-surgical approaches and I've improved.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Back & Neck Community

Top Pain Answerers
Avatar universal
st. louis, MO
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches