Leg pain following microdiscectomy

[worried92]

I had a microdiscectomy 17 days ago after 2 years of sciatica and many conservative treatments. The surgery was L4-5 and the surgeon reported that the prolapse was severe ans that there were multiple fragments of disc material which had broken away. For the first 10 days following surgery I had no leg pain at all - it was like a miracle! However, over the last few days, the leg pain has begun to return. It is mainly when I lie down and although it is not as severe as before surgery, it is enough to keep me awake at night and i have had to begin taking pain medication again. I am terrified that the operation has failed. I don't think I have done any thing to re-herniate the disc at all and have followed the surgeon's instrctions for post-op care. Is it normal for pain to return after so many days being pain free and is it likely to improve over time?

[manpt]

The pain you're describing sounds inflammatory in nature. You have 2 likely possibilities.
1.) you were likely on anti-inflammatories post-op. Have you stopped taking them? If so, get right back on them. The key here is anti-inflammatory: motrin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. They need to be taken longer (3-4 weeks post-op). NOT just pain meds. They'll do little to help.
2.) You had multiple fragments. There is always a possibility that not all fragments were retrieved. If this persists for several months, repeat imaging and possibly surgery may be options, but not until you've completed a course of physiotherapy. Try to seek out a physio or an osteopath. You have to rehab this; surgery is necessary but not sufficient for full recovery in your case.

[laurel94]

I had a microdiscectomy about 13 yrs ago so i don't remember a lot but i do not remember any pain until about 6 yr. later and now i'm facing another possible surgery. Oh mine was L4 and L5.  Anyway I guess i have scar tissue pressing on my nerves and my last MRI showed degenitive disks which to me is kind of depressing. I've been on pain meds for the last 5 yrs.  I am a little older then you and hopefully you won't experience the pain i've been dealing with, i also have leg numbness, basically i'm just a big mess and i'm sure my family is tired of me.
          My suggestion to you would be if you have insurance to ask for physical therapy and strenghen those muscles and keep it up and as you get strong you can continue to exercise at a gym or home but that's what you need to do.

Good Luck to you.