ongoing back problems after 2 laminectomies

Ongoing Back Problems After 2 Laminectomies

By asharris | Jan 10, 2012
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I have had 2 lumbar laminectomies for herniated discs and severe spinal stenosis, in 2008 and 2009. Recently, I have had a lot of neck pain, as well as increasingly  bad low back pain, which radiates to my right thigh, down to the knee. An MRI showed L5-S1 moderate facet arthropathy and grade 1 anterolisthsis, loss of disc height and broad-based posterior disc bulge extending laterally. There is abutment of the ventral thecal sac and severe bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.
L4-L5 shows a recurrent midline/left paracentral disc herniation extending to the left neural foramen. Also effacement of the ventral thecal sac and severe left lateral recess and neural foraminal narrowing.
This all sounds really bad, and I'm wondering what my options are. I will be 50 in March. I also have SLE (lupus). Weight is not an issue-I am 5'1 and 100 lbs. Any insight you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Since the herniations have let to pressure on the thecal sac and formainal stenosis, a surgery may be required at this time. The exact type of surgery would need to be tailored depending on the details mentioned in the MRI. It would be best to discuss the situation and the appropriate management plan in detail with your treating orthopedician/ neurosurgeon.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!