Muscle spasms (in calf) and back surgery.

[mattm]

I underwent back surgery approximately 8 weeks ago.  I had a laminectomy and spinal fusion (L4-5) performed.  Prior to the surgery I did not have significant back pain, but had neuropathy in both legs, and muscle spasms in my right calf.  The muscle spasms in my right calf have gotten much worse since the surgery, both in terms of duration and intensity.  Prior to the surgery the spasms were problematic, but not nearly as persistent as after the surgery.  There seems to have been no improvement in the last eight weeks, and nothing I do, e.g. rest vs walking, seems to make a difference.  My surgeon recommended lyrica for the spasms, but the reason I opted for the surgery was to resolve the problem permanently, and address the root cause, rather than have to rely indefinitely on drugs.  The spasms have affected my sleep patterns, and I have not had a decent nights sleep since the surgery.  It is also affecting my abiltiy to perform on-the-job.  Is it possible that the surgery has permanently made this particular symptom worse?  If so, what would I do next?

[LizM0404]

have your condiitons gotten any better.  If so, how long did it take?  My husband had this same kind of surgery 6 weeks ago.  He had hardly no pain prior to surgery but underwent surgery due to the numbness in his right leg due to a pinched nerve by a herniated disc in the L4-5.  He now has severe muscle spasms in his lower back that nothing seems to help.  He is taking muscle relaxers and pain killers and they do nothing to help with the pain or intensity of the spasms?

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

All types of surgery carry risks, and spine surgery is not an exception.

Among the possible complication is persistence or worsening of pain symptoms, as well as appearance of new pain symptoms post-operatively. It can be related to nerve or spinal cord injury during the operation because of the proximity to delicate nerve structures.

Other possibilities include epidural fibrosis wherein the post-operative healing produces a scar that can affect nerves and cause radiculopathy, as well as non-union or failure of spine fusion.

Although the pain is greater now than when the spine was not yet operated on, there may be more risks involved if surgery was not done, especially in cases of severe disc herniation where there is the possibility of paralysis aside from pain.

You should talk about this with your surgeon.

Good luck.

[tracytma]

Hi,
In 2007, I had to have back surgery, which re-ruptured and ended up having a second surgery 13 weeks later.  I have been left with your exact symptoms.  I have leg cramps at least 3 times a night, which means I have to get out of bed and walk around.  Sitting at night watching tv, I also have them, depending on my position.  I told my doctor about this..and he suggested muscle relaxers... but no answers.  Hope you find some answers... would love to know myself.  
Tracytma.

[yukoner]

My husband also had his s1, l4&5 fused back in May of 2007.  To this date he still lives in constant, cronic pain with cronic back spasms.  His spasms are so severe that it causes spasms throughout his whole body, including his face.  I feel for all of you who are suffering with this same problem.  Is there anything or anyone who has an answer to this problem.  We watched discovery health one evening and a guy suffered this same problem.  They diagnosed him, but I don't remember the name of his problem.  Any information regarding this topic would be greatly appreciated.