Neck surgery

[babyk3456]

I have had neck surgery and had 3 herniated disc with my spinal cord compressed 3/4 of the way off.  Should you have a MRI done if it has been 9 years?  I wake up with my hands numb and pain in my neck from time to time.  I have alot of spasticity from my injury and I can't relax.  My muscules stay working all the time with no relax time.  I'm tired almost all the time from this.  I also had some bone spurs that they said I still have.  Would it benefit me to have another MRI to see what is going on now are not.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. There is about one tenth risk of recurrent disc herniation associated with microdiscectomies. The post operative care includes NSAIDs, and vicodin.  You must undergo a stretching program to prevent tethering of nerve root by scar tissue. Back strengthening exercises should be started after initial healing has taken place.  Early mobilization may help heal faster and walking postoperative is advised.  I understand your neurosurgeon would have advised you all these measure in the acute post operative phase and care must have been taken. Since you are having fresh symptoms, you need to undergo a fresh imaging study, MRI spine to check the new changes including bony spurs. If there is recurrence of disc herniation, you must undergo physiotherapy, trial of epidural steroids, and if symptoms are distressing, you need to be re explored again under anesthesia. Hope this helps. Take care.

[selmaS]

  Hi...a MRI of the area is a great idea, since so much time has passed and it is possible that u have had scar tissue develop and it could be the issue u r experiencing now.

May I ask, did u have PT post op?....wondering if u were given ne instructions on how to help avoid scar tissue in the area of ur incision?

  Good luck and do post an update : )

"selma"