No no please no!

I've had two disc surgeries, and I guess since I've had two, I would have to say that I did have a recurrence. The second surgery was about 4 years after the first. BUT, I have also had uncountable episodes of pain, numbness, tingling, stiffness, etc. that came and went and didn't mean additional disc problems. To be completely honest, I don't think you ever totally recover from back surgery. Just from my own experience and that of people I know, it just seems like it will forever be a "weak" spot - not necessarily susceptible to additional disc problems, but susceptible to weakness and discomfort.

I've also found that the muscles in my back and hips tend to spasm A LOT, and sometimes that mimics sciatic pain. I also have piriformis syndrome on one side that developed right after my second surgery. That tiny little muscle can cause a lot of discomfort, and it also mimics sciatic pain.

My last surgery was about 10 years ago, and while I have additional back issues (stenosis, arthritis, sacroiliitis), I haven't had any more primary disc problems. I just try to be careful, but I've also, with time, stopped living in fear of "hurting" it again. I think it does take time to get over that fear.

I hope things are better today. For me, when I have a back pain flare, I just try to take it easy, use anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants, and use a heating pad or icy hot. If you find a particular sore spot (like the piriformis muscle), sometimes massage helps.

Let us know how you are doing. I know how frustrating and scary it can be to deal with pain after surgery, but I do believe it is pretty common. At least it has been for me.

Edited: I forgot about steriod shots and/or predinisone dose packs until I read another post. I have used those intermittently over the years when I'm having pain, and often they do help, especially if you have something important (like a graduation) you have to do soon. They can help take inflammation down pretty quickly.

Post Edited (AustenFan) : 12/5/2012 9:19:27 AM (GMT-7)

**** I just realized I may have misunderstood your post and you are only mentioning the Chiro as something you did before your surgery and not now? If so....disregard the warnings....and go to the ** down below for my thoughts/suggestions..

Debbie....I am VERY worried about you getting Chiropractic treatments with having a previous spine surgery/fusion. I have had 3 fusion surgeries and when I met my first Neurosurgeon he said "Thank God you didn't go to a Chiropractor or else you could have been paralyzed in an instant"

Chiros are fine for people who do not have any known disc/spine issues....but they are so very dangerous for those that do. I can't imagine any reputable Board Certified Neurosurgeon/Orthopedic surgeon is ok with you going to see a Chiro.

*As you know, once you have a fusion, it can put pressure on the discs above and below the fusion...as well as yes, those that have problems, like myself, have many other herniations, bone spurs, Stenosis, and Spondy in other levels of the spine.

Right now I have 3 severe herniations but we are avoiding more surgery until absolutely necessary. I do get those moments where the herniation is pressing on a nerve and I lose sensation or get the burning nerve pain.

Back in July I lifted a suitcase the wrong way and dropped to my knees unable to move as the pain was excruciating....So I spent a week in bed (brief walking trips in the house for a few minutes with a Rollator which is a rolling walker) It was a week of terrible pain and then another week of getting back to walking normally on my own.

So...when you get these moments....it's best to rest for a good 24 hours....take Advil for the inflammation...and then if it isn't getting better, then head to your Dr. where they can give you a steroid injection or Medrol dose pack (oral steroids) which work on getting the inflammation to settle.

The best thing you can do once the pain subsides is to make sure you are walking at least 30-45 minutes a day as well as doing stretches (approved by your Dr./PT) ..There are specific stretches for the sciatic area that are very helpful....

Keep us posted...

Post Edited (Snowbunny21) : 12/5/2012 9:14:11 AM (GMT-7)

achebody- I am concerned that you are going to a chiropracter in post spinal surgery. My Dr's said never let one touch you. I have had 3 fusions and I would never let one touch me. I dont even let someone massage me. I would try to see if a steriod pack would help and then go from there. I have never had sever problems after, but lke one said I dont think you are completly well afterwards. I have this crazy nerve pain, weakness in the arms and numbness at times. I know it's from all the hardware. I hope nothing else is wrong. I know my surpery was a nightmare, so I could understand your concerns.

Debbie, I'm glad you are feeling better and the pain didn't get any worse. It is so scary once you've had back surgery to experience similar pains.

I agree to just take it easy and avoid bending. Also, be careful of how you get out of bed in the morning (roll over, swing feet over, push body up - you probably already know that, lol). I ruptured my first disc jumping out of bed to tend a crying child. :(

I hope you have a wonderful time at your dd's graduation.

I did do the strengthening ones for awhile, but I've developed some new issues, and I feel that they cause me more pain. The stretching ones do still help, though. I'm not as consistent with those as I probably should be, but if I am careful, they do seem to still help some.

I would never go to a chiro without my MRI with me. I Babbage had surgery but do have many back issues. And only a chiro that understands fibro. Mine only users very mild treatments and never manipulation. Uses a punch to put disks back in alignment. He said it can do more damage than good. Fiber patients should not have regular chiro treatments. And they can really cause damage if you have herniatipns etc that they don't know about.

Debbie, I continue to do exercises that I had learned in PT. When I wake up, I do gentle stretching,while still in bed and then do a series of pelvic tilts, and alternating knees to the chest...doing this helps stretch out my lower spine and helps get the kinks out.

The back seems to need regular maintenance or it starts acting up...it sure is fickle.

Hoping your back becomes more stable.

Hugs, Robin

Debbie I am so sorry you are having more pain. Since we both had surgeries around the same time I look for your posts just to be nosey see how you are doing :). I hope the pain does not come back again because you posted it seems to have settled down.

Debbie I have not been on much have been having loads of back pain again but have also had my ingrown toenails removed fo 2 weeks I have been soaking and bandaging my big toes. I walk weird because I can not use my big toes. Hubby says he thinks they are infected but I am waiting until my Monday appt.