Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Tingling Sensations And Stiffness In The Left Leg
Question: I would like to know what to expect in the recovery phase for a back surgery that involved removing a spinal tumor about 1 cm in size located on the nerve root on the L2 section . Frozen biopsy appears to be benign and possible schwanoma but it was partially adhered to the nerve and could not be totally removed. Some scraping was done on the nerve to remove as much as possible without destroying motor function in the left leg. He still has tingling and some weakness and a lot of stiffness in the left leg. He is 7 days post-op.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Recovery times after spinal surgery may vary depending on the damage already done to the nerve and the spinal cord. Most patients need physical therapy and I think that would be the case here as well considering that stiffness and weakness you describe (usually a manifestation of spinal cord compression, not only nerve root).
While the healing process after the procedure takes about one month, rehabilitation times range from 3-12 months, can go even further on. In this case given that he is already able to walk there is reason to be optimistic that he will be able to resume most of his everyday activities by 3 months. He should be allowed to move more freely already by the end of the first month.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Recovery times after spinal surgery may vary depending on the damage already done to the nerve and the spinal cord. Most patients need physical therapy and I think that would be the case here as well considering that stiffness and weakness you describe (usually a manifestation of spinal cord compression, not only nerve root).
While the healing process after the procedure takes about one month, rehabilitation times range from 3-12 months, can go even further on. In this case given that he is already able to walk there is reason to be optimistic that he will be able to resume most of his everyday activities by 3 months. He should be allowed to move more freely already by the end of the first month.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
