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What Causes Severe Leg Pain After Spinal Fusion?
What to do? My husband had a spinal fusion oct.30. Experienced some relief but now has severe pain down his left leg- practically identical to the pain down his right leg that was a major symptom of his needing the fusion. Other m.r.i s have been and his neurosurgeon claims nothing shows on the mri to be causing such incredible pain. He has had a spinal epidural ( just like before the fusion) and it did nt touch the pain. Neurosurgeon suggested a surgically implanted Medtronic implantable therapy device oh my word-another surgery? Your thoughts please
Tue, 25 Apr 2023
Hi,
Severe leg pain following spinal fusion surgery can be caused by several factors, including nerve damage, nerve compression, inflammation, or scar tissue formation. It is not uncommon for patients to experience pain after spinal fusion surgery, as the healing process can take several months or longer.
Your husband needs to continue working closely with his neurosurgeon and other healthcare providers to manage his pain and identify any underlying causes. Additional diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography, may be necessary to further evaluate the source of his pain.
The Medtronic implantable therapy device is a treatment option for chronic pain that is not responsive to other treatments. It delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord or nerve roots to interrupt pain signals. While it may be a consideration for your husband's treatment, it is ultimately a decision that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with his healthcare team.
In the meantime, your husband may benefit from non-surgical pain management strategies, such as physical therapy, massage, or acupuncture. Pain medications and nerve blocks may also help manage his pain. It is important for him to maintain an open and honest dialogue with his healthcare providers and to follow their recommendations for pain management and follow-up care.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Severe leg pain following spinal fusion surgery can be caused by several factors, including nerve damage, nerve compression, inflammation, or scar tissue formation. It is not uncommon for patients to experience pain after spinal fusion surgery, as the healing process can take several months or longer.
Your husband needs to continue working closely with his neurosurgeon and other healthcare providers to manage his pain and identify any underlying causes. Additional diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography, may be necessary to further evaluate the source of his pain.
The Medtronic implantable therapy device is a treatment option for chronic pain that is not responsive to other treatments. It delivers electrical impulses to the spinal cord or nerve roots to interrupt pain signals. While it may be a consideration for your husband's treatment, it is ultimately a decision that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with his healthcare team.
In the meantime, your husband may benefit from non-surgical pain management strategies, such as physical therapy, massage, or acupuncture. Pain medications and nerve blocks may also help manage his pain. It is important for him to maintain an open and honest dialogue with his healthcare providers and to follow their recommendations for pain management and follow-up care.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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