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Suggest Remedy For Severe Back Pain After Spinal Fusion
Question: Hello,
1 year ago I had a spinal fusion, laminectomy, and disc replacement to correct a Grade 2 Spondyloisthesis and my disc was no longer retaining fluid, it was also herniated and severely compressing my nerves. Pre-surgery I had nerve pain (shooting and stabbing pains, etc. When I woke up from surgery however I experienced the worst pain in my legs ever. It was different. It's hard to explain but I would liken it to one big XXXXXXX horse in both legs. A very deep ache that went clear to the bone. The pain has never gone away. The back pain is also worse than it was before surgery. I've developed new symptoms since too. Burning pain in my toes and ankles, muscle spasms in my legs. I also get this feeling like something is wrapped around my torso very tightly like a corset, pins and needles sometimes. I have a hard time walking because my legs are weak. I was fully fused within 4 months post op and my Dr.'s have been unsuccessful in finding out what is wrong with me. Do you have any idea what could be causing my symptoms. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you, XXXX
1 year ago I had a spinal fusion, laminectomy, and disc replacement to correct a Grade 2 Spondyloisthesis and my disc was no longer retaining fluid, it was also herniated and severely compressing my nerves. Pre-surgery I had nerve pain (shooting and stabbing pains, etc. When I woke up from surgery however I experienced the worst pain in my legs ever. It was different. It's hard to explain but I would liken it to one big XXXXXXX horse in both legs. A very deep ache that went clear to the bone. The pain has never gone away. The back pain is also worse than it was before surgery. I've developed new symptoms since too. Burning pain in my toes and ankles, muscle spasms in my legs. I also get this feeling like something is wrapped around my torso very tightly like a corset, pins and needles sometimes. I have a hard time walking because my legs are weak. I was fully fused within 4 months post op and my Dr.'s have been unsuccessful in finding out what is wrong with me. Do you have any idea what could be causing my symptoms. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you, XXXX
Brief Answer:
Possible failed back spine surgery.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your query XXXX.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Yours seems to be the case of failed back spine surgery.
The tight back filling like corset accompanied by worsening pain could be related to fixation of instruments used for fusion in overextended or overflexed ( not neutral ) spinal column position.
Worse pain in legs and muscle cramps could be related to presence of spinal stenosis above, at, or below fixation levels.
This needs to be evaluated by imaging studies too, besides clinical evaluation.
If you underwent post surgery imaging such lumbar column CT scan and MRI, please upload the reports.
If no, then in my opinion, regarding to your condition, there is need for lumbar column x-rays in neutral, flexed and extended position to evaluate any instability and hardware placement, and lumbar column MRI to evaluate compression on spinal cord and nerve roots.
There is need also for nerve conduction study of your lower extremities (EMG) to evaluate wich nerves are suffering and the nature of nerve damage (motor or sensitive).
If you were my patient, I would recommend the use of Amytriptiline to improve your symptoms, besides medications you mentioned.
Since it is a prescription drug, its use should be discussed with your Doctor.
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Take care.
Possible failed back spine surgery.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your query XXXX.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Yours seems to be the case of failed back spine surgery.
The tight back filling like corset accompanied by worsening pain could be related to fixation of instruments used for fusion in overextended or overflexed ( not neutral ) spinal column position.
Worse pain in legs and muscle cramps could be related to presence of spinal stenosis above, at, or below fixation levels.
This needs to be evaluated by imaging studies too, besides clinical evaluation.
If you underwent post surgery imaging such lumbar column CT scan and MRI, please upload the reports.
If no, then in my opinion, regarding to your condition, there is need for lumbar column x-rays in neutral, flexed and extended position to evaluate any instability and hardware placement, and lumbar column MRI to evaluate compression on spinal cord and nerve roots.
There is need also for nerve conduction study of your lower extremities (EMG) to evaluate wich nerves are suffering and the nature of nerve damage (motor or sensitive).
If you were my patient, I would recommend the use of Amytriptiline to improve your symptoms, besides medications you mentioned.
Since it is a prescription drug, its use should be discussed with your Doctor.
Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Take care.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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