Post lumbar discectomy
 

I had surgery 5 weeks ago. The surgical area feels better but, my lower back is in constant pain and my leg is still numb and painful. The doctor just says everyone is different and the leg pain is the last to go away. I am worried about the lower back pain because I also have a second condition - spondylothesis and herniated discs in lower back. This condition wasn't bothering much before the surgergy now it is constant. The doctor felt that the surgery would relief the majority of my pain which was in the entire leg. Has anyone had their leg pain and numbness continue after surgery? If yes, how long before you felt better. What about pain ocurring in a different part of the back? Can that be from the sugery? The incision is about 5 inches in the middle of my back. Thanks, confused:

Hi ~ Since obviously you had "open" surgery, and not the minimally invasive, you're going to have a longer healing time. I've had 2 'open' surgeries, and it took a good long while before the back started to feel better.

Unfortunately, my leg never "healed." After 25 years, I still have the sciatica. The surgery didn't help that at all and now it's permanent. :( This isn't the "norm" tho -- usually the leg pain will subside.

After you've healed completely, your doc SHOULD send you to physical therapy, where you will learn some gentle stretches & exercises that will help the leg pain and also strengthen your back muscles so you won't tend to herniate anymore. Ask your doc when you should start going to PT. It will really help.

Best of luck -- just be patient. I know it's hard. God bless. Hugs, Lee