difference between nerve pain/muscle pain?
 

I am 2 months post-op from a laminectomy, discectomy, and fusion L5 S1. I am basically doing really good, except I have been getting these awful shooting pains in the thigh I had the worse sciatica. I still have some of the sciatic thigh pain when I sit too long, but doesn't it take the nerves a while to realize they are not pinched anymore? Also, can these shooting pains be muscle cramps? They are quick, don't last, and very intense.
I know there are so many of you that have been through this, so any stories would be really appreciated!

Carolyn

I've always associated those shooting pains as nerve pain. It's almost electrical! I also get a burning pain along nerve tracts. Muscle spasms are different to me. Usually a deep, tight ache with some stabbing thrown in for good measure. After all this time, I still have trouble describing the different pain I get!

I would run this symptom by your doc, but at 2 months out, I hope it's those nerves waking up. I've heard post-op patients say this happens as the nerves are healing.

Hang in there, carolyn, and take care.

muscle vs nerve
 

I too have had a fusion and am 4 months out. I have pain in my butt and hip area and can't tell if it is muscle spasms or nerve pain. I was told though that nerves can take quite a while to heal.. I am trying to wait patiently and see what happens..