OpenHealth Q&A

Post-Operative Pain After Microdiscectomy: Seeking Similar Experiences and Recovery Insights

Hello everyone, I’m reaching out to find others who might have had a similar experience post-surgery and have managed to recover or seen notable progress. **A Little About Me:** - Age: 24 years old - Underwent L4–L5 microdiscectomy in February 2024 - My sciatica was instantly resolved following the procedure - For about 8 to 9 months, I felt completely normal However, towards the end of 2024, I began to experience pain in my right hip, which gradually worsened into: - Persistent low back discomfort (mainly around the waistband area, more on the right side than the left) - Pain in the front and side of my hip - Discomfort in the upper buttocks (a burning and hot feeling, especially when seated) - A burning sensation, tingling, and pins-and-needles feeling in my calves and feet (which intensifies when sitting) - Symptoms tend to improve with walking or activity but worsen with prolonged sitting or poor posture. **Diagnostic Imaging Results:** - An MRI conducted post-surgery revealed a minor L4–L5 bulge but no signs of recurrent herniation. - A hip MRI indicated femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears, but several physicians believe these findings are not significant. **Current Diagnosis from Spine Specialist:** - Myofascial pain related to surgery and nerve sensitization, classified as post-laminectomy pain syndrome. - Noted overactivity in the quadratus lumborum, hip flexors, tensor fascia lata, gluteal muscles, and piriformis, alongside a weakened core and sensitized nerves (with no ongoing compression evident). **Treatment Attempts:** - Received an epidural steroid injection (which had minimal lasting effects). - Tried dry needling, massage, and shockwave therapy (which offered short-term relief). - Recently began a structured physical therapy regimen focusing on: - Core stabilization techniques - Hip hinging movements - Light squats and strengthening exercises - Pelvic tilts and nerve gliding stretches - Current medications include duloxetine at 60 mg and tapering gabapentin. **Present Condition:** - Walking feels about 90-95% manageable. - Sitting remains incredibly uncomfortable (resulting in burning sensations in my buttocks and irritated legs). - Physical therapy often leads to soreness and temporary increases in symptoms, but there are also instances of genuine relief. - Pain levels fluctuate from day to day and can shift sides. **Questions for the Community:** 1. Has anyone experienced pain onset months after a successful microdiscectomy? 2. Have others felt nerve sensations such as burning or buzzing without a recurring herniated disc, and did those feelings eventually diminish? 3. What strategies have those diagnosed with myofascial pain or nerve sensitization found beneficial in the long run? 4. How long did it take for you to see an improvement in your ability to sit comfortably through physical therapy? 5. Did you notice any initial worsening of symptoms with strengthening exercises before improvement? 6. Were there any signs or indicators that reassured you your condition was improving, even if it didn’t feel like it at the time? I’m not looking for grim tales — I’m currently undergoing treatment and gradually seeing progress. I would appreciate any positive stories from those who have faced a similar journey and come out the other side. Thank you in advance for your insights!

Answers (1)

2/5/2026, 3:40:51 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's great to see you reaching out for support after your microdiscectomy, and it's encouraging that you've seen some progress post-surgery. You’re experiencing a range of symptoms that can be quite complex and frustrating, but it sounds like you’re actively engaged in your recovery. Here’s a summary of your situation along with some insights and actionable steps that may help:

Main Points

1. Symptoms like low back discomfort, hip pain, and nerve sensations are common after back surgery.
2. Your diagnosis of myofascial pain and nerve sensitization is understandable, and your current treatment plan is appropriate.
3. Gradual improvement may take time, and it’s essential to closely monitor and adapt your approach as needed.

Explanation

• Post-Surgery Pain: It's not uncommon to experience new or persisting pain patterns after a microdiscectomy, even months after the operation. Your body is still healing, and previous changes to muscle function or nerve sensitivity can affect how you feel.
• Nerve Sensations: The burning and tingling sensations you're experiencing can arise from nerve inflammation or irritation, even with no visible herniation on MRI scans. It reflects individual variations in healing and nerve responses.
• Myofascial Pain: This condition can cause persistent discomfort and sensitivity in the muscles and connective tissues, often requiring a multifaceted approach to management.

Next Steps

1. Continue Your Physical Therapy: Stick with the structured regimen you started. Focus on incremental improvements, even if soreness occurs. If certain exercises consistently worsen your symptoms, communicate this with your therapist to adjust them.

2. Monitor Pain Triggers: Keep a journal of your activities and symptoms to identify clear patterns of what exacerbates your discomfort (e.g., specific sitting positions or exercises) and what provides relief (e.g., walking, stretches).

3. Posture and Ergonomics: Pay particular attention to your sitting posture. Consider ergonomic chairs that support your back and promote better posture, as this can greatly reduce discomfort during prolonged sitting.

4. Explore Other Pain Management Techniques: Discuss mixing in other modalities with your healthcare providers, such as mindfulness practices, yoga tailored for back pain, or gentle aquatic therapy, which can be less stressful on your joints and muscles.

5. Stay Patient and Positive: Improvement can be slow and nonlinear. Celebrate small successes in your recovery, even if they feel minor. Visualizing progress over weeks and months can be encouraging.

Community Support

Engaging with others who have similar experiences can provide valuable insights. Look for support groups or forums focused on post-surgery recovery. Hearing positive experiences, as you mentioned, may offer hope and shared strategies.

Remember, while your journey has its difficulties, maintaining optimism and actively participating in your recovery approach is key. You're already doing significant work by seeking information and support! If you need specific advice about your exercises or treatment adjustments, feel free to ask.