HomeAnswersRadiologycervical disc herniationWhy do I still have pain after disc herniation surgery?

Why is the pain recurring even after disc herniation surgery?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Vivek Chail

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At April 10, 2016
Reviewed AtSeptember 27, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Five months ago, my wife had a disc herniation surgery. She was fine for the next two to three months, but again she is getting the pain. Her doctor advised us to go for repeated MRI. We are yet to meet her doctor, But, I am looking forward to know what is going on. I have attached the reports for your reference. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below.

  • There is disc problem in the L4-L5 disc level. Though the pressure on nerve roots might have decreased after the disc herniation surgery, it is possible that the recent activity is causing pressure on the nerve roots again.
  • There is persisting mild right lateral recess obliteration in the L4-L5 disc level. The spinal canal shows slight narrowing as a result of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy.
  • It is important to review the images of first MRI scan to know how the situation was before the herniated disc surgery. I want to compare the new and old images.
  • There is a congenital sacralization of L5 vertebra (L5 get fused with sacrum below or with the ilium on the side), which can predispose to the disc problem which she has.
  • Herniated disc surgery cures the patient in 20 percent cases. In 40 percent, the pain and symptoms come back after surgery and in another 40 percent there is worsening of the condition after surgery.
  • Any heavy physical work in recent time can bring back the symptoms after surgery. You can please upload the first MRI scan and send me in the follow up. You can also mention the details of the surgery and send me the discharge summary of the surgery.

Revert back with the first MRI scan to a radiologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/radiologist

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I do not have a soft copy of first MRI. I will get it at the earliest. Here, I have attached the discharged summary, old MRI report copy and new MRI report copy. I am not so much familiar with these terms and doctors usually do not talk clearly regarding the issue. I am so much worried about my wife. I would like to know few things. If herniated disc success rate is just 20% as you said, then can you give me your estimated rate where we are? I have started giving her basic yoga exercises. Can you guide us on the same. Is it safe to do it twice a day? In the new MRI it is written as desiccation. Do I need to be concerned? Please advice me how should I proceed next.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • The problem is not too serious, but even this can cause significant pain. Since surgery is done five months back, we can still think of going for medical treatment for at least a year from surgery.
  • I will say that this surgery is a partial success and there is scope of improvement by physiotherapy under supervision.
  • The exercise given on internet sources are good, but not a complete set. I request you to get physiotherapy sessions from a professional neurorehabilitation physiotherapist for at least 15 days and continue the exercise for few months.
  • Please ask the physiotherapist in detail about how to participate in daily activities and how much weight to carry. They will also guide you on what can be done and what is to be avoided.
  • Disc desiccation is loss of water content in disc. This is a degenerative change and not a serious condition. You should not worry about it.

For further clarifications consult a radiologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/radiologist

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vivek Chail
Dr. Vivek Chail

General Practitioner

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Radiology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy