Screw removal l4 l5

@mlm73
I am a 55 year old female and had decompression and fusion l3-l5 for severe stenosis and neurogenic claudication in 2024 due to degenerative disc disease. I did get some relief from surgery but then about 8 weeks post op I started to get new nerve pain in hips and hip flexors. It can take 3-6 month to heal and a full year to see where you stand after surgery compared to pre surgery. Compressed nerves need to heal and regenerate and this can be a long process and painful. Give yourself time to heal and be careful not to twist or bend too much and start physical therapy when able.

Hi. It's not even nerve pain. Mt left side on side os spine. That was my good side, feels like it's broke or something. I can't describe it

mim73, ask your GP or the surgeon for MR imaging. It's possible that muscles on the left are adjusting to changes on the right. But it is also possible that you have injury unrelated to the surgery. You might tell your general practitioner that you thing you may have suffered a vertebral fracture. Because of your anxiety and because you might have something else happening either with the disc or the vertebra, I don't find waiting a couple of weeks reasonable for you. And I hope the MRI finds nothing and that you heal without pain.

Thank you. My left side was perfect before this surgery. I am reaching out to surgeon tomorrow.

@mlm73 As you heal from surgery, the incision tightens a lot and it’s adding to the scar tissue that was there in the original incision. You’re also compensating and moving differently. In time when healing is completed, you may be able to do some physical therapy with myofascial release therapy to stretch the scar tissue. I’m glad you’re checking with your surgeon.

He won't be as receptive if he thinks you are blaming the surgery. A lumbar MRI for left sided pain will image both sides. I've known patients to fracture in recovery after, but not because of procedures. I hope you can reach the surgeon and get the requisition for imaging without seeing them. Best luck

Thank you..he said at 2 week follow up, if pain continues they will look more into it.

Thank you. This does make sense

@mlm73 Here is our discussion about Myofascial Release where you can learn more. There is a provider search at http://mfrtherapists.com/

Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

Thanks so much