@gmaoffour
Happy Sunday!
I had surgery on L3/4.
I had an X-Lift spinal fusion.
No, I do not know if there are differences.
I assume it's the WAY it is done.
Anyway, I had HORRIBLE leg pain after the surgery for about 2-3 months!!!
It was so bad, that when I awoke in the morning, I'd get into my chair, put pillows under my leg and my hubby would bring me ice packs for my knee area and groin area.
There were also times, (please pardon the TMI) that I would be sitting on the toilet and get such spasms of pain, he'd have to come and get me off.
Seems that when the surgery was done, there was a lot of movement of leg muscles and a bit of cutting.
I didn't know this beforehand.
My recovery was HORRIBLY painful and felt like it took for ever.
But now, for the first time in over a decade, I am PAIN FREE!!!!!
If you asked me then if the surgery was worth it, I would have laughed in your face.
Now, I say FOR SURE!!

Give it time to heal. The internal healing can that you cannot see or feel, can take 12 -18 months.
I had my surgery Oct. 2018 and I still baby myself.....no lifting, bending, carrying anything heavier than a gallon of milk, no hyper-extentions, etc.

Good luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Welcome to Connect, @gmaoffour,

Unfortunately, neuropathic pain after spinal surgery, (also called failed back surgery syndrome FBSS), happens all too often. @sheriatrapidcit @jenniferhunter @suerc @lynn12 @salsa @beckyann @tom2017 and many others have recently shared their experiences in this discussion, as well:
– Chronic pain and spinal fusion https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chronic-pain-and-spinal-fusion/

@gmaoffour, could you share a few more details? How are you managing the pain? Has anything helped to give you temporary relief?