Our Summary

This research paper looks at how a type of surgery called discectomy, which is used to treat a condition known as lumbar disc herniation, affects the back muscles. Specifically, it focuses on a muscle called the multifidus muscle. Lumbar disc herniation can cause back and leg pain. The researchers wanted to see if there was a relationship between changes in the size of this muscle before and after surgery, and changes in a patient’s pain levels and disability.

To do this, they looked at a number of previous studies that had been carried out on the subject. They found that there was indeed a link: when the size of the multifidus muscle decreased more after surgery, patients experienced less back pain.

However, they didn’t find a significant relationship between the size of the muscle before surgery and pain or disability levels either before or after surgery.

The researchers conclude that while there seems to be a link between muscle size reduction and less back pain after surgery, the evidence is not very strong. They suggest that more studies are needed to fully understand this relationship and to provide better advice to patients before they undergo surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is discectomy and what condition does it treat?
  2. Is there a relationship between changes in the size of the multifidus muscle before and after discectomy surgery, and changes in a patient’s pain and disability levels?
  3. What is the conclusion of the research about the link between muscle size reduction and back pain after discectomy surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about discectomy is to follow a proper rehabilitation program after surgery to help strengthen the back muscles, including the multifidus muscle. This can help improve overall back health and reduce the risk of future pain or injury. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and staying active can also help support the healing process and prevent further issues with the spine. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend any physical therapy sessions to ensure a successful recovery from discectomy surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for discectomy are those who have been diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation and are experiencing severe back and leg pain that is not responding to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections. These patients may also have symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, as well as difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time.

It is important for patients considering discectomy to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if they are good candidates for the surgery. This may involve imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation and to assess the extent of the damage to the disc. Additionally, the healthcare provider will assess the patient’s overall health and medical history to ensure that they are physically fit to undergo surgery.

Overall, patients who are recommended for discectomy are those who have tried conservative treatments without success and are experiencing significant pain and disability due to lumbar disc herniation. The decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can provide guidance and support throughout the treatment process.

Timeline

Before discectomy:

  • Patient experiences back and leg pain, possibly due to lumbar disc herniation
  • Patient may undergo conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections to manage symptoms
  • If symptoms persist or worsen, patient may be recommended for discectomy surgery

After discectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove part of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve
  • Recovery period may vary, but typically involves physical therapy and pain management
  • Studies suggest that changes in the size of the multifidus muscle may correlate with changes in back pain levels after surgery
  • More research is needed to fully understand this relationship and provide better guidance for patients post-surgery

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about discectomy include:

  1. What is the purpose of the discectomy surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after the surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. What are the expected outcomes in terms of pain relief and improvement in function?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  7. How will the surgery affect my daily activities and quality of life?
  8. Will there be any long-term effects on my back muscles or overall back health?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific exercises or precautions I should take to support my back muscles post-surgery?

Reference

Authors: Lu HB, Wang LS, Li MQ, Chen X. Journal: Eur Spine J. 2022 Jul;31(7):1784-1794. doi: 10.1007/s00586-022-07181-3. Epub 2022 Mar 24. PMID: 35325300