Our Summary

This study looks at the impact of a specific exercise program on patients who have undergone a type of back surgery called lumbar microdiscectomy. The researchers wanted to see if this exercise program could help reduce the chances of the same back problem happening again after the surgery.

The study involved 223 patients who had this surgery for the first time. They were evaluated before and after surgery and then again six months later. The patients were split into two groups: one group (124 patients) followed the exercise program regularly for six months after their surgery; the other group (99 patients) either didn’t follow the program regularly or didn’t do it at all.

The researchers found that in the second group, 82 patients didn’t follow the program regularly and 17 didn’t do it at all. During the six months after surgery, 27 patients had the same back problem again and needed more surgery. This included 9 patients from the first group and 18 from the second group.

The conclusion of the study was that following the exercise program after surgery was a factor in preventing the same back problem from happening again during the early stages after surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the exercise program in the study for patients who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy?
  2. How many patients in the study had the same back problem again after surgery and needed more surgery?
  3. According to the study, how can the chances of recurring back problems after a lumbar microdiscectomy be reduced?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, a helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow a prescribed exercise program regularly after surgery to help reduce the chances of experiencing the same back problem again. This can aid in the recovery process and improve overall outcomes.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended microdiscectomy are those who have a herniated disc in the lumbar spine that is pressing on a nerve root and causing symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, or weakness. These patients may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections without success, and are experiencing severe and persistent symptoms that are significantly impacting their daily activities and quality of life. Microdiscectomy is often recommended for patients who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments and have a clear disc herniation that is causing nerve compression.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  • Patient experiences persistent back pain, leg pain, or numbness due to a herniated disc
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis
  • Patient may try non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections
  • If symptoms do not improve, patient and surgeon decide on microdiscectomy surgery

After microdiscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the minimally invasive microdiscectomy surgery to remove part of the herniated disc pressing on the nerve
  • Patient may experience immediate relief from leg pain, but back pain may persist for a few weeks
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital the same day or within a few days
  • Patient is instructed to avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for a few weeks
  • Patient may start physical therapy to strengthen the back muscles and improve flexibility
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may return to work within a few weeks
  • Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative appointments and monitoring of symptoms

Overall, the timeline of a patient before and after microdiscectomy involves the initial diagnosis and decision for surgery, the surgical procedure itself, the recovery period, and the rehabilitation phase to prevent future back problems. Following a structured exercise program after surgery may help reduce the risk of recurrent back issues.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is microdiscectomy and why is it recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy?
  3. How long is the recovery time after microdiscectomy?
  4. Will I need to follow a specific exercise program after surgery, like the one mentioned in the study?
  5. How soon after surgery can I start physical therapy or exercise?
  6. What activities should I avoid during the recovery period?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to prevent the same back problem from recurring?
  8. How often should I follow up with you after surgery?
  9. What should I do if I experience any new or worsening symptoms after surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that may be beneficial in conjunction with microdiscectomy?

Reference

Authors: Cerezci O, Başak AT. Journal: Turk Neurosurg. 2023;33(1):150-155. doi: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.40904-22.5. PMID: 36300580