Our Summary

This research paper examines how the severity of back and leg pain changes after a specific type of back surgery called a lumbar microdiscectomy. It also looks at whether certain factors before the operation, like the duration or severity of pain, the patient’s age, or their sex, affect how these changes in pain happen.

The study looks back at the experiences of 353 patients who had this operation. The results showed that the pain in the back and the leg tend to change in similar ways after the surgery: generally, the pain decreases during the first year after the operation but then it slightly increases. However, the pain after the increase is still less than what it was before the surgery.

The study also found that how long the patient had been in pain before the operation, how severe their pain was, their age, and their sex did not significantly affect how the pain changed after the surgery. However, patients who had severe back pain before the operation tended to have worse pain after the operation, both three months later and at the end of two years.

FAQs

  1. Does the severity of back and leg pain change after a lumbar microdiscectomy?
  2. Do factors like the duration of pain, patient’s age, or sex affect the changes in pain after a lumbar microdiscectomy?
  3. Is there a correlation between the severity of pre-operation back pain and post-operation pain levels in patients who have undergone a lumbar microdiscectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for a certain period of time. It is also important to follow up with physical therapy as recommended to help with recovery and prevent future issues. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help support the healing process and overall back health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for microdiscectomy are those who have tried non-surgical treatments for their back and leg pain, such as physical therapy, medication, or injections, but have not found relief. They may have a herniated disc in the lumbar spine that is causing nerve compression and resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and/or leg. These patients may have difficulty walking, standing, or performing daily activities due to their symptoms.

Patients who have persistent or worsening symptoms despite conservative treatment may benefit from a microdiscectomy to alleviate the pressure on the affected nerve and improve their quality of life. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if microdiscectomy is the right choice for them.

Timeline

Before the microdiscectomy:

  • Patient experiences back and leg pain
  • Patient consults with a healthcare provider and is diagnosed with a herniated disc
  • Treatment options are discussed, including the possibility of a microdiscectomy
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient prepares for the procedure

After the microdiscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the microdiscectomy surgery
  • Post-operative recovery begins, which may include pain management and physical therapy
  • Patient experiences a decrease in back and leg pain during the first year after the surgery
  • Pain may slightly increase after the first year, but remains less severe than before the surgery
  • Factors such as duration and severity of pain, age, and sex do not significantly impact how the pain changes after the surgery
  • Patients with severe back pain before the operation may experience worse pain after the surgery, particularly at three months and at the end of two years

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy?
  2. What is the expected recovery time after the surgery?
  3. Will I need physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation after the surgery?
  4. What are the chances of the pain returning after the surgery?
  5. How long will it take for me to see improvement in my symptoms after the surgery?
  6. Are there any restrictions or limitations on activities I should be aware of after the surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of microdiscectomy in reducing back and leg pain?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for surgery?
  9. How long do the effects of microdiscectomy typically last?
  10. Will I need to undergo any follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Koivunen K, Pernaa KI, Saltychev M. Journal: BMC Surg. 2023 Jul 26;23(1):210. doi: 10.1186/s12893-023-02114-3. PMID: 37496020