Our Summary

This research study aimed to compare two different methods of measuring pain levels in patients who have undergone a specific type of back surgery known as microdiscectomy. These methods are known as the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the visual analogue scale (VAS). The study identified that while both methods showed a decrease in pain levels after surgery, they weren’t directly interchangeable as they seemed to measure slightly different aspects of pain.

Interestingly, the NRS method seemed to provide a quick insight into the effectiveness of the surgery a month after it was performed. The study concluded that both methods are useful and correlate with the patient’s functionality, but they do so in different ways. Therefore, both should be used to get a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s pain levels and recovery after surgery.

FAQs

  1. What was the main goal of the research study about microdiscectomy?
  2. How do the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) differ in measuring pain levels after a microdiscectomy?
  3. Why is it recommended to use both the NRS and VAS methods in assessing a patient’s recovery after a microdiscectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that the NRS and VAS pain measurement scales are both important tools to assess pain levels and track recovery progress after microdiscectomy surgery. It is important to communicate any changes in pain levels accurately to your healthcare provider to ensure proper management and treatment.

Suitable For

Microdiscectomy is typically recommended for patients who have a herniated disc in their spine that is causing severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs. This surgery is often recommended when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections have not provided relief. Patients who are experiencing symptoms such as sciatica (pain that radiates down the leg), muscle weakness, or difficulty walking may benefit from a microdiscectomy procedure. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine if microdiscectomy is the right course of action for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences back pain, leg pain, and possibly numbness or weakness in the legs.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scan to confirm a herniated disc.
  3. Patient consults with a surgeon and decides to undergo microdiscectomy surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and preparation for surgery.

After microdiscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes microdiscectomy surgery to remove the herniated portion of the disc.
  2. Patient may experience immediate relief from leg pain and numbness after surgery.
  3. Patient is monitored in the hospital for a short period of time before being discharged.
  4. Patient is prescribed pain medications and given instructions for post-operative care.
  5. Patient may experience some discomfort and limited mobility in the days following surgery.
  6. Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to improve strength and flexibility in the back and legs.
  7. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences a decrease in pain levels over time.
  8. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor recovery progress.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the success rate of microdiscectomy for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy?
  3. What is the typical recovery time after microdiscectomy?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. How will my pain be managed after the surgery?
  6. How long will it take for me to see improvement in my symptoms after the surgery?
  7. What restrictions or limitations will I have after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments to microdiscectomy that I should consider?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  10. How can I monitor and track my pain levels after the surgery using methods like the numerical rating scale or visual analogue scale?

Reference

Authors: Bielewicz J, Daniluk B, Kamieniak P. Journal: Pain Res Manag. 2022 Mar 29;2022:5337483. doi: 10.1155/2022/5337483. eCollection 2022. PMID: 35391853