Hold the press-up position for 2 seconds, and then slowly lower back down to the starting position. Return nerve pain after a microdiscectomy can originate from three issues; nerve inflammation, re-herniation or seroma formation. The type of surgical technique used during microdiscectomy,and the type of herniation,may increase ones riskforreherniationafterwards. Microdiscectomies can be performed using 3 main techniques: Microdiscectomy is usually very effective at treating leg pain, with about a 90% success rate in relieving pain in the leg and/or buttocks. Its been 4 months post surgery, but my pain status varies and fluctuates day to day. Peer-Reviewed. Light physical activity is important for tissue healing and regaining . This article explains some of the potential reasons this may be the case. Also known as spinal decompression surgery, laminectomy enlarges your spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and is typically performed on patients with severe symptoms or those with symptoms that are worsening dramatically. During the initial 2 weeks after a microdiscectomy surgery, the pain is most intense. I have also started swimming two days ago. Leg pain is definitely secondary to problems in back because there is a spinal cord from brain to the tail tip which gives branches to the legs and arms at d. Could this new pain be a sign of a still existing compression, or is the nerve just saying hello, I am alive? Spinal intervertebral discs are the bodys shock absorbers, allowing the back to be strong, highly flexible, and resilient. is a fellowship trained, board certified orthopedic surgeon who has been practicing since 1999 and specializes in complex spinal treatment. Intense pain is common in the days following a laminectomy. However, "it's important that patients get "back in the game" during lumbar discectomy recovery as quickly as possible," Dr. Liu says. Learn More and Watch Our Video on Microdiscectomy for Herniated Discs. This is actually a very common occurrence but typically does not cause symptoms. The first month after my microdiscectomy was pretty much all about recovering from the surgery itself. When returning home from lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, patients are usually prescribed medication to help manage the pain.