I had this procedure done in 2003. It changed my life for the better! When I woke up from surgery, the pain was gone. When the sedative wore off, I found that my spinal muscles were tight from 15 years of being in mild spasm. Took about three months of stretching exercises to be back to 100 percent. I've had no relapse. I'm doing great. Life is good!
@@ankanghosh4293 I hope it goes well for you in the future. My advice is to wait two to four weeks. Then do piriformis stretches while laying flat on your back. Never do stretches where you rotate your back. Never!
@@nobleroofinggeneralcontrac7961 Stretches, done carefully, are good. It is the rotating that can cause the inner, soft disc material to squeeze out and put pressure on the nerve root. I destroyed my back when I was a construction worker. Unloading a big truck. Lifting, rotating and stacking. I wish my verbal skills were better so I could explain why the rotating is so bad for the disc. Glad to try to answer any questions I can, if you care.
I am a 70 year old woman who had this surgery 10 weeks ago. I watched before the surgery but afterwards because I had significant pain in my right calf two-three weeks afterward. It was reassuring to me that my pain was to be expected. The fourth week the pain disappeared. I did a lot of research but this video helped me the most. I feel that I am fully recovered.
I've been struggling with the sciatica-like pain for a year now. After exhausting all the conservative treatment options (PT, epidural steroid shot), I am finally getting scheduled for this surgery. I'm only 38 but have been walking with a cane for a year because of the L4-L5, and L5-S1 discs herniation. I am nervous but also can't wait to get some relief! I LOVE that there are videos of medical procedures on YT because I am super fascinated with the body and what things look like inside. Thank you for sharing this information and educating the masses!
I’ve got a double herniation in both L4-L5 and L5-S1 aswell, I’m only 19 and I’ve had it for 9 months now. Feel like a cripple with a 4 foot rod up my ass when I walk. Getting a steroid shot in the next week or 2 but assuming surgery is in order. I hope the best for your recovery and hope that I can do the same
@@petrolmonkey1973 Thank you! I went through the microdiscectomy and it seems to have worked for me. I had a decrease in pain level - from a 10 to maybe 3 or 4. The first 4 weeks of recovery sucked so bad though because I was back at a 9 or 10. The doctor told me that this is because they have gone in and moved stuff around, which means that we have irritated the nerves and stuff. It's now week 8 and I only feel the pain if I've overexerted myself - which at this stage means a 5 minute walk, and a 10 minute standing non-stop. It's not a lot but I'm going to PT which seems to be helping... Thanks for the well wishes! I hope that steroids will work for you. The first one worked ok for me, the second was so-so, and the third one made it WORSE. So I was a candidate for surgery... Hope that you don't need surgery. While it has helped my issue, I still wouldn't recommend it if possible! Good luck to you!
I have the same situation as you, herniated disc, L5-S1 with sciatica on right side all the way to my foot for about a year now. I did all the things, including harp therapy interestingly enough. I never got shots because docs agreed they wouldn't help. The herniation doubled in last 6 months, so I was scheduled for microdiscectomy surgery in record time-2 weeks. It was canceled on the spot because of equipment issues. I got all the way to the OR and even 1st dose of anesthesia so I was this close. 🤏 I've never felt more anxious and scared in my life. It's rescheduled for 2 weeks from now and I'm not looking forward to the emotional roller coaster the night before. It was so bad that I'm actually considering not even doing it. I was pacing and crying all night. Zero sleep. I'm still very anxious, so I'm looking online to help understand risks and some perspective. This video helped a little, but not really. It's very detailed with visual, which is good, but how did he replace the bone he drilled out? What happens if fluid leaks and symptoms of that? What permanent issues from nerve damage? What can I do to deal with the emotional part of it besides positive thoughts and breathing techniques? Praying and talking to God helps me. I'm so scatter-brained tho.I feel like I'm rambling on and I don't even remember why I wanted to comment. I hope all goes well for you as most people post positive outcomes from a microdiscectomy. Much love and God bless ❤
@@JulesA5266This is me! I’ve been in tears of frustration, depression, and agony bc by day 4 post L5/S1 surgery, I’m in MORE pain! Follow up today he said it’s actually common, yet the neuro NEVER said that pre-op! He prescribed a week of low dose steroids to hopefully easy inflammation. How are you doing? Is there hope the surgery worked despite how I’m feeling?
Thank you, Mr. Turner. I try to be as upfront and clear with expectations as possible since there is really nothing "routine" about spine surgery. My philosophy is to lay out all the risks and allow the patient to make the best decision for themselves given the risks and benefits. The risk/benefit ratio varies greatly from patient to patient.
@@ArmaghaniSpine Thank you for your response, as long the decision to go forward or not is the patients decision, you are one of the very few neurosurgeon's in America who still alow that.
@@backhoe I just found out I have a L5 s1 disc bulge to the left. I have back pain when I sit but no leg pain. Do u have a disc bulge/ back pain or only leg pain. Also I only hurt when I sit not when I'm trying to sleep. Did you heal up completely? If so how long did it take and what did u do to heal ? Please help 😊🙃 also my back used to get tight when I lay down for bed but since I started back exercises 4 weeks ago. It doesn't get tight when I lay down only when I drive or sit. Are u 100% healed or do u still have back pain? Did u get surgery? Are you having any complications after surgery?
@@freestylebully4849 I have a bulging disk and a ruptured disk I'm still waiting on surgery but I have found a surgeon he said I need a discectomy on two disk and a laminectomy on the same two s1 l5 l5 l4 he discovered I need stents put in both legs before I can get my back surgery also discovered I have a aneurysm in one of my legs main arteries so I guess it could have saved my life I'm waiting on a phone call from a vascular surgeon to get the stents put in before I can get the back surgery but the surgeon said it should not be a problem to fix my back, good luck with yours.
I’m lying in bed load op. I really appreciate the thougrough explanation. Im an analytical person and I really appreciated the way you explained wirh before and after. I had a too basic explanation prior to which was fine but I am the type of person that really appreciates this type of explanation. Thank you so much!
Same here! I'm currently 3 weeks post op and doing amazing. I did a lot of research cause I'm a curious individual. Heck, I even watched a few live videos of this procedure being done I felt like I could do it myself! 😅 Hope your healing journey has been well 🙏
Having this next month. Never been so excited in my life to have a surgery. Been in debilitating pain for 6 months. I'm just ready for some relief and to start to heal even if nerves take a year to heal. Thank you for the video
@@shyambalani3971 I feel great!! Recovery was a bit hard...lots of muscle pain from the surgery itself,but all presurgery pain was gone!! I am still experiencing some nerve pain in my leg,but with physical therapy it is improving again nothing like it was presurgery. Follow your doctor's orders!! Slow and steady while recovering. I dont have any regrets having surgery done. It gave me my life back. Best of luck to you!!!
@@mariaharcher-vanhemert1018 I just found out I have a L5 s1 disc bulge to the left. I have back pain when I sit but no leg pain. Do u have a disc bulge/ back pain or only leg pain. Also I only hurt when I sit not when I'm trying to sleep. Did you heal up completely? If so how long did it take and what did u do to heal ? Please help 😊🙃 also my back used to get tight when I lay down for bed but since I started back exercises 4 weeks ago. It doesn't get tight when I lay down only when I drive or sit. Are u 100% healed or do u still have back pain?? Are you having any complications after surgery?
@@freestylebully4849 sorry about your back!! Back pain is the worse. I was a complete herniation at my L4,L5 AND S1. By the time I had surgery I could barely hold my torso up while walking and dragged my leg. I'm only 36 and walked worse then my grandma. The pain was absolutely terrible. Pain meds weren't effective. Before surgery I tried everything. Physical therapy, injections, pain meds and ever deep tissue massage. Nothing worked. I went 8 months like that. I went from being active every single day to barely being able to leave my bed. At the time of surgery I was willing to do anything. If they would have said we need to amputate your leg I probably would have done it. I was seriously suffering. To answer your question I did have back pain when it first started. And that lasted a bit before it turned into the right leg pain. The the pain in the leg was so intense I didn't notice back pain much. Other then when I was sitting. Surgery went good. I woke up with zero presurgery pain. The only pain I had was pain from surgery itself. I dont regret it because I did get relief. Recovery wise I took things really slow because I was so afraid of messing something up. I did physical therapy. However in march my pain began again. It started again in the lower back and now my leg pain is back. Physical therapy stopped working with me last week because they think I reherniated. Doctor ordered a new MRI and I did that yesterday. Now waiting on results and to see my doctor again. I am hopeful I didn't reherniate,but the pain tells me I may have. My doctor was very upfront and hoesnt that these surgeries arent 100 percent bullet proof and there is always a risk of reherniation. My surgery pain went away about a week after surgery and my incision was probably fully healed about 2/3 weeks after surgery. Best of luck to you on this journey!!!!!
I had this done a week ago at L3/L4 and I am doing great. The surgeon said that it is like removing a thorn but it may take a while for the indent in the nerve, from the extrusion to relax. I feel great! Thank goodness they can do this sort of surgery :)
This is so helpful! Your explanations are concise and clear. I’ve worked with many doctors who could do well to watch this for their patient communications. Thank you.
Wow… im speechless, dr. Thank you so much for these videos. They are so informative and visual its just unbelievable. Im dealing with herniating disks, tingling and numbness in my leg and currently going through the PT. Cortisone shots and even a surgery might be a thing in a near future. Watching these videos tremendously helped me to understand the mechanics and the complexity of the surgery. Thank you and keep up a great work
I had my Microdiskectomy done 2 weeks ago. This is a very useful video explaining clearly on Microdiskectomy helping me to understand the crucial recovery process. Thanks
Wow! 15 years. I'm 7 months and it seems like 7 years. Unbearable. How have you gone 15 years? Yikes! Did you have the surgery? If so, how are you doing?
I yesterday got my surgery (microdisectomy) done & now feeling much better & can now walk with little support. I will be able to walk properly in few days... In my case all my nerves were pressed by herniated disc just leaving 1mm space to canal. Person with spinal issues should always do daily exercises as suggested by physiotherapist
@@stefanmarkovic1709 after year and half I’m still suffering with pain saddle area still numb still can’t digest food properly and most importantly can’t get erected
This is the best and most informative video of the subject that I have found. One thing that I have not found answer for is that how easily does the inner material of the disc push outside once the herniation is removed. One doctor described the consistancy of the inner disc material close to the shrimp flesh, so not that liquid.
Had this done L5/S1 valentines days this year 2022 .. no initial complications.. was up and walking that night.. Ended up back in for round 2 a few weeks later due to a re-herniation.. probably due to me taking too literally “you can resume some normal activity after this many days..” and then ended up living on my back for two weeks because I was unable to sit or stand.. so if you’re getting this done.. be careful and don’t push it.. give it the time it deserves.. Coming up for 6months post op in about a week.. I’m still walking everyday.. I still get into / out of bed and the car slowly and carefully.. and way more conscious of my overall posture when sitting or standing.. I still get a few ‘grabbing’ sensations here and there mainly with strange angles of movement.. or bending down.. but I only feel now that I’m ready to undertake some more vigorous strength and fitness training.. I was advised to not do any impact related movements for about 6 months due to the degree of initial herniation and the revision.. so been playing it very cool.. the upside is my overall fitness has improved and so has my diet. Feeling all the better for it.. was a worthy wake up call in my life to not take things for granted..
I'm on my 3rd week after my 2nd discectomy. I'm in so much lower back pain, not even in the area of the surgery. Did you have this pain 3 week's post op?
@@hills4679 everyone’s case is going to be different.. how long you had the severe pain before surgery , and the severity of that pain.. where the pain was, how bad the herniations were, where they were snd if there was more than one.. and the activities and condition of your body that led up to the disc issues.. for me it was a generally inactive lifestyle (I mainly sit for my job) and then I was doing quite hard labor with lots of digging and lifting from doing the paving around my house and shifting copious amounts of sand and soil over the last two years.. which clearly did some damage.. When it went really bad for me I had the surgery within 48hrs.. so recovery was faster.. I didn’t need meds after 3/4 days besides the anti inflammatory meds.. and then took something ever now and then when I felt a flare up.. or had done a bit too much that day.. just use those meds (within reason) to help.. nerves have pain memory.. and if the pain is localised to your back and not in your leg or butt then that’s a positive step.. make sure you keep the walking a couple times a day.. do the squats, leg lifts and calf raises.. don’t sit too long.. and if it’s honestly still really bad then say something.. ask for another MRI referral and if that shows an all clear then you know it’s just nerve memory.. the spinal nerves are pretty serious nerves. And they heal slowly.. really slowly.. same with discs.. and don’t forget they drilled away some of the bone in order to access the disc.. simple operation sure.. but still a very serious one. There have been times when I thought it’s happening again.. even still I feel it grabbing when standing after I’ve been sitting for a while.. but it’s lessening.. just be honest with yourself and your pain, do the work you need to do to recover.. and speak to them.. questions don’t cost anything to ask..
After my surgery the first time. I was pain free for about 3 month's and then had surgery 6 month's later on October 3rd 2022. The pain is lower center back pain, not at incision site. Went to my 2 week post op appt that I didn't want to go to because the pain from sitting makes it worse. My Dr told me to come in due to the pain and was basically a wasted trip, I had to sit for over a hour to see my neurosurgeon. I got a shot of toradol and tramadol, not helping. Still in pain today and seems walking makes it worse. My 1st discectomy recovery was way easier and I didn't have this pain at 3 week's. I explained to my neurosurgeon that I'm having left side lower back pain. I left feeling like he thought I was asking for pain meds!
@@hills4679 That sux.. But think about your pain, if it’s centralised and has come up rather than still down the leg then it has worked.. but avoid sitting for more than a few mis where ever possible.. After two surgeries I wasn’t taking any chances.. and wanted to keep the back as straight as possible.. sitting for an hour? Not a chance.. I would have been standing/walking around or laying on the floor.. sitting tilts the pelvis and puts pressure square on the L5/S1 joint.. which is only going to encourage more disc to potentially leak out before it’s had the chance to scar over.. and I would sleep on my side with a thin pillow between my legs. Walking every day within reason (for me that helped).. I never really found the pain meds to do much for me.. would only take them at night when I had perhaps stressed it.. I found celecobix (I think that’s what it’s called) was beneficial to me.. (think an anti inflammatory or a neuropathic thing).. Nerve pain is the worst possible pain.. I’d also encourage you to consult with your GP regarding medications.. and any neurologist worth their salt would understand the degrees of pain.. and I doubt they think you’re just after meds if you don’t need them.. they should have a nurse on staff you could make an appt with rather than the neurosurgeon.. I met mine twice before the surgery.. and he told me unless there is a major issue, to cancel his 3 month appt.. I don’t know dude, just keep in contact with them and if you get another scan and it comes up clear then you know it’s just residual nerve pain.. there are no guarantees that these surgeries will leave you pain free.. and if you feel you need a second opinion, then seek that out..
Cannot wait till May 31st to have this done!!! I haven't slept on my back since September 2021 🤦♀️ dr. Armaghani had me crying tears of joy this past Thursday 🙌🙌🙌
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Extremely useful video. Thank you for taking the time to make it. I had a microdiscectomy five days ago. Just like you, my surgeon mentioned mild pain after and possibly not needing opioids. Given that mentality, I went home without the correct pain management plan and got stuck in bed due to extreme pain and could not move. I know everyone is different but it seems like surgeons like to optimistically downplay pain often, which in my case led to a fairly traumatic experience.
Sorry to hear. Everyone reacts to pain differently especially within the first few days of surgery. We encourage over the counter medication but always send patients home with prescription pain medication for break through pain that isn't covered by the over the counter stuff.
@@shyambalani3971 I just found out I have a L5 s1 disc bulge to the left. I have back pain when I sit but no leg pain. Do u have a disc bulge/ back pain or only leg pain. Also I only hurt when I sit not when I'm trying to sleep. Did you heal up completely? If so how long did it take and what did u do to heal ? Please help 😊🙃 also my back used to get tight when I lay down for bed but since I started back exercises 4 weeks ago. It doesn't get tight when I lay down only when I drive or sit. Are u 100% healed or do u still have back pain? Did u get surgery? Are you having any complications after surgery?
Surgeons downplay this operation so much. Everyone should be given meds like oxycodone and stool softener to prepare for post op pain. Have the meds and not need them vs. not have them and need them. Back surgery, even this seemingly less invasive surgery is very hard on the body. Surgeon sell this procedure because it's easy $. When they say you will only need Tylenol..... Sound too good to be true? I've had this surgery twice and I'm 35, and I've came out hurting worst both times. Be careful, it's not fun if your surgeon says it's easy. Armaghani did very well in this video. Way better than my two surgeons did for me. I appreciate this video very much because it explained the steps taken and has decent depictions of the approach and tools. Only thing is, what happens if there are complications like finding spinal fluid leaks or tears of the durnal or engorged veins. That's where the surgeons keep a tight lip and might not even tell you their findings... They're very concealing of the hard parts of this procedure and then you end with a lower quality of life forever. 10% unsuccessful rate is what they say, and I greatly disagree with that number. I'm just a person, not a doctor, it's my opinion, it's my experience from receiving this procedure twice. These surgeon (in majority) have never had the procedure done to them so how exactly could they have such confidence in post operation patient experience? I can absorb fake news all day doesn't make me have more experience on war or politics or anything of the topic. First hand experience is more powerful than a compilation of he said she said results. Most surgeon won't answer the phone or emails after the surgery, your only communication is with the nurse (who is overwhelmed and underpaid and most likely gonna give you cookie cutter answers). You'll see the surgeon for two 15 minute post op meetings and the surgeon will overly smile and giving good vibes so you don't have the chance to change the happy mood they are trying to set. If you say anything negative, they're gonna tell you, "just wait another 12 months then you'll feel better and fully healed".... If you don't feel better within the first 3 months from this simple low invasive procedure as they advertise, it's likely the results are the results. If your pain is gone then great! If it's there and morphed into something else, your likely gonna stay like that until further evaluation and rediagnosis.
Same here. Just had mines and they don't want to adequately address pain anymore because of misuse! Sad I have to sit in pain because of others actions! They know Tylenol doesn't help AT ALL!!
Thanks for a very informative video! I am in my 3rd week of recovery. The nerve damage caused a dropped foot, so I am already receiving physiotherapy treatment in conjunction with a daily exercise program.
@@karinwest919 Unfortunately I have not fully recovered yet. The nervous system takes its time! I experienced no pain. Sometimes just a tingling sensation on top of my foot.
I had mine two weeks ago and I spend four days at the hospital. I was admitted the day before the surgery. After the surgery I had to spend the night in the ICU regardless of my condition, and I did not have any complications after the surgery. The physical therapist came to me the next day after the surgery and taught me how to get out of the bed properly , get dressed and what kind of exercise to do etc. The doctor came every morning to change the bandage and monitor the healing process. When I was discharged a medical professional changed my bandage every three days to prevent any post surgery complications. But I guess every country has different guidelines.
My dr told me there was no recovery time, thank for this information it gave me re-assurance and hope that things will get better. I’m 6 days post op and yes there had been ups and downs.
I’m six days postop and was really feeling hopeless because I’m having difficulty controlling the pain. Your thorough explanation has given me so much emotional relief!!!! Especially the part about good days and bad days! 3 days post op I was pain free, but on day four I had to take narcotics which I had not been doing the day before! You have given me so much reassurance; I can’t thank you enough!!! I think having this information is going to help my healing as it has really taken the fear factor out of the equation. I’m a retired nurse; and I think we (nurses) always tend to overthink anything we don’t entirely understand. Thank you so much🙏🙏🙏
Glad to hear! 6 weeks is about how long it takes for the hole where the disk extruded to fix scar over. The affected nerve, though, takes almost a year to heal as much as it can heal.
Dear Dr, fantastic explanation. Just got operated last week. Healing is quite fast. After seeing your video, all my stress is gone🥰. Feeling so happy to see your video. Excellent n I’m really excited. All the best ❤. God bless
@@abhilashjose8480 going very good. Feeling that I should have done my operations three four months back. I got operated on 12th Dec 2023. Six weeks are over now. All my pain n operations related pain has gone 🙏👍
Outstanding Sir, thank you! Been in severe pain for a year with l4/l5. Sods law, surgery next week scheduled but the pain in subsiding and numbeness much better. Think i need to put surgery off now.....
Did you put surgery off? Whatever you decided, hope you're feeling much better. I'm scheduled in a few weeks. Been dealing with pain unchanged for 7 months and the past week, pain has lessened...what to do, what to do? Pain was terribly intense and I have difficulty with standing and walking.
@@brucefields867 hi there, I had my surgery deferred for 6 weeks when I went for the pre-op. Since the pre-op lasts for up to 3 months it made sense to see if I improved. My surgeon agreed this was the logical approach . I have now declined the surgery. I still have slight pain In my back that travels down my leg but nothing near the severity that I had. I have my full mobility now thankfully. My advice, if you feel you are on the mend then delay. I hear so much BS that physio fixes disc herniation but it doesn’t. Sometimes “time is the healer of all wounds” If you have endured this long, give it a bit more time. If I’m honest, if I had the option, would have taken the op at month 3 but couldn’t get date. Since I had no option to wait so long, body started it’s own healing process. My MRI showed significant, large herniation l4/l5 with Cauda Equina compression , thinking the disc material has been re absorbed. I know that the root nerves are no longer severely compressed as no numbness and can lift my left leg high from lying position. I may just have some residual nerve pain/damage due to long term compression. As I said, pain is bearable and liveable, unlike before. Failed back surgery scares me.
Much better!!! Still some mild numbness in thought and foot, but sensation is gradually returning; physical therapy is going well! Thank you for asking!
Thank you Dr Armaghani for a thorough explanation, i have jad 2 discectomy both on my L5 S1, I had a reherniation for the same disc almost 2 years after the fist discectomy, my second herniation was way more painful, and the recovery time is linger compare to first one, im two weeks out of the second discectomy right now, still have some sciatica pain, and my glutes and hamstrings are sore to touch, my calves feels like i tear a muscle there, some tingling feeling in my foot
Great video, thank you doc. I made microdiskectomy 2 weeks ago. I hadn't any special post surgery pains ,just have a numbness in 3 first fingers on left lag, in which I had sciatica during 1,5 year. I really tried everything-stretching spine with all possible ways, medicines, injections in my back...nothing gave a result and in the end I couldn't already move normally, even go from bed to toilet was terrible painful process and I took decision to make a surgery, I wanted to avoid it, but I really hadn't other choice. For a moment all is ok, I'm walking two times per day about 25-30 minutes in normal temp, don't take any medicines ,day by day I want to increase my daily activity, hope all will be ok.
it's a marathon not a sprint. recovery can be very up and down. hang in there and make sure to keep you follow-ups with your surgeon to keep them aware of what you are experiencing.
Hello. I'm better. after 3 months I started again my work, where I need to walk about 20 km in day. At first all my back muscles were hurting, now it's better. more difficult is sitting, I need to change my pose every 15-20 minutes, other way I feel pain in my low back. sometimes in a time of walking I feel little pain in left leg-always in different places, but it gous fast. when I had stronger pain, I was finding a place for have a 5 minuts relax at bench. now it doesn't need. I still trying to not lift heavy things, but I live alone, so it's not always possible. but if I'm taking something heavy, immediately back gives me reminder, so that's sure, lifting heavy things can send me again at surgery table, so will be better not to do it. I didn't make any sport, even nor just light jogging, I think my walking is enough. maybe in several months I will start to training lightly with my own weight, about gym and heavy weights I forget and don't want to turn back,it doesn't worth it... voila😁that's all my news for a moment... ah, yes, 3 first fingers at my left leg still in same condition, maybe just a little bit better, but I'm not sure. Good luck and health to everyone 🤞
@Lucky 9 Hi bro. don't worry, it's normal. seems you also suffered much before surgery. as I understood, hernia demages nerves and its recovering takes many time. Sorry bro, I'm not a doctor to say to you about your situation and what kind of help do you need, but I think good kine and physiotherapy will make good job for you. don't worry bro, you aren't alone, we all have same fkn' probleme and we have to solve it. in your situation I think will be better to take IRM scanning to see what's up. but I think and hope that it needs just time and you'll be ok. sometimes I also feel hurt in my back, in something moment I just have to lay down and I don't care where I'm, I just do it😁for a moment I'm sitting in a cafe, I have a little hurt in my low back, so I have to change my position, I have to walk, if will be need, I will lay down... it's ok😉
After a failed laminectomy, I was left with trapped nerves in the fusion of the L5 S1 region of my spine. This left me in great pain and a decreased quality of life. I will be contacting this spinal specialist to discover what options I have. Warning: Before making any decisions about spinal surgeries, I strongly suggest you look into all of the available options. Surgeries are a last resort.
Thanks Doctor for well done video, I would think it's best on internet! I got the surgery 5 weeks ago and good progress in recovery. Initially I had sciatica on right leg 5 yrs ago, after 3.5 years then it moved to left leg. The condition was getting worse even I went to physio, acupuncture, osteopathy, massage, and 5 days per week swimming, nothing help. Then one day both legs had sciatica and the numbness around saddle area, numbness at genital area. I had trouble passing stool ( no feeling), did not feel bladder full for pee. I went to ER twice for my condition but doctors did not recognize my symptom Cauda Equina Syndrome. Until third time at ER, they recognized my symptom as red flag and perform emergency surgery L5-S1 , decompression thecal sac, trimmed left and right disc There were some nerves damaged already done due to delay of 2 weeks. After the surgery, the sciatica on both legs reduced a lot but I still have numbness at saddle area and back of legs above knee, numbness both feet S1 nerve. As today week 5 of the surgery, I am building up strength for both legs 1 hr walking, 30 minutes swimming... I am happy the results , hopefully the numbness will go away after 1 year. Best luck to everyone!
I had it done 3 weeks ago what a relief just healing now the pain was so great I screamed to sit or walk ..had my surgery done at riverside hospital columbus ohio
Thanks for this video, very helpful. Why does plucking out the disc herniation cause scarring? Maybe a silly question but is it because it’s ripping it off and causing bleeding
I’ve unfortunately had this surgery twice at L-5, S-1. 20 years apart, first surgery in my twenties, and I work in construction. Worst pain to endure is sciatica, best outcome for me, twice, was a discectomy.
I just had this survey on 3/6/23 A herniated disk on my sciatic nerve boy. I was in pain for a few months but I have this done 10 years ago I asked if could it come back and it did after 10 years I was having pain from my back to my toes. I couldn't feel my toes my calf also was numb and I couldn't feel anything. Today is march 7th and Of course, there is pain because the meds are wearing off but I was given muscle relaxers, and pain medicine the good thing is I can feel my toes now and there's no numbness in my calf as well, And no pain from my back to my butt. I just have to move slowly around and You will feel the pain as a doctor stated in the video by them using these instruments to hold back your muscles and bone etc for the most part I know I will feel better after a few days my butt bone is what hurts the most right now. You will need help from your family or friends for a while and you shouldn't drive at all until it is safe to do so and don't lift anything more the 5lb or a gallon of milk and don't pull or push anything until you doctor tells you it is ok you don't want to have to go through another surgery or herniated disk on your nerve again. Good luck if you have to have this surgery.
Thank you so much for such detailed demonstration! I wonder, why surgeons choose to remove a part of bone in order to reach to the herniation, just like your demonstration in this video, but not to use minimally invasive way by using circular retractor tube to remove the herniation?
Good question! Whether you use a tube or another retractor, you still need to remove bone in most cases to access the spine and nerves to move them over and remove the disk herniation.
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@@ArmaghaniSpine Does the area where the laminotomy is performed typically heal over time (say for instance, on an otherwise healthy 43 year-old), or is there typically a lifelong defect in the bone there as compared to the contralateral side?
I like to thin out the superior lamina of the level below about 3mm from the tip. I then remove bone from the lamina above up to the point where i see epidural fat peaking out from under the ligament. I then use a curved curette to develop that plane between the under surface of the lamina above to release the ligament from that under surface and then when i am in that plane, i flip the curette 180 degrees so that it is now facing caudal towards the superior lamina of the level below. I then move the curette towards that superior lamina creating a rent that goes cranial to caudal within the ligamentum flavum. When i get to the undersurface of the superior lamina of the level below i am able to break through that small thinned portion and that releases the ligament caudally. with the ligament now released cranially as well as caudally, I can pull it towards me and i use a kerrosin to complete the resection laterally.
Very informative video thank you doctor. I have a mild herniated disc slight bulge. I have leg pain it was as 9 out of 10. I was offered to get a steroid epidural injection or this surgery I choose the injection the pain went down to a 6 now. I was told to do lots of cardio lose weight and stop lifting for 6 weeks but the million dollar question is the doctor nurse won't tell me if it will heal on its own or how long will It take to heal but they offered surgery but I'm really trying to avoid it. But I'm very glad u been very specific on this surgery because I'm starting to consider it.
Hi Doctor, your vedio is very helpful and so clear. I should have watch your vedio before my surgery. So, I can very careful post surgery. But I just found out now. I had done decompressive hemilaminectomy with discectomy on rigjt L5/S1 six weeks ago. As soon as I had surgery my right leg feels free but the little numbness left. After 4weeks I did normal activity and drive the car. But I started feel pain burning sensation from the butt through the leg and numbness on the little toe. I am worry now. What can happen to me? Do I need another surgery? I feel like my happinest took away now. Plesase advise what should I do? Does disc herniation again? Thanks! for your vedio.
Saying severe compression of lumbar nerves may cause 'discomfort' wins the understatement of the year award. 👨🦼 ♿ Outstanding videos, helped me finally understand a 20 yo surgery and one they want to do next.
I did not mean to say "discomfort" to downplay symptoms. I use the word "discomfort" because it can cover a lot of things that patients may experience such as numbness, tingling, burning, stabbing etc. I used to use "pain" early in my career but realized that patients would frequently say no it doesn't hurt it tingles (for example). I've found that "discomfort" covers all those basis and allows the patient to describe better for me what they are feeling. The discomfort from a disk can be quite brutal and bring even the toughest ppl to the hospital!
Great video and i don't even have any questions because i found my answers in the comments you replied to. Thanks for the video and for answering everyones' questions. I was just referred to a surgeon yesterday by my pain management doctor and am waiting for a call from them. I have not 1 but 2 severely bulging discs. One affecting my left and the other my right side, plus synovial cysts and arthritis 😬🤦♂️
I have severe chronic pain in my lower back L4 L5 for at least over 10 years now… my MRI shows that I have a herniated & bulging disc with a very small tear.. I’ve done multiple epidural injection shots, I’ve also done some physical therapy, chiropractic, massage.. and a few other procedures such as the one inch incision at Laser Spine institute before they went out of business. My most recent procedure was the Medial Branch Block about 3 months ago.. I probably only had one good month out of the 3 and the pain came back to the point where I could barely walk or even put on socks and a pants without help. Did another injection shot last 2 days ago but still in pain.. just wondering if this surgery would be the best option for me even tho I didn’t want to get surgery but I’m desperate here.. but I’m a lil concerned because pain doesn’t shoot down my legs and I was told this surgery is for ppl that experience that.. my pain is mostly around my lower back and now the pain is more on the right side. Would I be a good candidate for this? If not can u recommend another procedure or surgery that would work better for me? Pls I really need your expert opinion/ advice would greatly be appreciative .. thanks in advance doc
Hi, I'm in the same situation as you are with your herniated disc, I tried all the possible treatments but the pain came back, the only way is the surgery, I am on the list now waiting to have it done.
This is very helpful. I just had mine 2 weeks ago, i thought the tingling is not normal. what is better posture while sitting? leaning forward or backward?
No. We remove a very small piece of bone no bigger than one of your fingernails to access the spinal canal and the disk space. That small piece of bone is deep underneath your muscles and soft tissues which are closed over your bone and protects everything quite well.
I'm 28. I wish I had listened to my doctor more after my first surgery. I continued to work a labor intensive job thinking it was gonna be fine. It trully wasn't. I've had my second microdiscectomy and I'm in constant fear of a third herniation. Since that will lead to a fusion.
The recovery process does tend to be a 2 steps forward 1 step back sort of recovery especially early on within the first few months. After that time period things tend to calm down and you have steady improvements. How you feel at 1 year is how you feel long term. Chance of reherniation runs about 10% and is most likely to happen within the first 6 weeks.
I am about 9 months from surgery - the operation was successful, but recovery has been a lot slower than I expected. While the nerve pain is gone, I am still suffering from significant muscle pain - physio is helping, but it is a slow process. I would still recommend microdiskectomy surgery, but be prepared for a length recovery time.
Well said. Nerve pain we are very good at alleviating. But muscle pain from the back can still remain or be a side effect of the incision that was required to free up your nerve. Working with physios is the best remedy for that. Good luck!
Hi I got disceptomy too a month ago. I used to train brazilian jiu jitsu everyday. After OP, my leg pain was immediately gone. Some numbness lingers still. I do lots of air squats. I hope to go back to Tatami soon.
Dear Dr. Armaghani, your video and explanation do confirm 99% of what I have read and learned so far. However I do have 2 questions that I really can't find concrete proof of, and I would be really grateful if you can answer them for me. Question 1: Does the drilled down vertebra grow back fully as it used to be, if yes how long does it usually take? Question 2: Does the core of the disc (Nucleus Pulposus) regenerate, if yes how? Do we need to eat specific food, take specific medication, or just let it heal overtime?
This was an extremely helpful video. Thank you very much. My question is, my doctor recommended and sent a referral to a Neurosurgeon for this surgery and not a Orthopaedic surgeon. Who should I be seeing?
Very common question. The techniques employed by orthopedic spine surgeons and neuro spine surgeons are the same. There is no difference in technique just subtle differences in training. There are fantastic ortho spine surgeons and fantastic neuro spine surgeons. There are also ones from both sides that aren't so great. Go with whoever you feel most comfortable with as there is no difference in techniques.
@@bloodbath08 I just found out I have a L5 s1 disc bulge to the left. I have back pain when I sit but no leg pain. Do u have a disc bulge/ back pain or only leg pain. Also I only hurt when I sit not when I'm trying to sleep. Did you heal up completely? If so how long did it take and what did u do to heal ? Please help 😊🙃 also my back used to get tight when I lay down for bed but since I started back exercises 4 weeks ago. It doesn't get tight when I lay down only when I drive or sit. Are u 100% healed or do u still have back pain? Did u get surgery? Are you having any complications after surgery?
Dr explained very well. I had spine surgery 2 days ago and got all answers of my spine surgery. I had pain in right leg after surgery pain is gone but i have little bit numbness in my left leg i dont understand why ? Can you please tell me why i am felling numbness in my left leg and right leg is 100% fine.
Most important things to ask usually have to do with return to activity level or work and at what time. Also asking what % improvement in both back and leg pain and at what time points is important too. I tell patients that how you feel at 1 year is about how youll feel long-term but you get most of your recovery within the first 10-12 weeks of surgery. I also tell my patients they can return to all prior activities 6 weeks after surgery. Every surgeon is different and specifics of your case can alter those answers.
Great question. People have studied this over the years and not one technique has proven to be any better than simply making a small slit in the disk (or accessing the hole where the disk fragment came out of) to remove the herniation. This is why I typically tell my patients no bending down and lifting anything more than ~20lbs for 6 weeks but after 6 weeks they can return to normal activity. It typically takes about 6 weeks for the body to scar over the hole where the disk fragment came out of sealing it. There is about a 10% lifetime risk of reherniation later in life. Those risks are increased by being younger, male, or having a physical job.
@@MrJo1619 I just found out I have a L5 s1 disc bulge to the left. I have back pain when I sit but no leg pain. Do u have a disc bulge/ back pain or only leg pain. Also I only hurt when I sit not when I'm trying to sleep. Did you heal up completely? If so how long did it take and what did u do to heal ? Please help 😊🙃 also my back used to get tight when I lay down for bed but since I started back exercises 4 weeks ago. It doesn't get tight when I lay down only when I drive or sit. Are u 100% healed or do u still have back pain? Are you having any complications after surgery?
@@freestylebully4849 Hi, I have L5-S1 herniation to the right side. It was causing very bad leg pain all the way to my foot to the point I couldn’t sit or stand longer than 10 minutes. It sounds like your symptoms are quite different to mine. I am now 11 months later since the start of symptoms and I would say I am 75% better. I just have pain if I sneeze or cough and like you if I sit a long time I get stiff. What helped me was getting injections. I had one intradiscal ozone injection combined with a steroid injection. I have seen my MRI and the disc bulge has reduced by half the size now. If you do not improve after a few months of physio I would recommend looking into the injections but they take a few weeks/months to work. It is possible I might still need surgery to get to 100% better but I am going to give it a bit longer to see if I can heal completely without it.. personally I didn’t find physio very helpful although I would recommend reading the book back mechanic by Stuart mcgill. Good luck!
Very interesting procedure and video, Shame that he is in Fla. and I am in Pa. I have had 4 previous back surgeries, two were to repair the Dura due to a spinal fluid leak. Currently, I have another disc herniation with 24 hr non-stop pain, it actually feels like I'm walking on a broken hip which extends into the groin and leg, I haven't had any quality of life in two years. Hopefully, this technology will expand and becomes a procedure that more surgeons adopt.
sorry to hear but good luck to you. A good friend of mine Dr. Jesse Bible works in Hershey, PA and is excellent if you are looking for a second opinion.
Good question. The amount of bone removed is no bigger than a nickel and it is 4-5cm deep at least. The hole remains forever but it does not cause any problems later on unless too much bone is removed.
Had this procedure done back in 2003 at S1/L5 and at L4/L5. It allowed me to recovery in less time than expected. I was out hooking and booking again in less than 6 months. However, I have always continued to have pain and stiffness. I am required to have regular epidural injections to help keep me functional
Hello Doctor. I had a surgery (laminectomy) 20 years back . After a few yrs, I started having severe pain again, then my doctor gave me an epidural. Then I was ok, except for some pains that I could cope with. Lately, 3 years back, I started having acute pain again. Doctor prescribed many painkillers, but nothing worked. Then I had another epidural. Since then I got some relief, but unfortunately the pain is back now. Doctors prescribing painkillers again, but no relief. So, can u ,please, Doctor suggest any treatment or advice for me?
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I had surgery April ‘24 on L4 L5 fusion and I’m still struggling with pain and uncontrollable muscle spasms. (It’s like I’m having a seizure but I’m both my legs). Since then I’ve changed doctors and now this doctor is saying in order for any type of relief I need another surgery on L3 L4 to put a spacer between the 2. I’m over it! Not sure what to do and who to trust.
Hi Dr, Thank you very much for the detail explanation - lucky to find this video , I had my surgery a week back and recovering, leg pain issue seems to have subsided majorly , however I am experiencing unbearable upper back ache along the back ribs , I have been noticing this from past 4 months , ( this pain comes early mornings after 6 hrs of continuous sleep , ) checked with lot of ppl , but no one has any answers for it 😓), any idea what this is actually . I was assuming that this upper back ache would go away with the surgery, but it doesn’t seem to be the case
Try sleeping on the floor with soft padded thin mattress. It may be uncomfortable the first day or two but you'll notice significant natural alignment from top to bottom. Let your body find it's natural comfortable sleeping positions throughout the night either on your back and switch from side to side. The firmness of the surface will allow your body to align.
I had this procedure done in 2003. It changed my life for the better! When I woke up from surgery, the pain was gone. When the sedative wore off, I found that my spinal muscles were tight from 15 years of being in mild spasm. Took about three months of stretching exercises to be back to 100 percent. I've had no relapse. I'm doing great. Life is good!
I am 20years old and had this procedure yesterday. My low back hurts .
Thank you so much sir , for sharing your experience .
@@ankanghosh4293 I hope it goes well for you in the future. My advice is to wait two to four weeks. Then do piriformis stretches while laying flat on your back. Never do stretches where you rotate your back. Never!
Thank you for sharing!
@@xrcr12x why not rotate and stretch?
@@nobleroofinggeneralcontrac7961 Stretches, done carefully, are good. It is the rotating that can cause the inner, soft disc material to squeeze out and put pressure on the nerve root. I destroyed my back when I was a construction worker. Unloading a big truck. Lifting, rotating and stacking. I wish my verbal skills were better so I could explain why the rotating is so bad for the disc. Glad to try to answer any questions I can, if you care.
I have had 2 back surgery. I have never heard back surgery explained so deeply. Ty.
I just had this done at L4/L5 last week. My surgeon was good, but didn’t explain in as much detail as this. Thank you
How u feeling?! Who was your doc?
How you doing now? I had laser surgery 7 days ago on my L4&L5 disc
@@moisescadena3784 i just had surgery two weeks ago! im up and walking ! but im still recovering im feeling great!
Im having my L4 L5 done in two weeks, a little nervous but no feel theres no choice. Hope you are doing good now!
Just had a discectomy on my s1/l5 today. Surgeon was awesome n nurses were very informative. I checked in a 2pm and didn't leave until about 7pm
I am a 70 year old woman who had this surgery 10 weeks ago. I watched before the surgery but afterwards because I had significant pain in my right calf two-three weeks afterward. It was reassuring to me that my pain was to be expected. The fourth week the pain disappeared. I did a lot of research but this video helped me the most. I feel that I am fully recovered.
I just left a consult with a surgeon today it's been 18 months of back pain took this long to see The Specialist and agreed to do microdiscectomy
I've been struggling with the sciatica-like pain for a year now. After exhausting all the conservative treatment options (PT, epidural steroid shot), I am finally getting scheduled for this surgery. I'm only 38 but have been walking with a cane for a year because of the L4-L5, and L5-S1 discs herniation. I am nervous but also can't wait to get some relief!
I LOVE that there are videos of medical procedures on YT because I am super fascinated with the body and what things look like inside.
Thank you for sharing this information and educating the masses!
I’ve got a double herniation in both L4-L5 and L5-S1 aswell, I’m only 19 and I’ve had it for 9 months now. Feel like a cripple with a 4 foot rod up my ass when I walk. Getting a steroid shot in the next week or 2 but assuming surgery is in order. I hope the best for your recovery and hope that I can do the same
@@petrolmonkey1973 Thank you! I went through the microdiscectomy and it seems to have worked for me. I had a decrease in pain level - from a 10 to maybe 3 or 4. The first 4 weeks of recovery sucked so bad though because I was back at a 9 or 10. The doctor told me that this is because they have gone in and moved stuff around, which means that we have irritated the nerves and stuff. It's now week 8 and I only feel the pain if I've overexerted myself - which at this stage means a 5 minute walk, and a 10 minute standing non-stop. It's not a lot but I'm going to PT which seems to be helping... Thanks for the well wishes! I hope that steroids will work for you. The first one worked ok for me, the second was so-so, and the third one made it WORSE. So I was a candidate for surgery... Hope that you don't need surgery. While it has helped my issue, I still wouldn't recommend it if possible! Good luck to you!
I have the same situation as you, herniated disc, L5-S1 with sciatica on right side all the way to my foot for about a year now. I did all the things, including harp therapy interestingly enough. I never got shots because docs agreed they wouldn't help.
The herniation doubled in last 6 months, so
I was scheduled for microdiscectomy surgery in record time-2 weeks. It was canceled on the spot because of equipment issues. I got all the way to the OR and even 1st dose of anesthesia so I was this close. 🤏
I've never felt more anxious and scared in my life. It's rescheduled for 2 weeks from now and I'm not looking forward to the emotional roller coaster the night before. It was so bad that I'm actually considering not even doing it. I was pacing and crying all night. Zero sleep.
I'm still very anxious, so I'm looking online to help understand risks and some perspective. This video helped a little, but not really. It's very detailed with visual, which is good, but how did he replace the bone he drilled out? What happens if fluid leaks and symptoms of that? What permanent issues from nerve damage?
What can I do to deal with the emotional part of it besides positive thoughts and breathing techniques? Praying and talking to God helps me.
I'm so scatter-brained tho.I feel like I'm rambling on and I don't even remember why I wanted to comment.
I hope all goes well for you as most people post positive outcomes from a microdiscectomy.
Much love and God bless ❤
@@heatherbug265 did you get the surgery? I have to have it in a month or so and feel the exact same way as you mentioned
@@JulesA5266This is me! I’ve been in tears of frustration, depression, and agony bc by day 4 post L5/S1 surgery, I’m in MORE pain! Follow up today he said it’s actually common, yet the neuro NEVER said that pre-op! He prescribed a week of low dose steroids to hopefully easy inflammation. How are you doing? Is there hope the surgery worked despite how I’m feeling?
I think you are the only honest neurosurgeon I have ever heard speak, thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Turner. I try to be as upfront and clear with expectations as possible since there is really nothing "routine" about spine surgery. My philosophy is to lay out all the risks and allow the patient to make the best decision for themselves given the risks and benefits. The risk/benefit ratio varies greatly from patient to patient.
@@ArmaghaniSpine Thank you for your response, as long the decision to go forward or not is the patients decision, you are one of the very few neurosurgeon's in America who still alow that.
@@backhoe I just found out I have a L5 s1 disc bulge to the left. I have back pain when I sit but no leg pain. Do u have a disc bulge/ back pain or only leg pain. Also I only hurt when I sit not when I'm trying to sleep. Did you heal up completely? If so how long did it take and what did u do to heal ? Please help 😊🙃 also my back used to get tight when I lay down for bed but since I started back exercises 4 weeks ago. It doesn't get tight when I lay down only when I drive or sit. Are u 100% healed or do u still have back pain? Did u get surgery? Are you having any complications after surgery?
@@freestylebully4849 I have a bulging disk and a ruptured disk I'm still waiting on surgery but I have found a surgeon he said I need a discectomy on two disk and a laminectomy on the same two s1 l5 l5 l4 he discovered I need stents put in both legs before I can get my back surgery also discovered I have a aneurysm in one of my legs main arteries so I guess it could have saved my life I'm waiting on a phone call from a vascular surgeon to get the stents put in before I can get the back surgery but the surgeon said it should not be a problem to fix my back, good luck with yours.
@@backhoe thanks for replying I hope you have a speedy recovery 😊
I’m lying in bed load op. I really appreciate the thougrough explanation. Im an analytical person and I really appreciated the way you explained wirh before and after. I had a too basic explanation prior to which was fine but I am the type of person that really appreciates this type of explanation. Thank you so much!
Same here! I'm currently 3 weeks post op and doing amazing. I did a lot of research cause I'm a curious individual. Heck, I even watched a few live videos of this procedure being done I felt like I could do it myself! 😅
Hope your healing journey has been well 🙏
Having this next month. Never been so excited in my life to have a surgery. Been in debilitating pain for 6 months. I'm just ready for some relief and to start to heal even if nerves take a year to heal. Thank you for the video
Good luck, Mariah!
How do you feel Mariah, after the procedure - I am planning to have the same next week.
@@shyambalani3971 I feel great!! Recovery was a bit hard...lots of muscle pain from the surgery itself,but all presurgery pain was gone!! I am still experiencing some nerve pain in my leg,but with physical therapy it is improving again nothing like it was presurgery.
Follow your doctor's orders!! Slow and steady while recovering. I dont have any regrets having surgery done. It gave me my life back. Best of luck to you!!!
@@mariaharcher-vanhemert1018 I just found out I have a L5 s1 disc bulge to the left. I have back pain when I sit but no leg pain. Do u have a disc bulge/ back pain or only leg pain. Also I only hurt when I sit not when I'm trying to sleep. Did you heal up completely? If so how long did it take and what did u do to heal ? Please help 😊🙃 also my back used to get tight when I lay down for bed but since I started back exercises 4 weeks ago. It doesn't get tight when I lay down only when I drive or sit. Are u 100% healed or do u still have back pain?? Are you having any complications after surgery?
@@freestylebully4849 sorry about your back!! Back pain is the worse. I was a complete herniation at my L4,L5 AND S1. By the time I had surgery I could barely hold my torso up while walking and dragged my leg. I'm only 36 and walked worse then my grandma. The pain was absolutely terrible. Pain meds weren't effective. Before surgery I tried everything. Physical therapy, injections, pain meds and ever deep tissue massage. Nothing worked. I went 8 months like that. I went from being active every single day to barely being able to leave my bed. At the time of surgery I was willing to do anything. If they would have said we need to amputate your leg I probably would have done it. I was seriously suffering. To answer your question I did have back pain when it first started. And that lasted a bit before it turned into the right leg pain. The the pain in the leg was so intense I didn't notice back pain much. Other then when I was sitting. Surgery went good. I woke up with zero presurgery pain. The only pain I had was pain from surgery itself. I dont regret it because I did get relief. Recovery wise I took things really slow because I was so afraid of messing something up. I did physical therapy. However in march my pain began again. It started again in the lower back and now my leg pain is back. Physical therapy stopped working with me last week because they think I reherniated. Doctor ordered a new MRI and I did that yesterday. Now waiting on results and to see my doctor again. I am hopeful I didn't reherniate,but the pain tells me I may have. My doctor was very upfront and hoesnt that these surgeries arent 100 percent bullet proof and there is always a risk of reherniation. My surgery pain went away about a week after surgery and my incision was probably fully healed about 2/3 weeks after surgery. Best of luck to you on this journey!!!!!
I had this done a week ago at L3/L4 and I am doing great. The surgeon said that it is like removing a thorn but it may take a while for the indent in the nerve, from the extrusion to relax.
I feel great!
Thank goodness they can do this sort of surgery :)
This is so helpful! Your explanations are concise and clear. I’ve worked with many doctors who could do well to watch this for their patient communications. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Jessica.
Wow… im speechless, dr. Thank you so much for these videos. They are so informative and visual its just unbelievable.
Im dealing with herniating disks, tingling and numbness in my leg and currently going through the PT. Cortisone shots and even a surgery might be a thing in a near future.
Watching these videos tremendously helped me to understand the mechanics and the complexity of the surgery.
Thank you and keep up a great work
You're most welcome. Good luck!
How can i be able to reach the Dr.
I had my Microdiskectomy done 2 weeks ago. This is a very useful video explaining clearly on Microdiskectomy helping me to understand the crucial recovery process. Thanks
good luck in your recovery!
how are you going since ?
Thank you for making me fell better about getting this surgery. Dealing with extreme pain for 15+ years. Can’t take it anymore.
You're most welcome
Wow! 15 years. I'm 7 months and it seems like 7 years. Unbearable. How have you gone 15 years? Yikes! Did you have the surgery? If so, how are you doing?
Thank you very much. I’m a doctor about to have this procedure. This is a fabulous explanation.
I yesterday got my surgery (microdisectomy) done & now feeling much better & can now walk with little support. I will be able to walk properly in few days... In my case all my nerves were pressed by herniated disc just leaving 1mm space to canal. Person with spinal issues should always do daily exercises as suggested by physiotherapist
Had this surgery today now watching it this was the worst pain of my life hopefully I’ll make a full recovery n go back to my normal life soon
how are you?
?
@@stefanmarkovic1709 after year and half I’m still suffering with pain saddle area still numb still can’t digest food properly and most importantly can’t get erected
@@luqmanlatif1358 im so sorry to hear that , how old were u when u had this procedure
This is the best video yet explaining the surgery thank you very much
thanks much!
This is the best and most informative video of the subject that I have found. One thing that I have not found answer for is that how easily does the inner material of the disc push outside once the herniation is removed. One doctor described the consistancy of the inner disc material close to the shrimp flesh, so not that liquid.
Had this done L5/S1 valentines days this year 2022 .. no initial complications.. was up and walking that night..
Ended up back in for round 2 a few weeks later due to a re-herniation.. probably due to me taking too literally “you can resume some normal activity after this many days..”
and then ended up living on my back for two weeks because I was unable to sit or stand..
so if you’re getting this done.. be careful and don’t push it.. give it the time it deserves..
Coming up for 6months post op in about a week..
I’m still walking everyday.. I still get into / out of bed and the car slowly and carefully.. and way more conscious of my overall posture when sitting or standing..
I still get a few ‘grabbing’ sensations here and there mainly with strange angles of movement.. or bending down.. but I only feel now that I’m ready to undertake some more vigorous strength and fitness training..
I was advised to not do any impact related movements for about 6 months due to the degree of initial herniation and the revision..
so been playing it very cool..
the upside is my overall fitness has improved and so has my diet. Feeling all the better for it..
was a worthy wake up call in my life to not take things for granted..
Thank you for sharing. Best of luck!
I'm on my 3rd week after my 2nd discectomy. I'm in so much lower back pain, not even in the area of the surgery. Did you have this pain 3 week's post op?
@@hills4679 everyone’s case is going to be different.. how long you had the severe pain before surgery , and the severity of that pain.. where the pain was, how bad the herniations were, where they were snd if there was more than one..
and the activities and condition of your body that led up to the disc issues.. for me it was a generally inactive lifestyle (I mainly sit for my job) and then I was doing quite hard labor with lots of digging and lifting from doing the paving around my house and shifting copious amounts of sand and soil over the last two years.. which clearly did some damage..
When it went really bad for me I had the surgery within 48hrs.. so recovery was faster..
I didn’t need meds after 3/4 days besides the anti inflammatory meds.. and then took something ever now and then when I felt a flare up.. or had done a bit too much that day..
just use those meds (within reason) to help.. nerves have pain memory.. and if the pain is localised to your back and not in your leg or butt then that’s a positive step.. make sure you keep the walking a couple times a day.. do the squats, leg lifts and calf raises.. don’t sit too long..
and if it’s honestly still really bad then say something.. ask for another MRI referral and if that shows an all clear then you know it’s just nerve memory.. the spinal nerves are pretty serious nerves. And they heal slowly.. really slowly.. same with discs.. and don’t forget they drilled away some of the bone in order to access the disc.. simple operation sure.. but still a very serious one.
There have been times when I thought it’s happening again.. even still I feel it grabbing when standing after I’ve been sitting for a while.. but it’s lessening.. just be honest with yourself and your pain, do the work you need to do to recover.. and speak to them.. questions don’t cost anything to ask..
After my surgery the first time. I was pain free for about 3 month's and then had surgery 6 month's later on October 3rd 2022. The pain is lower center back pain, not at incision site. Went to my 2 week post op appt that I didn't want to go to because the pain from sitting makes it worse. My Dr told me to come in due to the pain and was basically a wasted trip, I had to sit for over a hour to see my neurosurgeon. I got a shot of toradol and tramadol, not helping. Still in pain today and seems walking makes it worse. My 1st discectomy recovery was way easier and I didn't have this pain at 3 week's. I explained to my neurosurgeon that I'm having left side lower back pain. I left feeling like he thought I was asking for pain meds!
@@hills4679
That sux..
But think about your pain, if it’s centralised and has come up rather than still down the leg then it has worked.. but avoid sitting for more than a few mis where ever possible.. After two surgeries I wasn’t taking any chances.. and wanted to keep the back as straight as possible.. sitting for an hour? Not a chance.. I would have been standing/walking around or laying on the floor.. sitting tilts the pelvis and puts pressure square on the L5/S1 joint.. which is only going to encourage more disc to potentially leak out before it’s had the chance to scar over.. and I would sleep on my side with a thin pillow between my legs. Walking every day within reason (for me that helped)..
I never really found the pain meds to do much for me.. would only take them at night when I had perhaps stressed it.. I found celecobix (I think that’s what it’s called) was beneficial to me.. (think an anti inflammatory or a neuropathic thing)..
Nerve pain is the worst possible pain..
I’d also encourage you to consult with your GP regarding medications..
and any neurologist worth their salt would understand the degrees of pain.. and I doubt they think you’re just after meds if you don’t need them.. they should have a nurse on staff you could make an appt with rather than the neurosurgeon.. I met mine twice before the surgery.. and he told me unless there is a major issue, to cancel his 3 month appt..
I don’t know dude, just keep in contact with them and if you get another scan and it comes up clear then you know it’s just residual nerve pain.. there are no guarantees that these surgeries will leave you pain free.. and if you feel you need a second opinion, then seek that out..
Cannot wait till May 31st to have this done!!! I haven't slept on my back since September 2021 🤦♀️ dr. Armaghani had me crying tears of joy this past Thursday 🙌🙌🙌
you'll do great!
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Extremely useful video. Thank you for taking the time to make it. I had a microdiscectomy five days ago. Just like you, my surgeon mentioned mild pain after and possibly not needing opioids. Given that mentality, I went home without the correct pain management plan and got stuck in bed due to extreme pain and could not move. I know everyone is different but it seems like surgeons like to optimistically downplay pain often, which in my case led to a fairly traumatic experience.
Sorry to hear. Everyone reacts to pain differently especially within the first few days of surgery. We encourage over the counter medication but always send patients home with prescription pain medication for break through pain that isn't covered by the over the counter stuff.
How do you feel now? I am planning to have the same next week.
@@shyambalani3971 I just found out I have a L5 s1 disc bulge to the left. I have back pain when I sit but no leg pain. Do u have a disc bulge/ back pain or only leg pain. Also I only hurt when I sit not when I'm trying to sleep. Did you heal up completely? If so how long did it take and what did u do to heal ? Please help 😊🙃 also my back used to get tight when I lay down for bed but since I started back exercises 4 weeks ago. It doesn't get tight when I lay down only when I drive or sit. Are u 100% healed or do u still have back pain? Did u get surgery? Are you having any complications after surgery?
Surgeons downplay this operation so much. Everyone should be given meds like oxycodone and stool softener to prepare for post op pain. Have the meds and not need them vs. not have them and need them. Back surgery, even this seemingly less invasive surgery is very hard on the body. Surgeon sell this procedure because it's easy $. When they say you will only need Tylenol..... Sound too good to be true? I've had this surgery twice and I'm 35, and I've came out hurting worst both times. Be careful, it's not fun if your surgeon says it's easy. Armaghani did very well in this video. Way better than my two surgeons did for me. I appreciate this video very much because it explained the steps taken and has decent depictions of the approach and tools. Only thing is, what happens if there are complications like finding spinal fluid leaks or tears of the durnal or engorged veins. That's where the surgeons keep a tight lip and might not even tell you their findings... They're very concealing of the hard parts of this procedure and then you end with a lower quality of life forever. 10% unsuccessful rate is what they say, and I greatly disagree with that number. I'm just a person, not a doctor, it's my opinion, it's my experience from receiving this procedure twice. These surgeon (in majority) have never had the procedure done to them so how exactly could they have such confidence in post operation patient experience? I can absorb fake news all day doesn't make me have more experience on war or politics or anything of the topic. First hand experience is more powerful than a compilation of he said she said results. Most surgeon won't answer the phone or emails after the surgery, your only communication is with the nurse (who is overwhelmed and underpaid and most likely gonna give you cookie cutter answers). You'll see the surgeon for two 15 minute post op meetings and the surgeon will overly smile and giving good vibes so you don't have the chance to change the happy mood they are trying to set. If you say anything negative, they're gonna tell you, "just wait another 12 months then you'll feel better and fully healed".... If you don't feel better within the first 3 months from this simple low invasive procedure as they advertise, it's likely the results are the results. If your pain is gone then great! If it's there and morphed into something else, your likely gonna stay like that until further evaluation and rediagnosis.
Same here. Just had mines and they don't want to adequately address pain anymore because of misuse! Sad I have to sit in pain because of others actions! They know Tylenol doesn't help AT ALL!!
Thanks for a very informative video! I am in my 3rd week of recovery. The nerve damage caused a dropped foot, so I am already receiving physiotherapy treatment in conjunction with a daily exercise program.
@steganlagrange188 how are you doing today? Does dropped foot come heel pain?
@@karinwest919 Unfortunately I have not fully recovered yet. The nervous system takes its time! I experienced no pain. Sometimes just a tingling sensation on top of my foot.
@@stefanlagrange188 , thank you for taking the time to respond and let me know how you are doing!!
I had mine two weeks ago and I spend four days at the hospital. I was admitted the day before the surgery. After the surgery I had to spend the night in the ICU regardless of my condition, and I did not have any complications after the surgery. The physical therapist came to me the next day after the surgery and taught me how to get out of the bed properly , get dressed and what kind of exercise to do etc. The doctor came every morning to change the bandage and monitor the healing process. When I was discharged a medical professional changed my bandage every three days to prevent any post surgery complications. But I guess every country has different guidelines.
AMAZING explanation. Will be having this done on L4-L5 and L5-S1.
I got the discectomy surgery 2 months ago. Great informative video. Thanks so much Dr. Keep up your hard work. Appreciate it!
Much appreciated!
How did it go?? Feeling better? My sciatica is hell right now
how are you feeling since?
My dr told me there was no recovery time, thank for this information it gave me re-assurance and hope that things will get better. I’m 6 days post op and yes there had been ups and downs.
Great video! Had this surgery 6 weeks ago and glad I watched this
You have no idea how much you have been helping me with your videos! Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤
Happy to help!
I’m six days postop and was really feeling hopeless because I’m having difficulty controlling the pain. Your thorough explanation has given me so much emotional relief!!!! Especially the part about good days and bad days! 3 days post op I was pain free, but on day four I had to take narcotics which I had not been doing the day before! You have given me so much reassurance; I can’t thank you enough!!! I think having this information is going to help my healing as it has really taken the fear factor out of the equation. I’m a retired nurse; and I think we (nurses) always tend to overthink anything we don’t entirely understand. Thank you so much🙏🙏🙏
How are you now a few week post op? I hope feeling somewhat better.
Are you still alive?
Watching this 4h after my surgery, thank you for the explanation ❤
best of luck!
thank u!! i did the surgery yesterday and still on the hospital bed :)
Good luck!
That was great explanation. I finally found the answer about the time when disc itself heals (6 weeks). Thanks
Glad to hear! 6 weeks is about how long it takes for the hole where the disk extruded to fix scar over. The affected nerve, though, takes almost a year to heal as much as it can heal.
@@ArmaghaniSpinethe ring over Nucleus can heal after ?
@@ArmaghaniSpinecan I lift very light weights (5-10 kg) after 2 weeks?
Very clear explanation.I am waiting to have the surgery,this helped me understand the procedure well. Thank you
best of luck!
Thanks so much for explaining this! I’ve only had pain 2 months 34F and can’t wait for my procedure. I feel more comfortable knowing all the info.
Glad it was helpful!
Dear Dr, fantastic explanation. Just got operated last week. Healing is quite fast. After seeing your video, all my stress is gone🥰. Feeling so happy to see your video. Excellent n I’m really excited. All the best ❤. God bless
Hey how is it going now ?
@@abhilashjose8480 going very good. Feeling that I should have done my operations three four months back. I got operated on 12th Dec 2023. Six weeks are over now. All my pain n operations related pain has gone 🙏👍
Outstanding Sir, thank you! Been in severe pain for a year with l4/l5. Sods law, surgery next week scheduled but the pain in subsiding and numbeness much better. Think i need to put surgery off now.....
Did you put surgery off? Whatever you decided, hope you're feeling much better.
I'm scheduled in a few weeks. Been dealing with pain unchanged for 7 months and the past week, pain has lessened...what to do, what to do? Pain was terribly intense and I have difficulty with standing and walking.
@@brucefields867 hi there, I had my surgery deferred for 6 weeks when I went for the pre-op. Since the pre-op lasts for up to 3 months it made sense to see if I improved. My surgeon agreed this was the logical approach . I have now declined the surgery. I still have slight pain In my back that travels down my leg but nothing near the severity that I had. I have my full mobility now thankfully. My advice, if you feel you are on the mend then delay. I hear so much BS that physio fixes disc herniation but it doesn’t. Sometimes “time is the healer of all wounds” If you have endured this long, give it a bit more time. If I’m honest, if I had the option, would have taken the op at month 3 but couldn’t get date. Since I had no option to wait so long, body started it’s own healing process. My MRI showed significant, large herniation l4/l5 with Cauda Equina compression , thinking the disc material has been re absorbed. I know that the root nerves are no longer severely compressed as no numbness and can lift my left leg high from lying position. I may just have some residual nerve pain/damage due to long term compression. As I said, pain is bearable and liveable, unlike before. Failed back surgery scares me.
Much better!!! Still some mild numbness in thought and foot, but sensation is gradually returning; physical therapy is going well! Thank you for asking!
This is so detailed and so good!! Thank you Doc!!!
thanks for the kind words!
Thank you Dr. This presentation was so easy to understand. Keep up the good work
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you Dr Armaghani for a thorough explanation, i have jad 2 discectomy both on my L5 S1, I had a reherniation for the same disc almost 2 years after the fist discectomy, my second herniation was way more painful, and the recovery time is linger compare to first one, im two weeks out of the second discectomy right now, still have some sciatica pain, and my glutes and hamstrings are sore to touch, my calves feels like i tear a muscle there, some tingling feeling in my foot
Great explanation. Thanks for sharing
Really great video! It answered a lot of my questions. TY!
You're welcome!
Thank you so much for your video. It was clear and easy to understand
Excellent to finally see what my surgeon did! Very informative information! Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, thank you doc. I made microdiskectomy 2 weeks ago. I hadn't any special post surgery pains ,just have a numbness in 3 first fingers on left lag, in which I had sciatica during 1,5 year. I really tried everything-stretching spine with all possible ways, medicines, injections in my back...nothing gave a result and in the end I couldn't already move normally, even go from bed to toilet was terrible painful process and I took decision to make a surgery, I wanted to avoid it, but I really hadn't other choice. For a moment all is ok, I'm walking two times per day about 25-30 minutes in normal temp, don't take any medicines ,day by day I want to increase my daily activity, hope all will be ok.
it's a marathon not a sprint. recovery can be very up and down. hang in there and make sure to keep you follow-ups with your surgeon to keep them aware of what you are experiencing.
How r u now?
Hello. I'm better. after 3 months I started again my work, where I need to walk about 20 km in day. At first all my back muscles were hurting, now it's better. more difficult is sitting, I need to change my pose every 15-20 minutes, other way I feel pain in my low back. sometimes in a time of walking I feel little pain in left leg-always in different places, but it gous fast. when I had stronger pain, I was finding a place for have a 5 minuts relax at bench. now it doesn't need. I still trying to not lift heavy things, but I live alone, so it's not always possible. but if I'm taking something heavy, immediately back gives me reminder, so that's sure, lifting heavy things can send me again at surgery table, so will be better not to do it. I didn't make any sport, even nor just light jogging, I think my walking is enough. maybe in several months I will start to training lightly with my own weight, about gym and heavy weights I forget and don't want to turn back,it doesn't worth it... voila😁that's all my news for a moment... ah, yes, 3 first fingers at my left leg still in same condition, maybe just a little bit better, but I'm not sure. Good luck and health to everyone 🤞
@Lucky 9 Hi bro. don't worry, it's normal. seems you also suffered much before surgery. as I understood, hernia demages nerves and its recovering takes many time. Sorry bro, I'm not a doctor to say to you about your situation and what kind of help do you need, but I think good kine and physiotherapy will make good job for you. don't worry bro, you aren't alone, we all have same fkn' probleme and we have to solve it. in your situation I think will be better to take IRM scanning to see what's up. but I think and hope that it needs just time and you'll be ok. sometimes I also feel hurt in my back, in something moment I just have to lay down and I don't care where I'm, I just do it😁for a moment I'm sitting in a cafe, I have a little hurt in my low back, so I have to change my position, I have to walk, if will be need, I will lay down... it's ok😉
Fantastic explanation Dr. Listening for the third time ❤. Very useful n very useful
Great Video! Thank you 🔥👏💪🫶
What happened to the bone remove? Does it have effect in the future?
After a failed laminectomy, I was left with trapped nerves in the fusion of the L5 S1 region of my spine. This left me in great pain and a decreased quality of life. I will be contacting this spinal specialist to discover what options I have. Warning: Before making any decisions about spinal surgeries, I strongly suggest you look into all of the available options. Surgeries are a last resort.
How do you feel now? I'm in so much pain I've been recommended surgery twice but nothing has worked IDK about being in more pain. What happened?
Thanks for the video I’m getting this surgery in two days. Will post videos on my channel about the experience 🤞🙏
Good luck!
How it go?
Thanks Doctor for well done video, I would think it's best on internet! I got the surgery 5 weeks ago and good progress in recovery. Initially I had sciatica on right leg 5 yrs ago, after 3.5 years then it moved to left leg. The condition was getting worse even I went to physio, acupuncture, osteopathy, massage, and 5 days per week swimming, nothing help. Then one day both legs had sciatica and the numbness around saddle area, numbness at genital area. I had trouble passing stool ( no feeling), did not feel bladder full for pee. I went to ER twice for my condition but doctors did not recognize my symptom Cauda Equina Syndrome. Until third time at ER, they recognized my symptom as red flag and perform emergency surgery L5-S1 , decompression thecal sac, trimmed left and right disc There were some nerves damaged already done due to delay of 2 weeks. After the surgery, the sciatica on both legs reduced a lot but I still have numbness at saddle area and back of legs above knee, numbness both feet S1 nerve. As today week 5 of the surgery, I am building up strength for both legs 1 hr walking, 30 minutes swimming... I am happy the results , hopefully the numbness will go away after 1 year. Best luck to everyone!
thank you for sharing your experience. best of luck!
How u feel today?
Thank you for making this available for us.
I had it done 3 weeks ago what a relief just healing now the pain was so great I screamed to sit or walk ..had my surgery done at riverside hospital columbus ohio
hope you did well!
Thanks for this video, very helpful. Why does plucking out the disc herniation cause scarring? Maybe a silly question but is it because it’s ripping it off and causing bleeding
Astoniahingly amazing dr. Ever who solved all my worries post op. Stay blessed
Most helpful video i have watched. Thanks Doc
you're most welcome
Excellent overview.
My weeks of googling all answered in one video and much better👍
Glad it helped!
I’ve unfortunately had this surgery twice at L-5, S-1. 20 years apart, first surgery in my twenties, and I work in construction.
Worst pain to endure is sciatica, best outcome for me, twice, was a discectomy.
Sciatica can bring even the most tough individual to their knees. It is not pleasant in any way. I'm glad you've got your issue fixed.
10 days post op and im feeling amazing. I have 6 weeks off work to heal now
How are you feeling now ?
I just had this survey on 3/6/23 A herniated disk on my sciatic nerve boy. I was in pain for a few months but I have this done 10 years ago I asked if could it come back and it did
after 10 years I was having pain from my back to my toes. I couldn't feel my toes my calf also was numb and I couldn't feel anything. Today is march 7th and Of course, there is pain because the meds are wearing off but I was given muscle relaxers, and pain medicine the good thing is I can feel my toes now and there's no numbness in my calf as well, And no pain from my back to my butt. I just have to move slowly around and You will feel the pain as a doctor stated in the video by them using these instruments to hold back your muscles and bone etc for the most part I know I will feel better after a few days my butt bone is what hurts the most right now. You will need help from your family or friends for a while and you shouldn't drive at all until it is safe to do so and don't lift anything more the 5lb or a gallon of milk and don't pull or push anything until you doctor tells you it is ok you don't want to have to go through another surgery or herniated disk on your nerve again. Good luck if you have to have this surgery.
well said!
Thank you so much for such detailed demonstration! I wonder, why surgeons choose to remove a part of bone in order to reach to the herniation, just like your demonstration in this video, but not to use minimally invasive way by using circular retractor tube to remove the herniation?
Good question! Whether you use a tube or another retractor, you still need to remove bone in most cases to access the spine and nerves to move them over and remove the disk herniation.
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@@ArmaghaniSpine Does the area where the laminotomy is performed typically heal over time (say for instance, on an otherwise healthy 43 year-old), or is there typically a lifelong defect in the bone there as compared to the contralateral side?
Please demonstrate safe way of removal of ligamentum flavum. Any tip and trick. Will be helpful if you can show in live surgery or cadever. Thank you
I like to thin out the superior lamina of the level below about 3mm from the tip. I then remove bone from the lamina above up to the point where i see epidural fat peaking out from under the ligament. I then use a curved curette to develop that plane between the under surface of the lamina above to release the ligament from that under surface and then when i am in that plane, i flip the curette 180 degrees so that it is now facing caudal towards the superior lamina of the level below. I then move the curette towards that superior lamina creating a rent that goes cranial to caudal within the ligamentum flavum. When i get to the undersurface of the superior lamina of the level below i am able to break through that small thinned portion and that releases the ligament caudally. with the ligament now released cranially as well as caudally, I can pull it towards me and i use a kerrosin to complete the resection laterally.
Very informative!
The recovery part well explained.
Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for an excellent video. No fusion necessary because so little bone is removed? Can this procedure be done on a cervical disc?
Excellent presentation
Very informative video thank you doctor. I have a mild herniated disc slight bulge. I have leg pain it was as 9 out of 10. I was offered to get a steroid epidural injection or this surgery I choose the injection the pain went down to a 6 now. I was told to do lots of cardio lose weight and stop lifting for 6 weeks but the million dollar question is the doctor nurse won't tell me if it will heal on its own or how long will It take to heal but they offered surgery but I'm really trying to avoid it. But I'm very glad u been very specific on this surgery because I'm starting to consider it.
Get this surgery asap to avoid permanent nerve damage!
Hallo dr
I had Microdiscectomy surgery about 10 days ago .. I have now more pain in leg then before the surgery surgery ..
How are u feeling now?
Thank you Doctor, my surgeon showed be huge screws that would be used to hold the discs into place and that scared me that i did go back for the op.
The screws can be big but are necessary to realign the bones if needed. good luck!
@@ArmaghaniSpine thank you for replying.
Hi Doctor, your vedio is very helpful and so clear. I should have watch your vedio before my surgery. So, I can very careful post surgery. But I just found out now. I had done decompressive hemilaminectomy with discectomy on rigjt L5/S1 six weeks ago. As soon as I had surgery my right leg feels free but the little numbness left. After 4weeks I did normal activity and drive the car. But I started feel pain burning sensation from the butt through the leg and numbness on the little toe. I am worry now. What can happen to me? Do I need another surgery? I feel like my happinest took away now. Plesase advise what should I do? Does disc herniation again? Thanks! for your vedio.
Saying severe compression of lumbar nerves may cause 'discomfort' wins the understatement of the year award. 👨🦼 ♿
Outstanding videos, helped me finally understand a 20 yo surgery and one they want to do next.
I did not mean to say "discomfort" to downplay symptoms. I use the word "discomfort" because it can cover a lot of things that patients may experience such as numbness, tingling, burning, stabbing etc. I used to use "pain" early in my career but realized that patients would frequently say no it doesn't hurt it tingles (for example). I've found that "discomfort" covers all those basis and allows the patient to describe better for me what they are feeling. The discomfort from a disk can be quite brutal and bring even the toughest ppl to the hospital!
Great video and i don't even have any questions because i found my answers in the comments you replied to. Thanks for the video and for answering everyones' questions. I was just referred to a surgeon yesterday by my pain management doctor and am waiting for a call from them. I have not 1 but 2 severely bulging discs. One affecting my left and the other my right side, plus synovial cysts and arthritis 😬🤦♂️
Glad I could help! Good luck!
I have severe chronic pain in my lower back L4 L5 for at least over 10 years now… my MRI shows that I have a herniated & bulging disc with a very small tear.. I’ve done multiple epidural injection shots, I’ve also done some physical therapy, chiropractic, massage.. and a few other procedures such as the one inch incision at Laser Spine institute before they went out of business. My most recent procedure was the Medial Branch Block about 3 months ago.. I probably only had one good month out of the 3 and the pain came back to the point where I could barely walk or even put on socks and a pants without help. Did another injection shot last 2 days ago but still in pain.. just wondering if this surgery would be the best option for me even tho I didn’t want to get surgery but I’m desperate here.. but I’m a lil concerned because pain doesn’t shoot down my legs and I was told this surgery is for ppl that experience that.. my pain is mostly around my lower back and now the pain is more on the right side. Would I be a good candidate for this? If not can u recommend another procedure or surgery that would work better for me? Pls I really need your expert opinion/ advice would greatly be appreciative .. thanks in advance doc
Hi, I'm in the same situation as you are with your herniated disc, I tried all the possible treatments but the pain came back, the only way is the surgery, I am on the list now waiting to have it done.
I would have a conversation with a surgeon and discuss your concerns.
Very helpful. Dr Google is great.
Thank you for video. The video was excellent. Great job.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is very helpful. I just had mine 2 weeks ago, i thought the tingling is not normal. what is better posture while sitting? leaning forward or backward?
Will the bone which was removed for space grow back?
No. We remove a very small piece of bone no bigger than one of your fingernails to access the spinal canal and the disk space. That small piece of bone is deep underneath your muscles and soft tissues which are closed over your bone and protects everything quite well.
I'm 28. I wish I had listened to my doctor more after my first surgery. I continued to work a labor intensive job thinking it was gonna be fine. It trully wasn't.
I've had my second microdiscectomy and I'm in constant fear of a third herniation. Since that will lead to a fusion.
Is it normal to have recurrent pain throughout the recovery? How can we know if we've reherniated?
The recovery process does tend to be a 2 steps forward 1 step back sort of recovery especially early on within the first few months. After that time period things tend to calm down and you have steady improvements. How you feel at 1 year is how you feel long term. Chance of reherniation runs about 10% and is most likely to happen within the first 6 weeks.
I am about 9 months from surgery - the operation was successful, but recovery has been a lot slower than I expected.
While the nerve pain is gone, I am still suffering from significant muscle pain - physio is helping, but it is a slow process.
I would still recommend microdiskectomy surgery, but be prepared for a length recovery time.
Well said. Nerve pain we are very good at alleviating. But muscle pain from the back can still remain or be a side effect of the incision that was required to free up your nerve. Working with physios is the best remedy for that. Good luck!
@@ArmaghaniSpine Thank you - that's the plan 👍
Hi I got disceptomy too a month ago. I used to train brazilian jiu jitsu everyday. After OP, my leg pain was immediately gone. Some numbness lingers still. I do lots of air squats. I hope to go back to Tatami soon.
Typically most surgeons let patients get back to their normal activities after 6 weeks. good luck!
Dear Dr. Armaghani, your video and explanation do confirm 99% of what I have read and learned so far. However I do have 2 questions that I really can't find concrete proof of, and I would be really grateful if you can answer them for me.
Question 1: Does the drilled down vertebra grow back fully as it used to be, if yes how long does it usually take?
Question 2: Does the core of the disc (Nucleus Pulposus) regenerate, if yes how? Do we need to eat specific food, take specific medication, or just let it heal overtime?
This video is very useful. Thank you Dr.
You're welcome!
Can they do microdiskectomy on your C-spine as well?
This was an extremely helpful video. Thank you very much. My question is, my doctor recommended and sent a referral to a Neurosurgeon for this surgery and not a Orthopaedic surgeon. Who should I be seeing?
Very common question. The techniques employed by orthopedic spine surgeons and neuro spine surgeons are the same. There is no difference in technique just subtle differences in training. There are fantastic ortho spine surgeons and fantastic neuro spine surgeons. There are also ones from both sides that aren't so great. Go with whoever you feel most comfortable with as there is no difference in techniques.
@@ArmaghaniSpine thank you so very much for replying. I truly appreciate you. Thank you so much. Happy Holidays. God bless
@@bloodbath08 I just found out I have a L5 s1 disc bulge to the left. I have back pain when I sit but no leg pain. Do u have a disc bulge/ back pain or only leg pain. Also I only hurt when I sit not when I'm trying to sleep. Did you heal up completely? If so how long did it take and what did u do to heal ? Please help 😊🙃 also my back used to get tight when I lay down for bed but since I started back exercises 4 weeks ago. It doesn't get tight when I lay down only when I drive or sit. Are u 100% healed or do u still have back pain? Did u get surgery? Are you having any complications after surgery?
Dr explained very well. I had spine surgery 2 days ago and got all answers of my spine surgery. I had pain in right leg after surgery pain is gone but i have little bit numbness in my left leg i dont understand why ? Can you please tell me why i am felling numbness in my left leg and right leg is 100% fine.
Hello Doctor,
What questions should I ask the surgeon after the procedure?
Most important things to ask usually have to do with return to activity level or work and at what time. Also asking what % improvement in both back and leg pain and at what time points is important too. I tell patients that how you feel at 1 year is about how youll feel long-term but you get most of your recovery within the first 10-12 weeks of surgery. I also tell my patients they can return to all prior activities 6 weeks after surgery. Every surgeon is different and specifics of your case can alter those answers.
Is ultrasound tool available to perform microdiskectomy?
Does the removed bone replace itself
Is the disc stitched up after to aid with healing and prevent reherniation?
Great question. People have studied this over the years and not one technique has proven to be any better than simply making a small slit in the disk (or accessing the hole where the disk fragment came out of) to remove the herniation. This is why I typically tell my patients no bending down and lifting anything more than ~20lbs for 6 weeks but after 6 weeks they can return to normal activity. It typically takes about 6 weeks for the body to scar over the hole where the disk fragment came out of sealing it. There is about a 10% lifetime risk of reherniation later in life. Those risks are increased by being younger, male, or having a physical job.
@@ArmaghaniSpine thank you for the info!
@@MrJo1619 I just found out I have a L5 s1 disc bulge to the left. I have back pain when I sit but no leg pain. Do u have a disc bulge/ back pain or only leg pain. Also I only hurt when I sit not when I'm trying to sleep. Did you heal up completely? If so how long did it take and what did u do to heal ? Please help 😊🙃 also my back used to get tight when I lay down for bed but since I started back exercises 4 weeks ago. It doesn't get tight when I lay down only when I drive or sit. Are u 100% healed or do u still have back pain? Are you having any complications after surgery?
@@freestylebully4849 Hi, I have L5-S1 herniation to the right side. It was causing very bad leg pain all the way to my foot to the point I couldn’t sit or stand longer than 10 minutes. It sounds like your symptoms are quite different to mine.
I am now 11 months later since the start of symptoms and I would say I am 75% better. I just have pain if I sneeze or cough and like you if I sit a long time I get stiff. What helped me was getting injections. I had one intradiscal ozone injection combined with a steroid injection. I have seen my MRI and the disc bulge has reduced by half the size now. If you do not improve after a few months of physio I would recommend looking into the injections but they take a few weeks/months to work. It is possible I might still need surgery to get to 100% better but I am going to give it a bit longer to see if I can heal completely without it.. personally I didn’t find physio very helpful although I would recommend reading the book back mechanic by Stuart mcgill. Good luck!
@@MrJo1619 thanks for replying homy
Very interesting procedure and video, Shame that he is in Fla. and I am in Pa. I have had 4 previous back surgeries, two were to repair the Dura due to a spinal fluid leak. Currently, I have another disc herniation with 24 hr non-stop pain, it actually feels like I'm walking on a broken hip which extends into the groin and leg, I haven't had any quality of life in two years. Hopefully, this technology will expand and becomes a procedure that more surgeons adopt.
sorry to hear but good luck to you. A good friend of mine Dr. Jesse Bible works in Hershey, PA and is excellent if you are looking for a second opinion.
Very nice explanation ❤
Doesn't this weaken the bone structure? Does the bone heal eventually or will the hole remain there forever?
Good question. The amount of bone removed is no bigger than a nickel and it is 4-5cm deep at least. The hole remains forever but it does not cause any problems later on unless too much bone is removed.
Best question asked 🫶🏻
Had this procedure done back in 2003 at S1/L5 and at L4/L5. It allowed me to recovery in less time than expected. I was out hooking and booking again in less than 6 months. However, I have always continued to have pain and stiffness. I am required to have regular epidural injections to help keep me functional
Thanks for sharing. That is not an uncommon thing to have maintenance shots years after surgery.
I had my left disc material removed but now has the same problem on the right. Would another surgery cause any issues?
When can i start drive again after lumber microdiscectomy ?
Hello Doctor. I had a surgery (laminectomy) 20 years back . After a few yrs, I started having severe pain again, then my doctor gave me an epidural. Then I was ok, except for some pains that I could cope with. Lately, 3 years back, I started having acute pain again. Doctor prescribed many painkillers, but nothing worked. Then I had another epidural. Since then I got some relief, but unfortunately the pain is back now. Doctors prescribing painkillers again, but no relief. So, can u ,please, Doctor suggest any treatment or advice for me?
after failing conservative measures, i typically like to get a new, updated MRI to see what is going on.
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MRI
I had surgery April ‘24 on L4 L5 fusion and I’m still struggling with pain and uncontrollable muscle spasms. (It’s like I’m having a seizure but I’m both my legs). Since then I’ve changed doctors and now this doctor is saying in order for any type of relief I need another surgery on L3 L4 to put a spacer between the 2. I’m over it! Not sure what to do and who to trust.
Hi Dr, Thank you very much for the detail explanation - lucky to find this video , I had my surgery a week back and recovering, leg pain issue seems to have subsided majorly , however I am experiencing unbearable upper back ache along the back ribs , I have been noticing this from past 4 months , ( this pain comes early mornings after 6 hrs of continuous sleep , ) checked with lot of ppl , but no one has any answers for it 😓), any idea what this is actually . I was assuming that this upper back ache would go away with the surgery, but it doesn’t seem to be the case
Try sleeping on the floor with soft padded thin mattress. It may be uncomfortable the first day or two but you'll notice significant natural alignment from top to bottom. Let your body find it's natural comfortable sleeping positions throughout the night either on your back and switch from side to side. The firmness of the surface will allow your body to align.