Can Back Surgery Lead To Numbness?

Posted on Thu, 22 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : I had my 5th major back surgery 2 years ago. Ever since I've had pain and numbness. My husband and I knew something about my surgery was wrong and we just found out that when my last surgeon did the surgery he cut the solid rod in my back between L3 - L4 to do his surgery on T12 - L1. Also, I have nerve damage, which covers almost all of my butt. It has been numb since the surgery. I'm not able to stand up straight. Currently in physical therapy in a pool. Is there any way to correct all of this? Currently I take Hemp capsules for the pain as well as other herbal tablets. Thank you, Cheri

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Physical therapy and TENS can help.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I have seen the attached report. You have an extensive lumbar spine fixation. There are further degenerative changes present in other vertebrae.

The nerve damage that happened years ago cannot be corrected. You already have a spinal stimulator to help with the pain.

In addition to the medicines that you are taking TENS and physiotherapy can help in maintaining the functional lifestyle and can prevent further deterioration.

Surgical treatment is the only option in case the symptoms worsen.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Praveen Tayal, Orthopaedic Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy