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Severe Cramps In The Leg After Spinal Fusion Surgery. Is It Normal?
Question: I have had 4 spinal fusions and now fused from S3 up o T9. The last surger was one year ago. Pain is severe at times and the Doctor is recommending extending fusion up to T4. I am now having cramps in my legs. Sometimes thighs, next time calf or feet. Always at rest and very painful. Is this common after surgery?
Hello and thanks for your query.
I shall make an effort to provide you with good professional recommendations specific to your questions.
Surgical manipulations cause mild trauma to the nerve sheaths which might be slightly swollen and thus causing pressure changes in the nerve bundles within. This can cause numbness of the areas supplied by the involved nerve bundles (following the dermatomal rules).
Yes, these are common after neurosurgeries and will subside with time.
You could perhaps try mild movements of the affected areas as per the instructions / demonstrations of your physiotherapist after the absolute bed rest period is over.
Hypertension itself causes cramps without any surgical history in people. So, I am sure this is absolutely fine as you mentioned it under control.
Let me know if I have missed out any other concern in your question.
Yet again, I duly appreciate your query to me, I do hope that you have found something useful to help you and I shall be glad to answer any further apprehensions.
Sincerely,
Dr Sujeet N Charugulla, MBBS, MD
Consultant Physician.
I shall make an effort to provide you with good professional recommendations specific to your questions.
Surgical manipulations cause mild trauma to the nerve sheaths which might be slightly swollen and thus causing pressure changes in the nerve bundles within. This can cause numbness of the areas supplied by the involved nerve bundles (following the dermatomal rules).
Yes, these are common after neurosurgeries and will subside with time.
You could perhaps try mild movements of the affected areas as per the instructions / demonstrations of your physiotherapist after the absolute bed rest period is over.
Hypertension itself causes cramps without any surgical history in people. So, I am sure this is absolutely fine as you mentioned it under control.
Let me know if I have missed out any other concern in your question.
Yet again, I duly appreciate your query to me, I do hope that you have found something useful to help you and I shall be glad to answer any further apprehensions.
Sincerely,
Dr Sujeet N Charugulla, MBBS, MD
Consultant Physician.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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