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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Treat Pain And Discomfort In Right Leg Post Fusion At L5-S1?

Hi. My issue is this. I had a double level fusion at L5-S1 in sept 2012 a yr later 2 screws came loose and had to be replaced. I have nerve pain that starts in the fusion area and moves down my right leg constantly. My pain mgt dr had put me as totally disabled due to that. Recently my sleep has been very erratic over the last 3 months. I sleep for 2 hrs then wake up with my left leg very restless. There is also some pressure to the discomfort . They prescribed nortriptyline Hcl 10 mg. i tried it twice but it kept me awake and itching most of the night. I have an appt with my dr s PA in the morning. At pain mgt. ty
Tue, 30 Sep 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,

I have studied your case.

You may need to do MRI spine again to see for nerve compression

If you’re new MRI shows disc bulge with nerve compression then surgery may help.
Due to compression of this nerve root there is tingling numbness in your leg and pain associated with it.

As per your previous surgery of spine now there is possibility of discitis, which can be confirmed by MRI with contrast or CT myelogram.

For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started.
Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will help
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
If you find this answer helpful do not hesitate to rate this answer at end of discussion. Wishing you good health.

Take care.
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How To Treat Pain And Discomfort In Right Leg Post Fusion At L5-S1?

Hello, I have studied your case. You may need to do MRI spine again to see for nerve compression If you’re new MRI shows disc bulge with nerve compression then surgery may help. Due to compression of this nerve root there is tingling numbness in your leg and pain associated with it. As per your previous surgery of spine now there is possibility of discitis, which can be confirmed by MRI with contrast or CT myelogram. For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started. Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help. Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will help I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. If you find this answer helpful do not hesitate to rate this answer at end of discussion. Wishing you good health. Take care.