What does it mean when an ice pack on my back stops the pain in my legs?!
Question: Ok I had surgery 2 weeks ago on my back. They replaced my l5 S1 disc with a artificial one. I had been hurting so bad prior to the surgery that I was excited to get this done. However, since the surgery I have had a weird pain in my left thigh and just a little bit in my right. I can only compare it to a charlie horse cause that is what it feels like. Also both my calfs ache pretty bad. I am 24 and can barely do anything with out pain. So last night after not being able to sleep.. I got out a big ice pack and layed on it right where the disc is. As bad as it sucks to lay on something that is freezing lol the pain immediately left and was gone until i couldnt take the cold anymore. Then it came back right away. A hot bath did nothing. Since the bath (which should relax muscles) didnt relax my legs at all.. and this ice pack did I know that it cant be the muscles in my legs and prob is something else.. Im scared I have nerve damage guys.. If you have some input I really appreciate it :(
Answers: Ok I had surgery 2 weeks ago on my back. They replaced my l5 S1 disc with a artificial one. I had been hurting so bad prior to the surgery that I was excited to get this done. However, since the surgery I have had a weird pain in my left thigh and just a little bit in my right. I can only compare it to a charlie horse cause that is what it feels like. Also both my calfs ache pretty bad. I am 24 and can barely do anything with out pain. So last night after not being able to sleep.. I got out a big ice pack and layed on it right where the disc is. As bad as it sucks to lay on something that is freezing lol the pain immediately left and was gone until i couldnt take the cold anymore. Then it came back right away. A hot bath did nothing. Since the bath (which should relax muscles) didnt relax my legs at all.. and this ice pack did I know that it cant be the muscles in my legs and prob is something else.. Im scared I have nerve damage guys.. If you have some input I really appreciate it :(
Basically the the cold numbed all your nerve endings that's why it felt better. And since nerves run from your spine down through your legs and they're all connected, you got pain relief there too, from the same numbing effect. Your body is still healing and responding to the surgery, I wouldn't panic yet, but be sure you are keeping a journal of your symptoms and discussing w/your doctor. If he/she is not responsive seek out another opinion from an osteopath or other certified doctor who practices complimentary forms of pain management. Good luck
Not so much nerve damage, but possibly irritation. Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower spine down the outside of your thighs all the way to your feet. There are exercises you will be able to do to strengthen your back so that it doesn't bother you anymore, but you are probably not in a position to do them yet. Call your doctor for sure and tell him about this because it may affect the way he continues to treat you and you don't want any permanent damage done.
hi i have had 2 op same thing i have just being told they can do no more disc have slipped hitting the nerves which give the pain in legs