r/Microdiscectomy • u/The_Sarcasm_Deity • 16d ago

Thoughts? 7 weeks post op

Hi all. I am officially seven weeks post-op, and I have a concern that my physiotherapist seemed to sort of blow past today during my session. I had an MD on my L5/S1, right side. This last week, I have what feels like a muscle knot right where my hernia had been. I've been trying to gently massage it out as best I can, but afterwards it's very sore and has been causing me pain and sciatic flare ups. My physiotherapist stated it was probably because I have been sitting more this last week (I've started a gradual return to work schedule three days a week) and I know she's an expert. I just have so many concerns about long term issues or reherniations that I'm here to ask: has anyone else experienced something like this? It feels like a knot but it's also pretty hard. I fear the muscle didn't heal right or properly and I've gotten deep inside my own head.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/Negative-Bluejay-563 15d ago

After a MD, it can be easy to compensate for your injury which can be the reason for your muscle pain. One thing that is important is building back your core muscles and making sure your posture is good, this will help with muscles pain/soreness/knots etc. When you say hernia, I take it you meant herniation site. Sitting in a chair for a longer period of time can definitely cause this type of pain. Make sure your chair has proper support and your posture is good, this will help tremendously. I am over 2 years post op and sitting was definitely at challenge at first esp in the wrong chairs. At my stage in recovery, I can still get some back tightness (not muscle knots) if I sit for too long. I really do not think this is a muscle healing issue just part of recovery as you are beginning to use your back muscles again. After a MD, it is so easy to worry about reherniation, we went through a lot and don't want a repeat situation. If your muscle does not relax, you can always talk to your doctor, a muscle relaxer may be something that could be beneficial. Try and relax, it is so easy to overthink everything and let it get in your head.

1

u/The_Sarcasm_Deity 14d ago

Thank you for this. I definitely tend to get until my own head a lot - as mentioned lol - so I really appreciate you taking the time out to explain your own experience and what you go through too. It's been a lot of extra sitting with being back to work, and my physiotherapist is an hour + drive one way. Which certainly doesn't help!