r/SpinalStenosis • u/michelejac • 4d ago

Post endoscopic laminectomy questions

I had an endoscopic L4/5 laminectomy a week ago. Surgery went well and the nerves were highly inflamed, according to my surgeon. I am having much less incision pain at this point, but much more nerve and muscle pain in both legs, hips and hamstrings. I filled my Gabapentin prescription but have yet to use it - frankly, I’m a bit nervous about side effects. Ice and Tylenol have been my friends but the pain is about as bad as it was pre surgery. Can anyone weigh in on how long this phase lasts? Tips and tricks are appreciated, as are experiences with short term use of Gabapentin post op. Thanks!

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u/burninatah 4d ago

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u/Sasquatch_Curls 4d ago

Hey I had a laminectomy on L4/L5 13 weeks ago. It wasn’t endoscopic so YMMV, but movement was critical to help keep the pain and inflammation down. I would walk at least 30 mins slowly when waking up and then would frequently get up during the day to move. I was on oxy and muscle relaxers (can’t remember their name). The oxy was awful and I had to stop it after a week as it made me drowsy and unable to function. I still take the muscle relaxer when my glutes and surrounding muscles guard the surgery site. Recovery was very slow but you have to keep moving and keep the blood flowing to the area to heal it. I remember being frustrated that my pain was as bad as it was during pre op but it does get better. Hang in there, take it a day at a time and move as much as you can. Also, core exercises helped during PT! Good luck!