Microdisectonomy

[concerned5000]

Dear Doctor

I had a micodisectonomy(L5/S1) in  late Dec 07. Still I am on the recovery process and still have pain in my back and leg. On conversation with the local doctor says it may take six months to fully recover. my question is, can I have accupuncture treatment for my back at this satge, because I had some back pain releif by accupuncture treatment before the operation. Thanks in advance.

[Zak_Han]

Hi,how are you doing?
If you still suffer pain as back injury,you should try acupuncture again,It is a common misconception that back pain always stems from the pressure of a slipped disc or a trapped nerve.  This is misleading, the main cause of pain is inflammation stimulating nerves, causing the pain signal.that's why you got a little relief from acupuncture before.Can acupuncture really help you now? Dependent on where the inflammation is . Acupuncture works well when the inflammation is outside of the spinal column.  Acupuncture does not work when the inflammation is in the spinal column itself. So after micodisectonomy,possibly,main problem is soft tissue injury which is located outside of spinal column,that's say.acupuncture can help.
Anyway,Take care!

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

The recovery period varies among individuals. It may take from 3 months to 6 months. There are many factors that change the course of the recovery process.

Regards

[concerned5000]

Thank you Dr. Deshmuk,MD

Could you please advise me how long would take healing process after microdisectonomy. Thank you

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

I am no expert in acupuncture. But I do think that the results of acupuncture will not be reliable due to the incomplete healing. The pain will interfere with the acupuncture procedure and response. You can always consult the acupuncture specialist and discuss this.

Regards