Signs & Symptoms of a Herniated Disc After Back Surgery

Being attenuated to the various potential side effects of surgery can help you to better distinguish between normal post-surgery pain and unnatural complications therefrom. One ever looming potential following back surgery is the creation of a herniated disc. According to information from the Mayo Clinic, a herniated disc occurs when a tear in the spinal column allows a small portion of the nucleus of a vertebrae to bulge outwards, triggering a number of potential symptoms.

Sciatica

• Sciatica refers to an impingement of the sciatic nerve that often accompanies a herniated disc. The sciatic nerve is a nerve that runs from your back, through your buttocks, and down your leg. Sciatica causes a tingling, radiating type of pain which travels down the length of the nerve itself, experienced throughout the back and running down the rear or side of one of your legs.

Localized Pain

• Localized pain in the lower back or in one leg is a potential symptom of a herniated disc. Note that the localized pain in question is persistent, and worsens with stress to the area. Such stress can occur from postural changes, such as sitting, or from the stress resulting from bodily functions such as coughing or sneezing.

Weakness or Numbness

• Feelings of weakness or numbness can also indicate a herniated disc. These feelings can occur in the area of the injury itself, or manifest throughout the body due to the spinal column's nerve networks. Numbness or weakness in the arm, chest, neck, leg, back, or shoulder should all be reported to your attending physician, as they can all indicate the presence of a herniated disc.