My husband had a l5s1 disctomy in23/05/22. After that is suffering from severe pain in left leg (pain come and goes) and numbness in left heel. He had no such symptoms before the surgery. Is it normal?

Dr. Dev Anand RamanathanPhysiotherapist19yrs exp

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Regards Lybrate user. Pain and symptoms extending up to the leg can occur after surgery too. When surgery is performed, it will trigger inflammation in the area (that means there may be small swelling in the low back area or around the nerves in the back). This is normal healing response by the body. This inflammation can pressurize the nerve as there is very little space in the spinal column and thus cause numbing sensation along the leg or foot. The sensation will slowly reduce as the inflammation reduces within 1-3 weeks. However, if it persists or if it worsens or if there are new symptoms (like weakness in the muscles) you may have to notify your surgeon. To reduce the inflammation, one may use an ice pack (covered by a thin clean cloth) and place over low back. Please ensure the wound is not exposed during icing to avoid infections. You may place the ice pack over the dressing of the wound. You could leave the ice pack for about 15-20 minutes thrice a day. Having person lying on side is easier as any water that drips off the ice pack will fall down and not contaminate the wound area.  

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