Microdiscectomy surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves caused by a herniated disc. It is a relatively safe and effective procedure that can provide relief for many patients suffering from chronic back pain and other related symptoms. However, some patients may experience numbness in their toes after the surgery. This article discusses the reasons behind this phenomenon and the steps you can take to manage it.
Why Does Numbness Occur After Microdiscectomy Surgery?
Numbness in the toes after microdiscectomy surgery can occur due to several reasons. Here are some of the most common:
- Anesthesia – During the surgery, the patient is given anesthesia to numb the area and prevent pain. This can cause temporary numbness in the toes, which can last for a few hours to a few days.
- Swelling – Swelling is the body’s natural response to any injury or trauma. It can occur after microdiscectomy surgery, especially around the surgical site. Swelling can put pressure on the nerves, causing numbness and tingling sensations in the toes.
- Nerve damage – During the surgery, the surgeon may need to move the nerves aside to access the herniated disc. This can cause some temporary nerve damage, which can result in numbness in the toes. In some cases, the nerve damage can be permanent.
- Positioning – During the surgery, the patient is placed in a specific position, which can put pressure on the nerves in the legs and feet. This can lead to numbness and tingling in the toes.
- Disc herniation – In some cases, numbness in the toes can be a sign of recurrent disc herniation. This occurs when the herniated disc reoccurs after the surgery and puts pressure on the nerves.
What Can You Do to Manage Numbness After a Microdiscectomy?
If you are experiencing numbness in your toes after microdiscectomy surgery, there are several steps you can take to manage it. Here are some of the most effective ways:
- Talk to your doctor – The first step is to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. The doctor may perform a physical examination and order imaging tests to determine the cause of your numbness. Based on the results, your doctor may prescribe medication, physical therapy, or other treatments to manage your symptoms.
- Stay active – It is important to stay active after the surgery to prevent blood clots and increase circulation. However, you should avoid any activities that may put pressure on the surgical site or cause further injury. Your doctor may recommend gentle exercises, such as walking or swimming, to promote healing and reduce numbness.
- Wear compression stockings – Compression stockings can increase circulation and reduce swelling in the legs and feet. Your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings after the surgery to prevent blood clots and reduce numbness.
- Elevate your legs – Elevating your legs can reduce swelling and increase circulation. You can do this by propping your feet up on a pillow or using a footrest while sitting.
- Manage your weight – Being overweight can put extra pressure on the spine and nerves, leading to numbness and other symptoms. If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend a healthy diet and exercise plan to help you manage your weight and reduce pressure on your nerves.
- Practice good posture – Good posture can reduce pressure on the spine and nerves, especially the sciatic nerve, which can reduce numbness and other symptoms. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or other techniques to help you improve your posture.
- Avoid smoking – Smoking can constrict blood vessels and reduce circulation, which can worsen numbness.
Although microdiscectomy surgery is generally a very successful procedure, patients with a larger hole in the outer ring of the disc have a significantly higher risk of reherniation following surgery. Often, the surgeon will not know the size of the hole until he or she begins surgery. A new treatment, Barricaid, which is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, was specifically designed to close the large hole often left in the spinal disc after discectomy. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. In a large-scale study, 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in the 2-year study time frame.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-288-7474.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.
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