I had a discectomy for l5 s1 almost 2 years ago. i still have low back pain. the doctor sees no reason for it and now i have tightness in my upper back. what should i do?

About 10% of : Disectomy patients go on to have back pain due to the disc not being able to function normally as a result of it herniating & the surgery to correct that condition. Over time, this can get better with good core strengthening but some go onto a fusion for relief. Weight control, regular exercise & avoiding smoking are also important.

Post-discectomy synd: Patients need to remember that the main indication for a discectomy surgery is to relieve leg pain or sciatica. Most times, the back pain after discectomy is not debilitating and can be dealt with with exercise and medication. A smaller percentage of the time, the pain is more severe. The pain can be secondary to degeneration of the remaining disc, instability, adjacent discs or muscular.