Pain question for experts here !!!! (L5/S1 Microdiscectomy)

**Vegas** · 03-20-2010, 12:23 PM

Hi,

My name is steve and I have had two previous L5 S1 Microdisectomys with my 3rd scheduled for this tuesday !!!

I had my first back surgery at 18 years old and it has been somewhat of a struggle since ! I am now 25 !

I have lived pain free for the past 5 years and I re ruptured my L5 3 months ago causing excrutiating pain!! I also have a 3.5 mm disc buldge at L1, but the doctors dont seem concerned with this level seeing my herniation at L5 is so severe..

The my pain this time around, it is somwhat different and I am experiencing pain in my hip flexor and down the front of my thigh along with my "normal" sciatic pain...

Now for my question....

Can a L5, S1 herniation cause pain in the hip flexor down the quadricept ?? Again I have never experienced pain on this side of my leg, and although my doctors seem not too concerned, Im hoping this is not my L1. I dont want to have to get surgery on this also, but I am in fear that they will do the surgery at l5 and not fix the problem..

Any comments will be apprciated !! When I get time I will post up my MRI report for you all to read !!!

Again thanks !! I am looking forward to talking with the members on this forum !

Sorry if this is the wrong forum, Im new and I think this is where im supposed to post !

**Vegas** · 03-20-2010, 12:42 PM

Report !!!

T12/L1: Disc Height and hydration normal. No focal disc abnormality, central canal or neural foraminal stenosis.

L1/L2: Mildly reduced disc height. Central canal and bilateral neural foramina: 3.5 mm right paracentral disc bulge producing mild right lateral recess stenosis. No significant central canal or neural foraminal stenosis. Facet joints within normal limits.

L2/L3: Disc height and hydration normal. No focal disc abnormality, central canal or neural foraminal stenosis.

L3/L4: Disc height and hydration are normal. No focal disc herniation, central canal or neural foraminal stenosis.

L5/S1: Post-Surgical changes of microdiscetomy in right lamina of L5.

Disc: Reduced disc height and hydration. Right paracentral/foraminal annular tear. Central canal and bilateral neural foramina: Mild circumferential disc bulge with 5.6 mm right paracental foraminal disc protrusion and disc osteophyte complex producting mild right lateral recess and moderate right neural foraminal stenosis. There is probable indentation on right L5 exiting nerve root. No significant central canal or left neural foraminal stenosis.

Any comments would be appreciated

**Justin** · 03-20-2010, 08:59 PM

Hey Steve,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with spine issues at a young age--I know how it is. In regard to your anterior leg pain: here's a map of dermatomes, which show sensory impairment and corresponding spinal cord injury.

Good luck next Tuesday and please let us know how you are doing. I wish you the very best.

**linda** · 03-20-2010, 09:56 PM

Welcome to the site Steve! I don't have an answer for you but I wish you luck next Tues. My L5-S1 is gone and I often have pain on the top of my thighs - comes and goes. Most of my pain is in my back and down the back of my legs. I hope this will be your last surgery and get rid of your pain.
Linda

**Vegas** · 03-20-2010, 10:20 PM

Thanks Linda

Im hoping it is too !! I just dont want to get cut on and have it be my L1 also

That will be No bueno !!

Im hoping it works as well as the last one, I just need to be smarter and not re injure it !!

Im glad I found this site ! Very supportive I love it !!

Take care, I will keep you all posted