Lumbar disc herniation, also known as herniated disc, is one of the most common diseases we encounter in neurosurgery practice. On this subject, there is a lot of information on our site that will shed light on your surgical decisions. However, I would like to clarify a question that all our patients ask. This is ‘Does herniated disc recur after surgery? ‘ the question is. The answer is ‘Yes, it can recur’. However, this rate varies between 5-11% in studies conducted to date. This rate is similar in all methods used for herniated disc surgery. What is the concept we call recurrence? There is confusion in the minds of our patients on this issue. The reason for this is that the concept of recurrence is not explained well enough. As you know, when defining a herniated disc, it is defined by the numbers of the lumbar vertebrae and on which side it is. For example, RIGHT L4-5 disc herniation (lumbar hernia). In order for this case to be counted as a recurrence, the patient must have a right L4-5 disc herniation (lumbar hernia) again. A herniated disc at the same distance on the LEFT side (ie, on the opposite side of the operated side) or at another distance does not mean recurrence. This means a new hernia and should not be called a recurrence.
In order to prevent recurrence, the patient should pay more attention to his post-operative life and fully comply with the post-operative recommendations. To summarize these briefly,
· If you need to climb stairs in the first 2 weeks, go up the steps one by one, bringing one foot next to the other on each step.
·You can have your meal sitting down. When you sit down to eat, take care to have back support and, if possible, to eat while sitting in a chair.
·Do not let yourself fall to sit on a chair or armchair. Get into a sitting position slowly and with control. Get support from your knees or armrests on the side of the seat when getting up.
· In the first days, you may sometimes have complaints such as pain, burning sensation and stinging in your lower back. Therefore, do not worry. In this case, choose the way to rest by lying on your bed.
·Make sure that your bed is suitable for back health. In your next life, do not sleep in places such as armchairs, sofas.
· When getting out of bed, first turn to your side, then get into a sitting position with your hands on the sides and get up like that.
· Definitely use a European style toilet for the toilet.
·Take care to wear your shoes while sitting. Do not wear shoes with very high heels or without heels. Medium height shoes will be more appropriate.
· When buying something from a height, try to get it by going up to a suitable height.
·Do not sit in the same position for a long time. Get up at least every hour and walk around for 5 minutes.
10. Start walking outside from day one (first short distances (10-15 min), after the 30th day, longer distances (20-30 min)).
·If you are doing a desk job, you can start your job after 1 month. Those who work in heavier work conditions can return to work after 45 days.
· Take care not to carry weights for the first 45 days, and then not to carry more than 5 kg in total in both hands. When lifting weights, squat down and lift the weight as close to your body as possible.
·Try not to gain weight, if you are overweight, try to lose it.
·Avoid physical contact sports after surgery. Prefer sports such as walking and swimming if possible.
·Do not drive for the first month after the operation. Then you can use it for short distances in the city. If you are using the vehicle, long-distance journeys can be made after the 45th day. However, stop every 1.5 hours, take a 10-minute break and take a short walk.
·You can make short-haul flights after the first 10 days. Longer journeys (oceanic extremes) should be made after the first 45 days and should be taken off every hour on the plane.
· Employees working at a desk should use an orthopedic chair with lumbar support, get up and walk around for 5 minutes every hour and then sit down again.
·Low back exercises can usually be started after the 60th day. However, it would still be appropriate to get your doctor’s approval to get started. Initially, your movements may be painful. But over time, your movements will become painless.
Hope to see you in healthy days…
