difference between nerve pain/muscle pain?

[carolynms]

I am 2 months post-op from a laminectomy, discectomy, and fusion L5 S1. I am basically doing really good, except I have been getting these awful shooting pains in the thigh I had the worse sciatica. I still have some of the sciatic thigh pain when I sit too long, but doesn't it take the nerves a while to realize they are not pinched anymore? Also, can these shooting pains be muscle cramps? They are quick, don't last, and very intense.
I know there are so many of you that have been through this, so any stories would be really appreciated!

Carolyn

[Cervie Barb]

I've always associated those shooting pains as nerve pain. It's almost electrical! I also get a burning pain along nerve tracts. Muscle spasms are different to me. Usually a deep, tight ache with some stabbing thrown in for good measure. After all this time, I still have trouble describing the different pain I get!

I would run this symptom by your doc, but at 2 months out, I hope it's those nerves waking up. I've heard post-op patients say this happens as the nerves are healing.

Hang in there, carolyn, and take care.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by carolynms

I am 2 months post-op from a laminectomy, discectomy, and fusion L5 S1. I am basically doing really good, except I have been getting these awful shooting pains in the thigh I had the worse sciatica. I still have some of the sciatic thigh pain when I sit too long, but doesn't it take the nerves a while to realize they are not pinched anymore? Also, can these shooting pains be muscle cramps? They are quick, don't last, and very intense.
I know there are so many of you that have been through this, so any stories would be really appreciated!

Carolyn

I too have had a fusion and am 4 months out. I have pain in my butt and hip area and can't tell if it is muscle spasms or nerve pain. I was told though that nerves can take quite a while to heal.. I am trying to wait patiently and see what happens..