I had a laminectomy/discectomy just over 2 years ago. My radicular pain (which was debilitating) resolved instantly and has never returned.

However, I still have pretty significant arthritis and it is almost always symptomatic to some degree. I generally feel better when I'm more active. Mornings or long car rides are the worst. I had to stop alot of different things in the gym. I basically just do machines and light weight like an old man now.

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by mtcheral

Member since Oct 2008

2121 posts

Posted on 6/14/26 at 7:26 am to GEAUXT

Have you tried some dry needling and specific core and low back strengthening after? I’d be willing to bet this could make a massive difference for you. Many people have post laminectomy syndromes related to never regaining proper muscle control in the low back. I’ve had a microdiscectomy myself and have moderate to severe arthritis confirmed by MRI and I have 0 pain on a daily basis. Things changed massively after I had dry needling the first time. I’m a PT in your area so if you want to try it I can help you.

This post was edited on 6/14/26 at 7:43 am

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by SquatchDawg

Cohutta Wilderness

Member since Sep 2012

20291 posts

Posted on 6/14/26 at 9:31 am to JasonDBlaha

I would suggest having an ortho figure out what you’re dealing with (if you haven’t already). No amount of PT is going to fix a structural issue of a nerve pinch.

I’ve had a bulging disk since I was in my 20’s that wasn’t debilitating but constantly there coupled with the occasional strain that would lay me up for a few days. After 2 years of a modified SS/Greyskull routine I hobbled together to fit my 54 yr old capabilities my back has never felt better.

For me, I think my glutes and lower back were unstable from sitting for 30 years and getting them engaged made a big difference. But again, if it’s a structural problem some type of procedure may be necessary.

YMMV.

Page 1 2 3