;) I have a million dollar question. My past Neurologist would not answer this question without me paying her.

If someone once suffered from a herniated disc & had major back surgery. Is it possible to suffer from a recurrence & need a second back surgury? In other words... would one have to suffer from a 2nd back injury (accident to the back) to justify a 2nd back surgery?

Thanks to anyone who has the expertise in answering this question for me.

Make it a GREAT day!

SandyC~

Wish I could answer it and win the million dollars, but I am not sure. To tell the truth I believe that it is possible to have to undergo a second surgery without having to injure the back a second time.

I am not sure, your doc is the expert, hopefully someone on here has been through this before and can give you a better answer.

Thank-you J-9 for your immediate response! I am much obliged.

You are currently a nursing student & are saying that one can possibly suffer a "reoccurrence" & herniate the disc once again without allegedly reinjurying the back? Interesting.

Anyone of athority on this topic care to make a comment? Anyone agree with this ascertion?

Have a nice day.

SandyC~

No, I did not exactly say that, what I said was that I believed it was possible.

Is it true? I don't know.

Hi Sandy,

Another nurse here. I just want to add that if you had previous back surgery(assuming a lumbar disc herniation) the herniated nucleus pulposus is usually removed. So unless you had multilevel injuries, requiring more than one surgery, the same area would not be" herniated" but can have nerve root compression for other reasons. If you do have increased pain again, you should see your neurologist.
Also, we don't need to "injure" our backs to have problems with herniation or fracture. Especially as we get older. "Injuries" can be degenerative in nature. Osteoporosis & arthritis come to mind. A diet low in calcium & vit. D should be changed. Proper weight control is important so as not to have too much pressure on our joints; & proper body mechanics (bending knees when lifting with the back straight. Not lifting while twisting, not lifting heavy objects above the elbows)
So, to your question- No, one would not have to suffer from a 2nd back injury
To justify a 2nd surgery. Just mho as I see it.

Thank-You 31 Pumpkin for your immediate response to my question. I am much obliged to your opinion!

Have a nice day!

SandyC~ :)