Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 1/21/2008

Question
I had surgery 15 days ago in which I had a spinal administered.  Since about the day after surgery I have been experiencing pain and stiffness in my lower back.  I was told that this is common , to use cold packs, and that it would go away in a couple of days. Concerned still however as it has not gone away.

Answer
It is unusual (but not unheard of) to have aome stiffness 2 weeks later. What kind of surgery did you have? If the pain is starting to get better, then don't worry. If it is getting worse, you need to be seen to make sure you don't have an infection, etc.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMb-Galveston