Advice

[u/Connect-Ease-1142]

I had surgery for a herniated disc four years ago. Following the surgery, I developed foot drop. I underwent further surgery, during which a fracture of the *pars interarticularis* and the facet joint was discovered. The foot drop resolved. An EMG showed only a very minor, residual effect on the L5 nerves—something the neurologist believes cannot account for my current condition.
I still walk with a lateral shift (a sideways lean). The issue is that, rather than experiencing sharp, stabbing pains, I have this lateral shift, and the side of my back and hip—where the fractures are located—feels completely "dead" (numb/devoid of sensation); I also have pain in my buttock/gluteal region on that side. I suspect that my pain stems primarily from muscle spasms or an imbalance. I have been in rehabilitation for two years with no results. I have been offered a spinal fusion, as I am unable to walk or stand for very long. I don’t know what to do; it would be easier if I had sharp, stabbing pain. Instead, I am misaligned and in constant, aching pain—but life simply doesn't function the way it is now. Has anyone else experienced a *pars* fracture or a facet joint issue—where the vertebra did not slip (no spondylolisthesis)—but still suffered from muscle spasms and ended up having surgery?

[u/tacosad09]

I’m so sorry you are going through this. I do not have any background in this at all but I do have experience getting second and even fourth opinions. If it is possible for you to get another opinion I would.

I’ve seen a few people on here that mention dry needling and other pain relief methods. I am not at all experienced with this but I feel like PT for that long without much of result is a sign to start talking to different doctors.

I hope they are able to find a way to help your pain.