Having back surgery can be the only way to feel relief after an injury or condition, but like any medical procedure, it can come with its own set of risks – including nerve damage. That’s why it’s important to understand the symptoms of nerve damage, so you can identify it as soon as possible and take steps to have it treated or minimise symptoms. Keep reading our blog below to find out the symptoms of nerve damage after back surgery and when you should seek legal advice.
What is nerve damage?
Nerve damage usually happens when the nerves in the body are injured or disrupted, and then affects their ability to pass messages from the brain to the rest of the body. Ultimately, it can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of function – although the exact symptoms will depend on which nerves have been affected.
How does nerve damage occur during back surgery?
There are many actions that can cause nerve damage during surgery. This could include direct trauma, excessive stretching, compression, or inflammation. Post surgery, surgical instruments or swelling might even put pressure on the nerves and eventually lead to damage. Other common ways are:
- Prolonged retraction: When retractors are used to hold tissues apart for better visibility, it might put tension on nerves, leading to damage if it’s done for extended periods.
- Hardware-related issues: In certain surgeries, screws, rods, or other metals might be used on the spine. If they are incorrectly positioned, this can cause them to press on or pinch nerves.
- Scar tissue formation: After surgery when the body is healing, scar tissue will form. Sometimes, this tissue can form around the nerves and cause delayed compression.
5 common signs of nerve damage after back surgery
Not all nerve damage after back surgery is permanent, and in many cases, you might find that your symptoms improve over time as your body heals. However, in some cases, people may experience ongoing symptoms, and this can have more serious consequences for your overall health and wellbeing.
If you think you have ongoing or worsening symptoms of nerve damage following back surgery, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Let’s take a look at the five common signs of nerve damage after back surgery:
1. Loss of sensation/numbness
If you’re experiencing continued numbness, or even loss of sensation in parts of your body, it might be a sign of nerve damage. If the problem persists, it can be an indication that the nerve hasn’t healed since the surgery, and it’s important to get yourself checked.
2. Muscle weakness/trouble walking
As nerve damage affects how muscles function, it could result in weakness or even difficulty walking. If you’re finding it difficult to stand, move, or maintain balance, it could be a sign that the nerves in your legs have been damaged.
3. Burning or tingling sensations
If, after your back surgery, you’re feeling a persistent burning sensation, or ‘pins and needles’, this may be linked to your nerves. It may improve, but ongoing symptoms should always be checked.
4. Problems with coordination
Problems with your coordination can also be a sign that you’re experiencing nerve damage after your back surgery. This is because it suggests that nerves aren’t transmitting signals correctly. If you’re having problems doing everyday tasks such as washing the dishes or ironing, it could be a sign of nerve damage.
5. Chronic pain
Chronic pain that occurs and continues after your back surgery could also be a sign that you have nerve damage. It could be mildly uncomfortable or more severe. But either way, it can be an ongoing pain that affects your daily life and requires long-term management.
Can nerve damage be treated?
The treatment for nerve damage depends on how severe the injury is. In some cases, symptoms improve gradually over time on their own.
If symptoms persist, the treatment provided will typically focus on managing symptoms and reducing the pain. For example, this might include pain relief medications, therapies, or specialist rehabilitation programmes. Further surgery might also be required, but outcomes can vary.
When to seek legal advice
If you’ve had back surgery recently, and are experiencing ongoing symptoms that you believe may be linked to an error during surgery (or any failure in medical care), it may be time to seek legal advice.
Whilst not every complication that occurs as a result of surgery is due to medical negligence, you still could have grounds to claim if it could have been avoided had you been provided with the right care.
At the Medical Law Partnership, our solicitors can review your case and medical records to establish whether the care you were provided fell below the accepted standard. It’s best to seek advice early on so that evidence is preserved and you meet any time limits for making a claim.
Get in touch with the Medical Law Partnership
Medical negligence can affect your livelihood. That’s why, at the Medical Law Partnership, we make it our mission to seek justice for the people who have been impacted by such cases. If you’re interested in claiming but are overwhelmed by the process, our team is here to support you and manage your claim on your behalf.
We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay us anything. Speak to a member of our experienced team today for more information.