Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I had a left L5-S1 Foraminotomy four weeks ago because of severe sciatic pain for years. The problem is that I have no improvement with numbness, pins and needle pain from my behind to my toe on my left leg. The surgeon said that it will take time for the nerve toheal because it had been compressed for so many years. What do you think. What can I do other than taking pain medication . I really cannot stand this anymore. Thank You
[|AI|]  Hi, one thing you should clear in your mind this type of spinal surgery primarily meant for relieving you severe pain and secondarily for numbness and tingling. So if your pain improve 50% after surgery it will improve with time. And as your surgeon explain to you that your problem was chronic numbness and tingling part will take time to improve but how much and when it is difficult to say to any spine surgeon. So along with painkiller you can start pregabalin and Gabapentin which will improve your neuralgic pain as well as tingling part.