Question
I recently had back surgery on Oct.08 for a herniated disk.  I am still experiencing pain on my right side.  The doctor sent me for another MRI which read enhancing granulation tissue with mild compression on my thecal sac.  What does that mean and is this causing my pain.

Answer
Diane,
This must have been in the lower lumbar area.  It appears that post surgery there may be some tissue that is compressing the lower space where the spinal fluid is.
Well, the problem may very well be that you had trouble elsewhere in the spine and may not have needed the surgery, I can't say for sure because I would have to examine you in person to know.  I will say that over 95% of disc surgeries for a herniated disc are completely unnecessary.
I am not going to get into that now because you already had it done.  From this point forward you should understand that you had your god-given tissues altered by man and there is a good chance you will have some degree of pain and or rigidity because of that.
At this point you probably should go back to the doctor that "fixed you up" and put the onus on him to help you to feel better.
I foresee pain management and multiple injections in your future as an attempt to shut down the pathways that are transmitting pain to your brain.
I am sorry that I could not be better help or even more positive as I usually am, but this is the one thing that truly limits your recovery and case outcome, once the knife gets you, you become instantly limited.

Yours in Best Health,
Dr Arnone
St Louis, MO