I had a previous lumbar laminectomy in 2005 of the L4/L5. This year I started to experience more lower back pain. I've had another MRI and it shows additional bulging on the sacral nerve. It's been suggested to remove the rest of the disc and fuse my spine.I have tried physical therapy and acupuncture and daily exercise.Has anyone had more than 1 back surgery with fusion? Are there any other suggestions on how to ease the back pain without pain medication?Thank you for your advice.
Answer:
Hi there, sorry to hear you are looking at round 2 of surgery. I have had two lots of surgery, the first 12 years ago at 20 L3/L4, L4/L5, L5/S1 and the last round 18 months ago again on L5/S1. The last lot was because of a further disc protrusion on one side of the disc and calcification of the protrusion on the other side. They took out both disc and bone on this occasion. Dependant on your age I would suggest not going for the fusion if it can be avoided, it will only cause you to have limitations.
The amount of resarch that has been going on over the years into spinal and disc problems is amazing and there are other measures you may be able to try. My surgeon has recommended epidurals in the past, the theory behind it being the epidural is given and the disc is shrunk back reducing the pressure on the nerves. (Unfortunately mine was too far gone for this to work in totality)
Also there is amazing work being done in the area of replacement discs and so far research has shown them to be quite safe for younger patients, while still allowing the full range of movement the patient would have had previously.
I have commenced prolotherapy a while back and I have found that this is working quite well for me. It is hard to explain so perhaps have a look at www.prolotherapy.com. It will explain it all and might give you some relief.
I would also get a second opinion from another specialist. I am not sure if you see an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon, but I would try the other to who you are seeing. My surgeon is a neurosurgon and has always said to me he only ever operates on about 10% of patients he sees and will only do a fusion as a last resort...He is a very well respected surgeon and researcher in Australia.
As for esing pain without mediation it is really difficult short of lying in bed all day flat on your back, but we all want to get out and live well and have fun. I know a lot of people don't like to take medication, however it is a necessary evil sometimes and the problem with back pain is that once you let it go too far, it will take some much more medication to get it back to a level that is tolerable. Pain management is a difficult thing, so don't be afraid to do what you need to, just remember it takes a lot of pain medication to cause other problems.
I hope this helps you, have a look into the prolotherapy you might find it really helpful if you dont want to do the medication. The theory behind prolotherapy is sound I have had other doctors check it for me.
Good luck with it all and if you would like any more information or just want a chat about other back stuff, feel free to email me.
I had 2 diskectomies, then finally a fusion which helped reduce the pain a lot. Unfortunately you have to live with pain or take medication.
A good educational book on the decision to have back surgery is: "I've Got Your Back: The Truth About Spine Surgery, Straight From a Surgeon" by M.D., Nathaniel L. Tindel.
GREETINGS, Sorry to hear about your back, that's the trouble with back surgeries, usually other parts that have taken up the slack for the herniations cause trouble later and fail and it means more surgeries. Fusion will help but you will probably always have pain and stiffness. My friends boyfriend has been getting spinal decompression, it's expensive but some insurances cover it, and it has been doing him wonders. you might wanna look that up on the net, his doctor is Dr. Kevin Augustine, 716-773-4707 in Grand Island, NY, but I'm sure there are others that do it, might want to call this dr for a list of them if you want to try it.
I have had lumbar surgery (laminectomy and discectomy) on my L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1.I was suffering extreme back pain and sciatica in both legs to the point where i was in a wheel chair.I'm only 25 years old and I am now joining the Army - that's how succesful my surgery has been.Pleeeeeease avoid a fusion. if it's absolutely necessary, ask for an artificial disc, but avoid having to fuse your discs at all costs.I have been a personal trainer and rehab specialist for years and percentage wise you'll end up with even more troubles with a fusion.
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