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Sarah Witkovic
Apr 15, 2009 - 5:42PM
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Do I have surgury for a herniated disc
Hi, Im a 25 year old female. Last year I herniated my disc L5-S1 its a large herniation that presses on my sciatic nerve Ive tried the non surgical treatments so far, PT, Lots of injections and pain medications. Im currently taking Lyrica, Mobic, Soma, Hydrocodone 7.5 mg heat and ice therapy and no major relif. It hurts to sit, bend , and do anything I still work because I have to, My Dr told me he wanted to do a spinal fusion because the herniated disc is in the middle but thats such a large operation at my age, Im just wondering if it will really allow me to have a better quality of life or am I just better off living in pain, or are there any other prodecdures that can help. Please if anyone knows anything about this let me know I need all the information I can get to make my final decision.
Email oshybagoshy@yahoo
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Ann
Apr 20, 2009 - 3:36PM
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Re: Do I have surgury for a herniated disc
Hi Sarah,
I agree with you about finding out as much information as you can about back surgery and any alternatives.
Do ask lots of questions of your surgeon before you committ to anything. If you search for questions to ask about back surgery there is a whole host of advice and questions to ask. One such is;
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1773.html
Before you go for your consultation it may help to put together a short history of the things you have tried so far and what effect they have had on you and also voice your concerns. I did that before I saw a neurosurgeon and he said it was helpful. Although my then dr thought I should have surgery for my herniated discs and sciatic pain the neurosurgeon did not think it was necessary. Although physio etc had not helped much, I was doing much better with doing the lose the back pain exercises and water therapy so he preferred me to continue with those.
You need to check if surgery is really necessary for you and if you have exhausted all the other options. If you read around here on the forum a bit you will find other things people are trying as well.
You might also like to read some of these articles partic the ones relating to herniated discs and the back surgery ones.
http://www.losethebackpain.com/backpainarticles.html
It is a big decision so take your time and ask as many questions/research as much as you need to so you make the right decision for you . Wishing you all the best.
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Rich
Apr 20, 2009 - 10:43PM
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Re: Do I have surgury for a herniated disc
Sarah,
The LTBP system will help correct the muscle imbalances that you have. That in turn will hopefully take the pressure off of the disk. Your body is most likely pulling you in such a way that the disk is pressing on the sciatic nerve and causing pain.
I had an L5/S1 7mm Herniation and my injury was caused by overuse. Was a gym rat, running 12 miles a week, playing golf and softball. But i neglected to really do a lot of stretching and targeted strengthening to help stay balanced. I would have searched the Earth near and far and exhausted every option before i would let anyone cut me. Only about 10% of these injuries need surgical intervention. i went for regular PT and it was garbage. it actually made my imbalances worse. Steve Heffron at Healthy Back Institute is a wealth of knowledge and really helped me through the proces of getting out of pain. I tried the LTBP system and was out of pain in 5 days. They got me back to my regular life and its an absolute disgrace that what they do is not widely adopted by practicing physical therapists and covered by insurance. Instead everyone gets alot of the same treatment that does not improve much for back pain patients and can also take a toll on your wallet. I wish you the best in getting out of pain as soon as possible.
Regards,
Rich