I realize we have an OT forum, but I don't want this thread to degenerate into "Spineless Kerry will never have to worry about a herniated disk", and "Yeah? Well Bush doesn't have a spine either, just a pole shoved up his ****". So I put it here. If it gets moved, I'll understand.

Anyone have experiences with herniated disks? Surgeries? Especially any experiences with these problems in the neck, I'd sure like to hear about it. Not that I have much choice about what I'm getting into, but I'd appreciate insight into what I can expect. Between the fused vertebrae, pinched nerve, and herniated disk, my neck is a wreck.

TIA

 

I had 2 discs (L4 & L5) removed about 5 years ago (Open Lumbar Discectomy). Those are, of course at the other end of the spine. Have never felt better. Here is a link to my surgeon. I think he is one of the best. He has an office in Clear Lake too.

Operation was about 3 hours. Recovery was about 10 weeks. Cost to insurance company was about 50K.

GO SEE HIM.

Dr Michael Kaldis

 

I've had a L-4 L-5 fussion done 3 yrs ago. I'm going in again this Dec 1st for a clean out of L-3 (no fussion extension...thank god). All I can tell you for sure is this. Especially with the neck/cervical area, I wouldn't have anyone BUT a neuro surgeon do the surgery. Never let a general surgeon, or even most "spine" specialty docs cut into you. Just my .02 Good luck!

 

Ask around for a reputable chiropractor, and give that a try for a few months. Avoid fusion at all costs, as eventually you will have the same problems with the segments above the fusion and below the fusion.

 

Thanks.

Since this is a neck deal, it's going to be tricky. Three of my old rugby teammates broke their necks, but I've lost touch with those guys. All three were repaired and walking again. They even played again, but lost their zeal for it, and two quit shortly thereafter. One broke his neck a second time and his doctor told him to knock it off.

Not saying this is rugby-related, but that probably didn't help. The guys were keeping the surgeons busy, but I don't know who they used.

 

Already have one segment fused. Too many more and changing lanes in traffic will become an act of faith.

Edit - To eliminate confusion, the fused ones have always been that way. Born in defect.

 

AVOID A CHIROPRACTER. Manipulation of the cervical spine with a herniated disc can result in permanent paralysis of the Chris Reeve kind.

Cervical spine and lumbar spine are different animals. At worst you will only have pain and paralysis from the lumbar spine. Cervical spine disc could cause REAL trouble.

Immobilize the neck with a soft foam rubber collar, especially when you sleep, until you can see a competent neurologist or neurosurgeon

 

Welcome to the club. I have had 3 (Yes, three) surgeries in the last year for my herniated discs. The first one was an L5 to S1 fusion. Things went well, but the surgeon nicked my dura and almost killed me. Next surgery was to fix the tear and the third was another fusion of L3-L4-L5. I set off metal detectors now. The surgery themselves weren't that big of deal though the recovery sucked and blew. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE DEMORAL... wow what a ride that stuff is....... To make a long story short, I am much better now than prior to the surgery .. mobility is tough, can't bend over well, and still have some residule aches and pains, but much better than before. If you are in Atlanta, I would love to recomend you to my second surgeon. His name is Dr. Malcom and he is a former Army Ranger and the best damn doctor I have ever seen. I say this because if he doesn't hear from me in a while he actually calls my house and checks on me. This is months after the surgery..... he really cares. Anyways, don't mean to go on about it, but the guy really cares about his patients. I wish you the best of luck and like I said before ask for DEMORAL ... .hehehehhe wheeeeeeee

 

Avoid surgery if possible. Once it is done the outcomes/rehabilitation are unpredictable at best.

I would exhaust other possibilities

UNLESS --- you have significant atrophy (loss of size/strength) in a limb or some other type of organic dysfunction.

Over the years I have successfully returned thousands of patients to pain-free living, even those with multiple herniations or bulges. No not with a million treatments, just a few good ones and the proper homecare program. Stretch and ice (not heat) and in many cases periodic traction (home unit about $20.

Seek the best in your area (DO, DC, AP, LMT) anyone who does hands on therapy...dont settle for being put on machines, stim, heat and a simple manipulation. Get some inspired practitioners and you will be amazed.

Spinal manipulations are only dangerous in the hands of the uneducated and incompetant.*



*bf95cab- read your sig. line.

 

What is your profession? At the surface you appear knowledgeable

Just kidding,
Cory

 

Grocery store manager.

 

tcmdocs944-
Not interested in a flame contest.
This is one area in which I completely lack ignorance.
I stand by what i said before. Note I do NOT promote surgery either. Only protection of the threatened area until an experienced professional can evaluate the problem.

 

Experienced professional = MD neurosurgeon?

That is one of the many things wrong with the healthcare system today. There are many many qualified, experienced professional that can evaluate and treat these simple problems for a fraction of the cost of surgery.

Surgery also does not equal 'fixed'....ask everyone here that has had it if they still have pain, and at what level....



anyway.

 

Hey, no fighting.

Started PT tonight. Surgery will be the last resort.

It's actually a relief there's a tangible reason for waking up a pretzel every morning. As painful as this is, it still hasn't come close to the tumor they removed from my back a few years ago. That was 100x worse than this.

I appreciate the comments. Loved Turtle's post. I feel lucky my lower back is sound. I really hope the PT makes a difference.

 

Please keep us updated!