disc replacement surgery?

[wildangel2116]

I'm 23 and i was in a car accident over a year ago. Ive been to numerous doctors and physical therapists/chiropractors whove all told me there is nothing they can do for me. I just went to a spine sergeon who wants to run a disc test to see if thats where my pain is coming from.(L4 &L5) After that its either a disc replacement surgery or just to deal with my pain. Im tired of being in pain. I'm wondering if its worth getting the sugery or not....? He also said that my discs do not look like a 23yr old. If any one has had this surgery good or bad I would love the input

[Oshynlover]

Hi, I was your age when I got into my car accident.  I am 27 now and I have had 2 back surgeries.  My most recent one being the artificial disc replacement.  It is a very big decision to make.  It is not something to take lightly.  I was in extremely bad pain... I had a ruptured 9mm disc in L5/S1.  Surgeons are Surgeons... they cut people open.  I know you are in an immense amount of pain but you really need to seek more before you do surgery.  First of all... I have the best insurance money can buy.... PPO all the way .... artifical disc replacement is not something you can get covered by insurance.  It is roughly $120,000.  The hospital may cut you a break and charge you around $30-35,000 dollars in cash before you get it done.  

You have the rest of your life ahead of you.  My disc was about the size of a 60 year olds disc when I was done with my first surgery.  I went two years and did the ADR replacement.  It was better than my first surgery but I developed a syndrome that is called RSD... its caused by surgery of the spine or neck.  It attacks your limbs in my case my legs.  This is just one of the things that can happen.  

My suggestion to you is to find a Pain Management specialist.  I found a WONDERFUL one in California.  I didnt believe him at first because I have tried EVERYTHING from massage therapy, acupuncture, epidurals, nerve induction tests, PT, SURGERY, etc.  YOU ARE WAY TOO YOUNG.  It can be almost 6-8 months before you are feeling pretty good again, and then another year or so before you can return to normal.  This is speaking from experience from your age.  I am told I can not have children either for at least 5 years because of the amount of pressure a child causes to the back - especially with the titanium disc in place.  

However, about 4 months ago I began seeing a pain specialist who practiced with nerve root injections.  They put you under and they inject you into the facet joints and the nerve roots that are bothering you.  Sometimes its not the disc that is bothering you but the placement of the nerves.  Get an MRI with contrast done and seek a pain specialist.  It is FAR LESS PAINFUL than surgery.  If you still dont feel better in a few years then I would suggest surgery.... but not now.  You cant even change your own underwear after surgery.  You are in so much pain.  It is truly a last resort.  I dont want you to continue being in pain.  If you want more info I would be happy to talk to you.  I know you are frustrated and in pain.  I believe you.  But surgery is the very last option.  Try this.... its not a normal epidural injection they just shoot in your back.  I was deathly afraid of needles and this is nothing.  You are put under.

Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI); Facet Joint Injections ... The transforaminal approach is a very selective injection around a specific nerve root.

[sunshine2008]

The test you are referring to is called a discogram. It sounds like you are on the right track to recieve help. Only you can decide if surgery is the right option for yourself, but I would suggest getting more than one opinion since surgery is a big deal. Also, do some research, it does really helps. The more knowledege you have about your particular problems/upcoming procedures, the better for you it will be to make important decisions like deciding about surgery or alternative treatments.

Im 18, I was in an accident more than a year and a half ago I recently found out that I have seven injured discs.I had a cervical discogram about two months ago and it showed I have a herniation instead of a disc bulge that the MRI showed. Good luck