Bulging Disc: Surgery or not?

About 2 years ago, I started feeling classical symptoms of sciatica - pain radiating down my right leg, all the way to the knee, mostly on the side of the leg. This happened right after I made about 10 consecutive jumps. A year later after that episode, I had MRI done. It showed that I had 2 bulging/herniated discs and 1 herniated disc. The bulging/herniated discs are at L1-L2 and L2-L3 position. The mildly herniated disc was at L5-S1 position. My leg pain is always there, however, its severity is on and off. It's never extreme, such as inability to get out of bed or not go to work. However, at times it's distressing resulting in inability to exercise at gym or do various physical activities fully.

I am 25 years old and sports has always been a somewhat large part of my life. I have a gym membership for 10 years, I play basketball, tennis, soccer and other sports recreationally. This pain has inhibited some of those activities and I had to cut out many of the exercises that I used to do in the gym (squats, back rows, military press and etc.)

Recently I had 2 epidural injections done, about 3 weeks apart. The first one helped for about 10 days and the 2nd one I had done less than a week ago and the pain has already come back almost fully.

I have seen 2 surgeons and both recommended surgeries after first trying more conservative treatment. I have been prescribed by one surgeon to undergo a PT course for 6 weeks. While I didn't start it yet, it's unlikely to help in my view.
The first surgeon recommended a laminectomy and the 2nd one microdiscectomy.

Is it worth going through one of these surgeries given my age and somewhat nagging pain, should PT fail (as I predict it will)? If so, how successful are these surgeries in terms of pain relief? Will I ever be able to go back to gym again at at least 80% of how I used to? In other words, do the benefits outweigh the costs of recovery, pain and some risk?
Is PT any help in situations like these where the pain is chronic and according to MRI and X-Ray, I have some bone spurs and somewhat degenerated discs?
Thank You for your time and attention,
- Igor

[kprinss]

My mother had the same problem bulging/herniated disks a few years ago.   She is in her 50's and very active.   WOrks out with a trainer 5 times a week.   Her doctor reccommended PT too and her pain persisted because she ended up shattering her disk.   SHe had the surgery and is back in the gym, skies, plays golf, you name it.   If you have to choose between the 2 surgeries the microdiscectomy is a smaller incision and quicker recovery but make sure you have  an neurosurgeon who is well versed in this surgery.   Good luck.

[Iggy82]

That's interesting because I hear mixed results from different people and even doctors. My primary physician recommended me a good surgeon, who did a surgery for one of her patients and she said the patient has not complained of pain and is the 70's and doing much better. Yet she would rather me avoid the surgery given my age.
Other people say that surgery is extensive and is very long to recover from and has some risks.

What surgery did your mom have and how quickly was she able to recover? Walking? Workout? And etc.?

I will probably start PT next week, but honestly, I don't hope for nor expect any improvement.

[Billsdaughter]

My sister had a blown lumbar disc that disabled her, the surgery really helped. She's not into sports but does vigorous work. I think you may find alot of variation in results, maybe each person is different. I know one who had a fusion and has never been right since. Something I thought of reading this is an injection therapy called prolotherapy or something like that, think it is hyaluronic acid, not sure I recall the details exactly. I remember a holistic MD who did that and saw an article by the previous surgeon general Everett Koop advocating it. Just a thought as you sound like you are not eager for surgery yet. I have read things that imply not much difference for herniated discs whether you have surgery or not, maybe you could get some objective stats on that. It sounds like your quality of life is not affected alot as you are very active so it may be worth waiting or trying alternatives for awhile longer. Maybe acupuncture would help with the pain?

[sassy706]

I had disc surgery on C-6 and C-7. All the radiating pain is GONE!!! It was the worse pain ever. The worse part of the surgery was the morphine. I had the surgery and was discharged the next day by noon and was at my friends for dinner that night. Of course PT followed and is very important. I recommend the surgery.

[Iggy82]

My quality of life is somewhat affected, just not to a very high degree. Some days it's worse than others. But you are right, Billsdaughter, I am not lying in bed nor struggling through each day. I have been recommended to do PT for 6 weeks by the surgeon and I will probably start this week and see how it goes. But given that I have at least 2 moderately bulging and herniated discs, I doubt it would help very much. I do think that at the end, I will likely go with the surgery. I guess my biggest question is how long does the recovery take, for me to be active, and will the surgery renew me to the degree that I would be able to go to gym and play sports normally again, without severely restricting myself?
But thanks for input guys!

[Billsdaughter]

Hi, how are you doing? are you trying the PT and is it helping? I'll bet a sports med doctor could answer those questions for you. I hear there is a good spine clinic in the San Francisco area who has worked on well known football players.

[Runnomore]

I am in the same boat.  I am 31 and I have three bulging discs.  My left leg is always numb, my buttocks aches, and my back throbs.  I hurt my back running.  My weekly mileage was @70, with a lot of speed work.  My doctor says I can never race again, or even run.  

I have had three epidurals, all with no effect.  My L5 is crushing my S1 and the only option is to have surgery.  My L3 and L4 are also bulging. So much for staying in shape.

I do not want to be on NORCO pills my whole life. I think if you have an injury especially in your 20's to 30's and all options have been exhausted then surgery needs to be done.  I cannot live with this pain for the next 40 years only for it to get worse every year.   They say that these bulging discs heal in 5 years with no intervention, yeah right.  Mine will heal then I will lean down to tie my shoe and blow my disc again. At least if the surgery is done I can possibly mtn bike again, or continue rafting.  

I do not know much about the surgery but I am at the point where I have no other option.  I cannot take the pain any more.

[milkshakebabe]

I know excatly what you are going through my husbnd has a buldging disc ,
  he has been in hospital for 1 week so far after suffering at home for 5 weeks he is now at the stage that he cant stand or sit and has to lie down constantly,his whole left leg is completely numb and has tingling in his arms and leg and foot.
   he is in agony and has become very down, because he cant support me and our three children , he just wants the pain to stop and to get his life back .
    He had a spinal block injection last week but has had no effect, the doctors are just talking about pain management through pills and have said that it is not yet bad enough for surgery how bad does it have to be to get a operation?
  He has already had a operation on the same disc 10 years ago.

[needrecovery]

Hey run no more.  I am somewhat in the same boat.  i was a jogger ( only about 15 miles a week) and I have been playing rugby for the last 10 years, I"m 29.  I have been diagnosed with S1/L5 and L5/L4 disk bulges/herniations.  I just receieved my first opinion and it was to have surgery.  Have you had any surgery since January?  Where are you at now?

[lisa309]

I'm in the same boat here too. I'm 44 and since May I've been having excruciating pain that runs from the side of my left hip down the front of my leg to my knee or below.
Often, I have complete muscle weakness in both legs. I've not been able to walk (usually 4 to 5 miles a day), sit on the floor with my kindergarten students, or sleep for that matter!
My dr had me go for an xray and then an MRI in Aug and I have bulging disks on my L2 and L4. An old sacral bone fracture has not fully healed correctly which is also causing issue.
I'm in PT right now but find the day after, I'm in more pain due to aggrivating the issues with the exercises.... anyone know if the PT is supposed to make it worse before it gets better?
I feel like I don't want to go through all the PT in order to hear time for cortizone shots in your spine.....been there done that with tendonitis in my elbow and ended up with surgery after a year of PT and shots!

[cin818]

My mother is currently going through the same thing & what really annoys me is the way that her doctors are educating her.  I do not believe that they are NOT knowledgeable, but they are incapable of thinking outside of their own box... and often times, there are alternatives out there!
I work for a leading national health insurance company and have had first hand experience as to what type of "inabilities" that doctors have when offering and referring care.  Generally speaking, a medical doctor (primary care, specialist, etc) is trying to make a buck and only trained to do one of four things: diagnose to the best of their ability, medicate, refer out to a specialist, or cut.  There are other non-surgical options that are available that your doctor is NOT telling you about.  Often times when your have a bulging/herniated disc, there are other problems that lye within your spine that your doctors are not addressing.  My mother's one vertebra is completely misplaced, which caused her disc to slip to begin with.  Her doctor and surgeon want to go in and fix the disc; not address the misplaced vertebra - because that is outside of their realm of expertise.  The end result may not even fix my mother's issue and her pain may persist; especially if they are fusing things together to correct the disc surgically.  Fixing the symptom does not fix the problem, it may create more stress on other discs, other areas of your back may start hurting because they are compensating for the problem that still persists, and your surgeries will become cyclical.
My thought... try everything first.  Back surgery (or any surgery) is a serious, serious thing.  I understand that PT can be painful and cause further problems, but I urge you to see a back doctor - not a primary care physician, an orthopaedic surgeon, voo doo, or witch doctor... see a chiropractor and ask about DTS before getting cut.  For many people this could be an option and will allow your body (with a little help) a chance to do what it does best - and heal itself.  Most health plans offer 20 visits per calander year and more if medically necessary.  I urge you - get a referral and go.  

I found one link that I thought was good:
http://www.ewerspecific.com/DTStherapy.aspx

google it, use your resources, talk to a chiropractor and see if this could be an option.  

[selmaS]

Thank you for ur prospective on this issue which I agree is a biggy...especially since I will most likely be facing that option.....however, a chiropracter is not always a safe choice...it depends on what other "things" r going on in ur spine....such as chiari malformation, which manipulation would not be a wise choice......but there r other non surgical ways to reduce pain.....

Again thanks for ur insight.

Godspeed
"selma"

[jz723]

you think you have it bad, I have buldging disc's in my NECK.  Yep, from gardening last summer.....it started with a pinched nerve then I found out it was 3 buldging disc's in my neck.  They are the "C" disc's.  It is now winter here in Chicago and I'm not able to help my husband shovel the sidewalk....and that brings me to you.....I'm looking for answer's and hope from someone that surgery for buldging disc's works!!
I am 56, love to work out and be outside.   Any neck movement aggravates it.  Even something as simple as driving and looking both directions for traffic (pretty soon, I'll have to turn right only) or shopping aggravates it to,  (to much neck movement).....I'm hoping to find answers for help so I can get my life back to normal.  It's embarrassing and I feel like I'm handicapped.    I'm ready to undergo the knife to get my life back.

Anyone had neck surgery for buldging disc's?  In Chicago?
Thanks,
jz723

[InPainInSiouxCity]

I just found out I have bulging/ruptured discs in L3&4, L4&5, L5&S1.  I've been refered to a surgeon who specializes in cervical/lumber spine surgery...but I am afraid.  I am only 29 and have lived a very active lifestyle up until now.  I am in extreme pain but have only been given Lortab (which has not helped at all with the pain) and 800mg motrin.  Anyone out there with positive stories about surgery or other options? Pain relief?  Thank you for your time.....

--In Pain in Sioux City

[lightsong3]

I came across an interesting website by a PT who advises not just PT exercises but understanding how what you do and how you position yourself might be affecting/reinjuring your disks. Interesting info and seems to have helped a lot of people with disc pain to avoid surgery and feel better. The site is: www.drbookspan.com/ May be worth a look.

[Dtechnet]

L1 -2 = medium sized disc protrusion centrally extending to the right side which is markedly extruded superiorly producing encroachment upon the thecal sac and RT. neural foramen.... Thats what they are telling me, it hurts like hell but not sure what it means

[OMG_ouch]

Hello all. I’m 33 and I had a discectomy w/ laminectomy surgery to repair my L5-S1 disc about a year ago. It was the WORST mistake I have ever made in my life. I would not recommend back surgery to anyone, ever, unless you are facing possible paralysis and surgery is your last resort. I started out with getting cortisone injections and nerve blocks and when that did not have any long term benefit I opted to have a relatively minor outpatient surgery (microdiscectomy) and things just got worse from there.  This was all in an effort to get back to “normal”. It’s really hard to know what to do when the doctors that you trust are recommending this procedure and that procedure, but don’t forget…they make the most money on surgeries…of course they are going to recommend them. If you opt to have all the tests, scans, procedures and surgeries and they FAIL, the most any doctor or surgeon or specialist can offer is a 5 minute pity consultation and a prescription for pain killers. I wish so much that I would have tried adjusting to my limitations instead of jumping into invasive medical procedures on my SPINE.

[CJsBack]

I would like to know if anyone else out there has a central disc bulge/ herniation.  that is when the disc is bulging in the central area of the spine causeing pain on both legs and at different times. while also pinching off nerves and compressing the spinal cord.  that is what is happening to me right now and i am in quite abit of pain and cannot bend that well at all.  My Pt has sent me home cause after seeing my MRI was fearfull that any excercises will make matters worse and he did not want to take that chance.  In 30 years this is his worse case ever.  I have tried everything including the spinal decommpression, im lost and have no idea what to do next.  Is Surgery my last resort and if so what am i too expect,  I m in a very physical profession and i need to hear that im going to be able to continue working.  Can someone please give me some advice?

Last Resort

[renee399]

Hello out there
My recent MRI shows a large bulged disc in my lower back.  Can anyone recommend pain relief (this issue is killing me and I am now off work) that does not increase chances of constipation?  I have had 2 surgeries for anal fissures and cannot risk getting constipated.  I have been on morphine pills for 1 week and it is not taking the edge off and it is slowing my whole system down.  
Thanks for any suggestions.

[Thesilverfox]

I'm 26.  Very active, used to be a body builder.   Suffered a bulging disc at L4-L5 when I was 25 and deadlifting at the gym.  Hurt BADDD!

I refuse to have surgery and get cut open unless I have to.

There are numerous supplements that DO WORK that I have tried/am on right now.

For the pain, look into this
-----Curamin
Their main website is "http://www.curamin.com/"

To help restore joint/disc health look into this
----Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM supplement (24 hour release is best)
Here's the one I took  "http://www.iherb.com/Now-Foods-Glucosamine-Chondroitin-240-Capsules/568?utm_source=gb&utm_medium=f3&at=0"


To help restore fluid within the discs and also help with inflammation, look into this.
----Hyaluronic Acid.
I'm taking one called "Baxil" but I can't find the link on the web.  Regardless, look into it b/c the discs in your back are made up of this acid.

Most of all, Stretches.
http://www.spineuniverse.com/article/back-pain-exercises-4413.html

I do the "pelvic tilt" and the "knees to chest" stretches morning and night, and they really seem to help and it feels good.

Good luck to everyone.

--J

[backhurtsbadly123]

ok i am 18 years old. i was in a severe car accident when i was 17 and a fourwheeler accident when i was 14. may 09 i was moving furniture for my mother and the next day i was in so much pain i could not even walk. i went to my family physician and he told me all i have is a sore muscle, so he gave me a narcotic pain killer and a muscle relaxer. after a week my pain still persisted so i went back to him, same thing over again. my pain never gave up. finally he sent me to a neurologist, he sent me to 5 weeks of physical therapy, he said he did not want to order me a MRI because he didn't want to flag me at such a young age. Therpy did nothing but make it worse. he prescribed me some more narcotic pain killers. i had the MRI and found that i have a severe budging disk. my dr said he would not like to do sugery once agian my age. he ordered me a epidural, which did nothing. i went back to him and he said we will do one more, well i had the last one 2 days ago and i still feel no relief. now i know i am young but i dont think i can handle this severe pain, i cant do anything with my friends, the only thing my back will allow me to do is lay in bed, everything is way to painful to live with? should i have sugery? anyone have any ideas for me?????  

[ffdengine127]

I have stumbled upon this forum and very interesting. I'am 31 have 3 children and my career is a firefighter/emt I hurt my back in june and at first it was tollerable. I took off wrok for about 2 weeks and then went back only to work only for it to get worse. My job fianlly put me out on medical comp and now trying to get it taken care of. Last diagnosis was a bulging disk. Well I for one don't want to be on meds for any length of time and realy can't given my career. I'am going to go to doctor today to find out what my options are. I now have alot of insight from this forum to bring with me! Thankyou all and good luck to all. Back pain ***** and can stay with you for EVER!!

[Kelabela]

I have a buldging l4/l5 disc with a tear.  This dosnt stop me working, when i hurt it i get inner thigh pain, leg pain, lower back pain and stomach pain.  its not to bad, its just uncomfortable and constant.  i hurt myself and am in pain for a month, then i get better for a couple of weeks and do it again, it seems impossible to avoid hurting it.  I have been re hurting it for about a year now.  seeing a nuro specialist on Thursday and getting some advice on what to do.  I am scared to have an operation, i dont get a lot of back pain, just pretty much every where else, i am scared the operation will give me back pain.  every time i left something and reach i seem to do the injury, i think it might be the buldge getting squished and iritated. I feel like i shouldnt get surgery because i am not stuck in a bed, but i swim 1k everyday, walk an hour everyday and still have pain and sciatic to my foot, i feel like my right leg is getting weaker and i have had to stop doing alot of things because it causes pain.  I have been wanting to have a baby soon with my husband also but have been putting it off due to this back issue.  i am only 25 and it seems very unfair, but thats life i guess.

[Floppydiscdude]

Wow, reading this forum is so interesting.  I don’t usually write anything, but this time I feel I have some ANSWERS to offer.  I worked at a certain package moving facility (which I am not at liberty to disclose the name of due to the terms of my $5.32 settlement to help pay my insurance costs) Anyway, I was 21 and I started having pain in my leg.  Doctor, specialist, MRI, … herniated disc in my L4,L5 and a bulging disc in L3,L4 I think.  The pain was bad enough that I couldn’t sit for long periods, I couldn’t run, I couldn’t sleep very well.  My MRI showed a large herniated/ruptured portion pinching my sciatic nerve going down my left leg and my specialist didn’t think conservative measures would work.  I’m not a very patient person sometimes so, I opted for the surgery.   I’m not afraid of surgery… I guess it’s my mechanic mentality… Just fix it!
The pain was GONE! I followed all my doctors’ instructions and it was 2 months before I was myself again!  

In order to understand your best option though you really have to know how the disk works.  Educate yourself online if you have to, but treat it all skeptically and check multiple sources.  There is a tough cartilage outer shell to the disc called the annulus I believe.  This is the outer shell of your disc.  The inside is a softer jellylike material that has a lot to do with absorbing shock.  For me, I have degenerative disc disease in my family which makes me prone to this type of “jelly coming out of the donut” thing.  What my surgeon did was go in and trim the jelly off and set the outer shell back together.  Now THIS IS IMPORTANT, they can’t “fix” the shell, it just heals back together on its own. So I was on a five pound weight restriction for six weeks while that disk shell the annulus was healing back together.  YOU FEEL BETTER right after surgery, but you MUST let that disk heal, or you’ll just blow it again!  No mowing your lawn a week later!  The other thing is that the disk will never be the same again, and it will be easier to damage because you’ve compromised the integrity of that outer shell.  Now, …. Stupid is as stupid does… I’m now 26 and decided to pick 130 pounds tool box out of my trunk several times on a row…  I hurt my back a little, then I hurt it again, then I fishtailed on my motorcycle by accident and finished it off I think.  I’m going in for an MRI in January because I have crippling pain down my left leg again.  I’m lying in bed writing this right now.  I’m waiting until January because I have a 2grand deductible.  I’ll be very interested in seeing if it is the problem is with the “fixed’ disc or the bulging one that he didn’t do anything with.  I’m on Vicodin on the mean time.

I here lots of people going with conservative treatments and them not working, and then finally getting surgery and ending up with nerve damage because of how long the stuck it out.  On the other hand people would tell me once you start surgery you end up having more and more, which I thought I could avoid, but hear I am again.  Still, I don’t see the point in being miserable for 20 years and destroying your body with pain meds until you’re “old enough” to justify surgery.  If it’s broken you should do something to actually address the problem, not just mask the symptoms.  People need to have kids, their legs need to work.  Why postpone the inevitable?

I’ve never heard of anyone having success with a fusion… I watched one on youtube and I would never let them do that if I were …. Me I guess.  I would go with a disc replacement before I would let them fuse anything.  Your insurance may not cover that yet though. This just puts more pressure on the other discs anyways.  And it’s so invasive; people are never right after it.  If you have surgery…,.. be smart and give up the dead lifts, squats, and have a friend help lift your GD toolbox out of your trunk!!!!  It’s a good option if you’re willing to live a more thoughtful life….. at least you can think without all that pain.

One more thought.  Check out the website www.regenexx.com I found that today and what they do is take stem cells from your bone marrow and grow them in a lab and inject them into the disc wall.  Then the cells rebuild your disc wall and make it strong again.  It’s your own cells so there’s no risk of some funky rejection thing happening.  It’s too new to be covered by insurance and it costs like 7 grand, BUT it’s the rest of your life.  I think this is the future.   I’m seriously looking into this while I’m waiting for my MRI.  I have no idea how I would pay for it though… life of crime I guess  : )

Sorry, I’m long winded, hope it gives you something to think about.  

Remember, a good surgeon is harder to find than a good mechanic, so take your time and get second opinions and don’t worry about hurting their feelings…. They get to walk home at the end of the day.  

[Uggjbmb27]

Hi people:) I'm 15 and I have a buldge between the 5th and 6th disc. I hurt my back skiiing about a year ago and ever since then It has gotten worse.I can't play my sports anymore because it's to painful... I'm going to see a specialist soon to see what the want to do about my back. I'm just nervous because I am very young with a bad back already. Like sometimes I'll just be walking and get a shooting pain that makes me fall and I always have pain in my back and in my butt or buttocks whatever you call it. I've already been through the chiropracter and had several xrays and MRI's.. So if anyone has any adice I would realllllllllly like to hear it !  Thank you(((:

[polarbearma]

Uggjbmb27, Good luck sweetie.
Floppydiskdude, thank you, the information you gave was very interesting/informative and helpful
I am 50 years old, back in August I was sitting up in bed, reading and got a stabbing pain in my back.  I got into my doctor a couple of days later, got pain meds, muscle relaxers and a list of exercises to do.  Two weeks later I was back at the doctor, no improvement, different pain meds and muscle relaxers and added steriods to the mix, but to add to it, I was experiencing pain in my knee.  

Doctor's diagnosis I was favoring my back and tore/pulled the cartilidge in my knee.  More pain meds, a cortisone shot in the knee and a back x-ray (NOT an MRI).

I have had two therapy appointments - the first one he had me doing extension exercises and after that first one I told the therapist I wanted to hunt him down - I was in more pain.  The second therapy was on Friday and he changed the exercises and tried some light traction.  I am still experiencing more pain, and tonight I was driving home, a dog ran out in front of me and when I hit the brakes (didn't hit the dog - which is good), I started having the stabbing pains again.  Came home, took another Percocet and hit the bed for the evening.

PT is doing nothing for me except causing me more pain.  I am calling to try to get an appointment with an ortho doctor asap.  My family doctor is not doing anything for me except keeping me supplied with pain meds and I really want the pain to go away.  

[narenn]

I have had a herniated disk for 3 years now (L5). It started with severe pain in the left leg all the way from lower back to the toe!  Tried PT,  medications and even micro surgery. Nothing has helped. Docs not suggest a disk replacement! My pain is manageable but i am concered about the long term consequences. I am also noticing my left leg is thinning.  Any idea why? What are the long term consequences of this. I am 43.

[c00lwithall]

am 22 years old and i had the herniated disc problem for 8 month now, my MRI said am in a desperate need for a surgery, which i had 2 weeks ago on the hands of 3 of the best German doctors around, they had used a new type of surgery , which they explained as removing my herniated disc and replacing it with with a one peace artificial disc, they did this surgery on many others before me, most of them are athletes, which gave me confidence to do the surgery, they say the surgery was successful and i have to wear a back brace for a month which i dont really mind as long as i get better, the pain in my leg before the surgery was leading to a disabled right leg which i dont want to, now my back is fine, my leg is fine but i have a new problem, my right foot is in unbearable pain .  it started it with a weak numbness just like anyone would feel on their lips after having their teeth drilled at the dentist (my English isn't so good so i dont know how to describe it better than that). now just 3 days ago, the numbness is gone but i have this terrible pain which is as if i ran on broken glass in a snowy  day n kept running till my feet got infected and i can no longer stand, the only different is that my foot look perfectly fine, blood going throw it n all, but the pain just wont let me sleep, anyone please help me with your knowledge

thank you for your time

[backhurtsbadly123]

i posted a comment in aug. well after the post things for me got way worse. i had been to two orthopedic surgeons, both telling me you are to young for surgery. i had been taking alot of pain meds to help with the pain and nothing was working. i was so worried about getting hooked on the meds. one of the orthopedic surgeons sent me to a pain management specialist. my pain doctor was the best and nicest dr i have ever met. he tried several methods of pain treatment with me, 4 epidural injections, did not work. so then he started me on some other narco pain meds. by the time i got to him i had a very high tolerance for the drugs so it was hard for him to find me something for the pain. well i got really tired of being in pain and taking drugs, so my family physician sent me to a neuro surgeon. well he wanted too do a bunch of test very painful test, a disco gram, and several spinal taps and nerve taps. don't be afraid to ask the Dr doing the precidure  for medicine to put you out, i was and i will never do it again. well the neuro said the same old thing i don't want to cut on your back. that is how i make my money and put food on the table for my family. not good news. well the first week in oct i was working doing some heavy moving and lifting on my property, i heard a loud pop and a fell to the ground my leg went numb. the next day i could not walk. so i went to see my pain management Dr who i had become friends with. he was very confused. day after day the pain became more and more worse, down in both of my legs arms and back and neck. i went to my neuro again so he could clearly see that i was in a ton of pain. he told me i was a drug addicted and to leave his practice. i went back to my pain Dr and he said the same thing and he called several rehab programs. i knew i was addicted but the pain i was in was not from addiction. i laid in bed for 5 weeks not being able to move. i was in so much pain i could not urinate. well i called my pain Dr everyday and then he told me to come in because he has been studying my folder and xrays and MRI. he ordered a MRI for me, which they are not supposed to do. he stayed in his office for me until he got the results for the MRI which was at 1 in the morning, well i woke up the next morning to my mom in my room packing a bag and getting stuff together. i had completely blew my l5 disc out and it was sitting on top of 4 nerves on top of another disc. he sent me to the hospital and met me there and told me i need surgery. he said i have called the best back surgeon in ga which come to find out was the first Dr i went to about my back. well i got good news and bad news that day. the surgeon was out of town for a week, so i laid in the hospital for a week getting shot up full of dilaudid every hour and a half and some other pain drugs. yet i was still in pain. i had my surgery 3 days before thanksgiving. i was in surgeon for 8 hours, the Dr said he had never seen anything like it before. it was so inflamed and my nerves had cuts and tears all over them, along with the disc jelly that when it exploded it shot it up wear my skull connects to my spine. pretty nasty. i went home the next day after sug. today im still in some pain but not alot. i am no longer taking narcotic pain drugs. i am taking a drug called suboxone, it is wonderful. i was very depend it on the oxycodine and i had no withdraws because of the suboxone. before you have sugeroy educate your self and make sure you need it. me being so young and it being my senior year i had to. good luck to everyone!

[ferrbear]

have had bulging disc l5-s1 for the last 3 years,have had all the injections and treatments and still no difference.im considering back surgery,doctor say there shouldnt be a problem with playing sports after as long as i follow the p.t instructions and rehab correctly.please god this works cant take this anymore im only 24 and its killing me not to be active and play the sports i love...

[blajr1]

I'm a 54 year old, very active guy, who has had lower back problems for about 25 years.  In Nov. 2008 I herniated L4-L5 and went through the usual stuff like muscle-relaxers, physical therapy, then steroids.  MRI in 1st week of January 2009.  Spine
DR. said try to live with it and see what happens.  By July of 2009, the back pain and
left side sciatica were horrible so my Chiropractor set me up with an Orthopedic surgeon, who was a friend of his, to consult.  He looked at the MRI and recommended
a Lamenectomy  ( I think ).  I had the surgery on September 1, 2009 and immediately felt better.  I took it very easy for the last 5 months and continue to do just fine except
that I still can't lift anything over 30 pounds without noticing back pain.  As for getting
rid of the constant agonizing pain, I still recommend the surgery.  I'd like to hear from people that have had surgery and regained most or all there strength.  Especially interested in how long the process has taken them.  Good Luck.

[laborlawchick]

Hi,

I am 47 and almost 6 years ago I had L5-S1 laminectomy and diskectomy.  I also made the mistake of getting a neural stimulator implanted with a rechargeable battery from Medtronics.  (that is another story) anyway before the surgery, I was extremely active and had a standup jet ski, rode motorcycles, camped and hiked.  After my injury  I had left back and leg pain that traveled below my knee and into the side of my foot and toes.  Following surgery,  I had good relief for about 2-3 months.  I did have residual nerve damage and as they all say "Nerves heal slow"  and that is true.  It took years and a lot of water therapy and such to get back what I have and correct the atrophy I had in my left leg.  I found out afterwards that since I was so active and had a physical job, I should have had my L5-S1 fused to protect the discs above and handle the activity I was used to.  Did they fuse your L5-S1? if they did, you may have limited motion, but you will have a better chance of not herniating others.  Unfortunately I later made the decision to have a medtronics neuro stimulator implanted in hopes of eliminating the need for pain medication.  That failed and set me back, but time definitely helps the nerve pain.  Unfortunately, you will be more likely to have future back problems.  The best thing you can do is exercise but exercising safely.
My PT's rule of thumb for me was - do any exercise you want as long as you can do it while lying on your back, lots of walking and lots of swimming.  I hope you do well, with some adjustments, I find I can do most of what I want to do.  But, have been told that approximately 5 years of the first surgery, many reinjure (because they feel better and start not protecting it as much)  I made it past that, take little pain medication now. Unfortunately I also have Sjogrens and Lupus or MS (still getting diagnosed).  

Take care and good luck!

Carly

[Mercedes691]

I have a two bulging discs L4/L5 and was recommended to a neurosurgeon following MRI. He highly recommends surgery.  However in the interim I have been doing traction.  I must say do not have surgery until you have given traction a try.  I feel 90% better can walk normal and sit/stand without discomfort.  This is the first week without any traction following a full month going 3 times weekly and I still feel great.

[traceyhen]

I am 34 and started having back issues in 2000. In 2006 I had a microdiscectomy, less than 8 weeks later I reruptured the same disc (L5-S1) on the right instead of the left side. The surgeon again recommended microdiscectomy. I refused and saw a pain specialist. I went through PT, decompression, steriod injections, nerve blocks, and ended up taking Morphine and Norco for almost 3 years. When I couldn't take it anymore I went to another surgeon who did a battery of testing and found that the rupture had reabsorbed and offered exploratory surgery to try to find something that would give me relief. I was told that the nerves were damaged, but there was no way to tell if it was permanent or how long it would last. I stopped taking pain killers a year ago, but 6 months after I stopped I ruptured my L4 and my L5 is bulging. Another surgeon has recommended microdiscectomy. I've been unable to have the surgery, although I think I'm going to try because for 6 months I've been unable to function. My pain is severe, I have tried not to take pain killers because they are horrible, but I'm about to go out of my mind.

I wish I could offer a good answer, but there hasn't been one for me. I'm too young, as are you, to be going through all of this. I hate doctors and surgeons. I went to an emergency room today to ask for pain relief temporarily because I've just moved to a new state and don't have insurance or a doctor and was treated like a drug addict. They wouldn't help me, wrote me a prescription for naproxen and flexeril...neither of which works. I take handfulls of ibuprofen and naproxen daily, my stomach is a mess and I'm miserable.

I sincerely hope you're among those who find answers....good luck to you.

[cathyf115]

I am surprise that nobody has tried a inversion table, they are quite inexpensive these days, this is the only and affordable way for the disk to heal, at list give it a try. I myself just purchased one of those, have not tried it yet (still in process of shipping), but heard a lot of positive result from them.

[lashun1]

I am a 40yr young lady and I have had the unpleasant opportunity of having a ruptured disk 4yrs ago. Before an MRI was did, my PCP placed me on meds for a "possible" pinch nerve. Later while at work I answered the phone and the disk ruptured. Everyone in the room heard it POP,,,the relief at the time felt wonderful,,all the pain was gone and it felt like cold water running down my neck. OHHHHH but 12hrs later, I could not move. The pain was sooo bad I was throwing up. After having to wait 5 weeks before the surgery ( neuro surgeons are the most booked up dr's I have ever came across ) I was sooo depressed. I choose to use a piece of my hip bone to do the fusion on 6/7.The neck incision wasn't painful at alll, it was the burden of wearing the steady neck brace for 7 weeks and the hip pain. Now 4yrs later I have been getting nerve blocks, therapy and meds for pain. The surgeon stated that after cleaning up the ruptured disk he noticed a small bulging disk behind it. He choose to watch it over the years and now my bones are degenerating and 3 disk need to be worked on using screws this time for the fusion. If you know anyone who has neck,shoulder,arm,numbness of finger and leg pains. Plz have them see a doctor and request an mri to get to the root. You will save soooo much time and pain.

[devaLou]

Hey I am 19 years old and have 4 bulged discs and also broke my c1 twice. My neck is also curved the opposite direction than a normal neck and not to mention my bones slip off of each other. I have gone through physical therapy for two years and gone to chiropractors. I have also been to two surgeons and they haven't done anything. I have constant  pains radiating down my arms and sometimes down my legs and also headaches none stop. So I know what You guys are going through I've been dealing with this for almost 5 years and nothing has helped. I'm going to a new surgeon on Tuesday so hopefully something can actually be done.

[healthnuthiker]

I have three bulging disks that I was just recently diagnosed with.  I have had excruciating pain for about 4yrs in my right calf.  When I would walk, if I walked too long or too much my calf to my foot and toes go numb.  It is getting even worse as the weeks pass.  Now I walk for maybe 5mins or even just simply vacuum and I have terrible pain.  Just recently, my left calf, with bending, etc feels as if someone is poking the muscle with a pin.  I see a Neurologist today.  I want to know what is the best treatment.  I do not want surgery, as I heard that will put me out for months. I do not want wasted treatments wasting my time.  I want the pain gone.  I used to hike and walk, I cannot do that anymore.  I want to do that again.

[Tiki116]

I have bulging discs (L4 & L5) and have had them since 2003.. During the last 7 years, I have had minor to major episodes of not beging able to walk, sit, stand, twist or bend. I have had physical therapy for weeks that did not help. I am very actjive and have worked out at the gym all my life. I was just getting back to running agin when the pain worsened. After each workout, I was in pain and last month the pain that radiates down my buttocks to my leg caused my leg to give. I fell 3 times. I have had 3 bilateral lumbar facets and an injection directly into the disc; none have worked. Is surgery my only hope?

[bella7784]

I have degernerated disc disease, disc protusion, diffuse bulging disc & many more things going on. Im 49 always been into sports & active. After reading the many comments I am so afraid of surgery. I been on pain pills for 7 years. I been through all the injections, steriods for pinched nerves and they didnt help. Therapy didnt help. Now they want to put me on morphine pills. The doctor says surgery is needed im at the end I guess I can just pray that surgery would go well. I never knew how many people suffered with these problems both young and old. And it seems that nobody understands your real pain sometimes. Just happy I can vent to others who are going through the same thing. Best wishes to all.

[sunnyape]

I'm 43 an have recently had a microdiscectomy to rectify a disc bulge in L4/5 that was pressing on the sciatic nerve. I had a smaller bulge in L5/S1 that was not impinging.

I may have ruptured the disc a long time ago, from a very heavy fall on my backside. At least once a year I would have a bad back and it incapacitate me for a few days. I've always been fairly fit and enjoy martial arts, triathlons, gym, hiking etc, so my back was strong and protected the damaged area.

Whilst on a back-packing trip overseas, with a heavy rucksack, I had an episode. This time it was so bad and I had violent pain in my left buttock, thigh, calf and foot that incapacitated me. No matter what I did, the pain would not abate and I was a zombie from all the pain killing drugs.

I came back to Australian and, after resting, taking all sorts of pain killers for three months, I had CT and MRI scans done. I had an injection, but it had only a temporary effect.
The spinal surgeon specialist recommended having the operation.

The operation itself was day surgery and very straight forward. I was home the next day, able to walk, sit and stand without pain.

- In the first week after, I had no more leg pain, just a sore back.
- In the second week, some pain came back, but it much less and not in my back.
- In the third week, back is good and pain is fading from my leg. Flexibility is returning and I can drive a car, walk, ride a bike and swim. Just taking a Neurofen in the morning, nothing else.

My GP had advised that post operative swelling and mild nerve damage are responsible for the pain I feel now. It will fade with physio, stretching and exercise. Some stretches trigger the nerve pain and wear a back brace if I have to sit for long periods, but each day is better.

I have my fingers crossed for a full recovery but do not expect to be able to carry 30+ kgs rucksacks anymore or be thrown around the Dojo. I will take the advice of those on this list on what medicines will help the discs become stronger and heal properly.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. I understand your concerns in the postoperative recovery phase. There are certain precautions that a patient should take in this critical phase. Earlier mobilization after microdiscectomy helps heal sooner since patients have limited their motion due to significant pain and an early exercise program for stretching, strengthening and conditioning helps deal with secondary soft tissue component of back pain. Immediate postoperative pain can be dealt with NSAIDs. Narcotic medications like vicodin should be used for a short period if prescribed. Ice therapy provides some respite. To minimize postoperative scarring of nerve root, gentle stretching exercises should be done. Avoid stretching too hard and not beyond the point of pain to avoid inflaming the nerve.
You must do about 15 minutes of appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises a day for fist 3 months. You could take the help of a physiotherapist or a weight trainer.  Early mobilization and exercise is another concern and spine surgeons advise return to modified duty 7 to 10 days post operative and to full work after 2 to 3 weeks. Hope this helps. Take care.

[halo123]

Im 18 and I have a bulging disc. I have no insurance, and the doctors reccomend surgery. I don't know what to do...I don't want to mess up my liver from taking all these tylonols and ibprophen. :(

[yazzie1234]

I am 26, and I have massive pain on a daily basis. Unlike everyone on here I did not do anything to cause the bulging disc..or not that I can remember? I do not knwo what to do? I am very affraid of surgery and I would like to do anything other then take that route..but the thing is that I have already done it all.. Pt, injections, pills... and today I go to see my doc to see if the surgery will be my next best thing? I just do not have a good feeling in my gut about it at all... and there are so many good stories on here which makes me want to do it and not consider the after effects at all..but then there are those that I wonder if id be the small 5% that ends up getting the crappy end of the stick? And not to mention that after you have the surgery you can not have children except by c-sections or none at all?? is this true? I need encouragement if this is a good idea...I can not feel the bottom of my foot and my toes tinggle all day long. My leg doesnt allow me to walk and there is crazy pain that shoots down my leg even by turning my neck a certain way! its insane and I can tell people how awful and painful this is all day long but no one understands the misury that we are in ALL DAY LONG. I need advise...

[Kat37183]

I personally have had the laminectomy to L4 & L5. Recovery was fairly quick ALTHOUGH.... 2 yrs later I had to get a Lumbar Fusion. If its at all possible for you to hold out, I would. I too have degenerative disk. My last surgery (fusion) was in Dec 2009, its now April 2011 and I'm already having more problems.  I done PT and the exercises work to help loosen up my muscles but since I am having more disk problems due to having a fusion and from having degeneration, looks like surgery is my only option again. Good luck!

[dude530]

injections, should I try it or is it a waste of time, L5,S1 If i sit for 10min and get back up it the pain is so bad, but after i am up it's just a sore back but no bending over to tie my shoes, cant sleep good, just about 50% of what i was 1/2 year ago... i am 37 and feel like 70 and should have a walker... never thought it could alter you life like this...

[vinnu917]

Hi
    I have been suffering with back pain for 3 years. It was not so worse and i could carry out with my usual work. Though i did some yoga at my home everyday, the pain was chronic and  constant for 3 years.My recent MRI scans showed that my left nerve is mildly pinched off with the herniated disk.  But i don't feel pain in my leg. After looking at the reports doctor suggested me to lead my normal life and consider for surgery if the pain does not heal.  I attended PT and it helped me to some extent. I would also like to share some past experience related to disc problems which is worth to mention here.
6 years back i had neck pain (cervical disk) and i had excruciating pain radiating to my shoulders. I suffered for 3 years despite doing all neck exercises. But a small suggestion from PT helped me and alleviated my pain drastically within short time. That is to maintain my body posture near shoulders. IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO OBSERVE AND DEVELOP A BODY POSTURE THAN SIMPLY DOING EXERCISES REGULARLY.  Now i remembered the same and practicing for my low back pain. It reallly helped me and showed the difference in a single day. I believe each and every part of the body if is hurt natuarally ,heals naturally. I hope i will try my best to reduce the pain through non surgical treatments and follow the body posture. BTW follow this article: http://www.drbookspan.com/BackPainArticle.html
Thanks @lightsong3
A big thanks to all for your suggestions. After reading couple of positive reviews about surgeries, it gave me some courage to consider that in worst scenarios, though as a final resort.

[Lilsly1]

I'm almost 40 & have been suffering from back pain all of my life, but the past 4 years, it is disabling at times.

The first few times I experienced the sciatica pain, I went to the chiropractor. That chiropractor tried traction & stimulation & suggested I see a Massage therapist, which I did. Three or Four times a week for about 4 months, I went to the chiropractor & the massage therapist once or twice a week. The chiropractor finally told me she feels she had tried everything she knew to try & that she thought the problem needed to go away on it's own. It was not disabling pain at that time, so I lived with it. From Memorial Day til Christmas Day! I woke up Christmas Day pain free for the first time in months! Try to tell me that wasn't a miracle! :)

The pain has come back several times since & I ended up letting it go away on it's own because it wasn't keeping me from normal activities. But this time is the worst I've ever had. I'm going on 3 months now with this pain & it is most days completely disabling. I can't sit, stand or even lay down now to find relief. Sleep is almost impossible due to the leg pain. I immediately starting seeing my general practioner rather than a chiropractor this time because I knew insurance would only pay if I started with him. He gave me pain pills & muscle relaxers which did nothing at all. I think the 3 Tylenol I was taking every 6 hours was giving me more relief. He told me to try that & PT 3 days a week for a month, so I did. PT & the traction made it feel worse. I didn't know if it was supposed to feel that bad so I didn't say much at first. The day I finally said anything about not doing an exercise because it hurt so bad, I finally got their attention & they recommended that I not do any more PT to the dr.

So I went back to the dr that same day & told him the pills he was giving me weren't working either. So he gave me Celebrex & some Prednisone to take on top of the pain pills & muscle relaxers & said that after my vacation, I would get an MRI. The Celebrex worked well for a while, but after the 20 hour ride in the car for vacation, I was more miserable than I had ever been before & nothing made it feel better. Not even the prednisone on top of the Celebrex, Tramadol & the muscle relaxers. I spent the better part of my first beach vacation, in bed with my ice pack!!

So as soon as I got back from vacation, I went back to my general practitioner & got the MRI & found the bulging disc & referred me to a Neuro Surgeon all in the same day. I go next week & pray that he suggests surgery, because nothing else is working & I feel I've lived with this pain long enough. A few years ago, I would've told you you were crazy if you suggested I'd WANT a surgery so bad, but now, that's all I can think could possibly help! My mom & dad both LIVE with disabling back pain & have almost their whole lives & they are now in their 80's. I absolutely refuse to live with pain like they do.

[stratts]

I have suffered with 4 bulging discs in my lumber spine for approx 7 years now. It has been a rollercoaster ride from the start. I have pain in my buttocks, hips, stomach, oblique's and the most horrible is pain in my penis like tension, knumbing and throbbing. I have also experienced pain after urinating and in my urithra??

has anybody else experienced any of these symtoms (symptoms) at all??

Originally my GP sent me to a urologist not linking the symtoms (symptoms) with my back and i had a number of horrible test such as a camera down my penis!! I had this twice and it was not nice. It was only after i started reading and inveatigating myself and put two and two together i realised the symptoms started at the same time i had a very bad back injury. I realised that their could be a link and spoke to my GP. He agreed LOL!! Crazy when you have to do your doctors job for him!! 7 years after my original back injury he finally after asking time and time agin sent me for an MRI last year and discovered i had 4 bulging discs in my lumber spine!!!
I feel very very let down by the NHS i should have had an MRI 7 years ago and could have avoided all the tests by the urologist and started to be treated and helped. After all this time it has obviously made my problem worse and possibly caused irreversable nerve damage. I am considering taking further action against the NHS, i am very angry.
I have visited and visited a number of GP's and even attenden hospital during the night in absolute unbelievable pain only to be sent home with no tests . i have begged my doctors for help explaining it is effecting my life considerably and making me depressed.

I am living life in pain constantly and cannot do anything active without making the pain severe. I lost my job as Production Manager after 10 years last year. Now i am looking for a job i can do, but i am scared the pain will effect me at work. It is horrible. The government does not recognise it as a disability which is absolute rediculous. It is without a doubt a huge disability and limits what you can do at home, when out, at work and even in bed trying to sleep. You just cant get away from the pain. I have forgot what it is like to live without pain!! I have had a pedundal nerve block but it hasnt worked, just caused me more sciatic pain!!! Had another MRI scan and waiting for results. have appointment with Neurologist on 14 th September, so lets see what he has to say. Not expecting much though!!

I try to tell my family and friends what it is like, but although they seem sympathetic i can tell they think i am exagerating, or it cant be that bad because i refuse to lay down and still try to exercise and keep up with my house work and garden etc. But every time i do anything i have to prepare myself for bad pain to come. I hate living like this. Its got to the point i that i dont even try to talk to my family or friends about my pain because i think they are bored of hearing it. I know they try to understand your pain and what it is like , but you cannot understand unless you experience it yourself and not just for 1 hour or 1 day but permanently!!

I have always enjoyed keeping fit and going to the gym, i was sooo fit before this, remember i had an awesome 6 pack, and although i till try to exercise and eat well i cant do it the same and i can see myself changing rapidly. again your friends and family say dont worry about that its the least of your worries. But again they dont understand what it is like to still have an active brain that wants to still do all these things but cannot in fear of severe pain. It is sooooo frustrating and is getting me down to be honest. I like to be busy in my house and garden but am afraid to do anything. If this is not a disability then i dont know what is.

Anyway its nice to speak to people who really understand your pain, how you feel and the effect on your life. I cannot believe the Medical World has not done more to help people with this condition. It is clear that thousands of peple are screeming out for help.

Take care
Gary

[RonCh]

After surgery, were you able to go back in playing sports like before or were you advised to tone it down in sports?

[jamdavs]

am james.i had a surgery on my thoracic due compressed fatty tissue which left me to paraplegia.since i had surgery i have begining to feel my legs but but my right has improved more than my left leg i now use a walker but difficult to stand in them .do any one experince this before-?do u think i will get better to my stage is been 3moths now since my surgery.

[BlackAbyssofPain]

I'm 24 years old, and I have been having back pain since I was 13.  I have no idea what it is from, or what caused it, but I always knew something was wrong.  For years, no one had any idea, other than just telling me to lose some weight, strengthen my stomach muscles, and stretch.  Those seemed to alleviate some of the pain, but not all of it.

I have had episodes where I feel like my back is having contractions with wave after wave of pain, or having an ice pick stabbed into my spine and left there.  I have gone to chiropractors, massage therapists, and on many occasions the ER simply so they will shoot me up with drugs so that I can sleep and breathe and even lay without feeling the excruciating pain that radiates constantly.

I am currently in an episode that leaves my only comfortable position to be lying, and even while doing that I get shooting pain down my legs and through my hips.  Just this year, I finally had my first MRI while in the ER and found I have a bulging disc at L5 and one between L3 and L4.  

I have taken vicoden, percoset, had steroid shots, and taken anti inflammatories.  I have been soaking in hottubs, icing, and using an inversion table, and all of these seem to do nothing for me.  I am scared to try PT for the simple fact that trying to touch my toes leaves me feeling like my back is about to seize at any moment, and won't let go.

I am so close to simply going for it and trying laser surgery to have the inner jelly cut off, the disc closed back up, and praying it brings me the relief I have been pleading for day in and day out for the last 11 years.  I don't know what else to do!  

If you have any suggestions about what else I should try, or if I should go for the surgery, please give me your opinion!!!

[GingerCeece]

Hi everyone...I just read all the posts and it feels good to know that I am not alone with my back pain.  I am 31 and have been dealing with back pain for about 3 years now.  I have a bad herniated disc (L5 S1) and have tried chiropractic, physical therapy, and cortizone/steroidal injections, so many different pills that I lost count...and here I am not able to sit or walk, laying in bed trying to figure out what to do.  

5 days ago I bent over to pick something up and fell to my knees because of sharp pain in my lower back.  I laid on the floor unable to sit, stand, or walk.  My husband took me to the ER.  He carried me and put me in the bed of his truck because the only position that was somewhat livable was lying down.  The ER gave me pain meds through an IV which did nothing.  I had yet another MRI a few days ago which showed that the bulging disc has gotten worse.  We discussed options and are seriously thinking about surgery (discectomy) to remove the bulge from the disc.

I am really nervous about surgery and have been doing alot of research on the pros, cons, risks, ect.  I would love to hear more from people about this surgery, the recovery time, ect. to help me and my husband decide what to do.  In the meantime, I am really sick of not being able to work, spending all day in bed or on the couch, not being able to sit, walk, drive.......

Please help!!!

[strridge]

Have you checked with the Laser Spine Institute?

www.laserspineinstitute.com

They specialize in endoscopic surgeries vs the fusions.

I filled out their online form today and received a phone call within an hour.

They will call you and ask you questions to see if you are a candidate.  

Here is the email I received...

Thank you for contacting Laser Spine Institute.  My name is Michael Hardy and it will be my pleasure to help you as you pursue relief from your painful and debilitating symptoms. Please feel free to call directly at 1-866-362-7574, extension 349. I’m here to help.

Laser Spine Institute’s minimally invasive procedures are the safe and effective alternative to open back or neck surgery.  The benefits of our proven approach include:

• No lengthy recovery
• No fusions or hardware
• 93.8% patient satisfaction
• Less than 1-inch incision
• Outpatient procedure

To determine if you are a candidate, we are happy to offer a complimentary review of your most recent MRI or CT scan.  I can obtain the results of the scan if you provide the following information:

a. The name and phone number of the hospital or imaging center where the MRI was taken.
b. Your date of birth.
c. Is this a lumbar MRI, a cervical MRI, or both?
d. The approximate date of the MRI.
e. Optional: I have attached an MRI authorization for you to print, sign and return if possible. Only a fraction of MRI facilities require this form, so we can still work to obtain your results if you are not able to complete this step.

However, if you have the results and would like to send them in now, you may:

1) Fax the written report to 1-813-418-4349, Attn: Michael Hardy.
2) Email by replying to this message and attach your MRI report.

Please call or email me when you have sent the information and I will confirm that I have received it.

Within just a few short days, we will contact you with the results of our evaluation and let you know if you are a candidate for our proven outpatient surgery.

Attached you will find the Guide to Endoscopic Spine Surgery.  This resource will walk you through our streamlined patient experience and introduce you to our advanced procedures.  Please contact me by phone or email with any questions you may have.

Regards,

Michael



Michael Hardy   Patient Coordinator
3001 N. Rocky Point Drive E. | Tampa, FL 33607
Tel:[phone] Ext. 349 | Fax: [phone]
www.LaserSpineInstitute.com
Surgery centers: Oklahoma City, OK | Philadelphia, PA | Scottsdale, AZ | Tampa, FL
Medical consultation centers: Ft. Lauderdale, FL | San Diego, CA | The Villages, FL


I'm still researching this but thought you might have time to check into this since you are in dire need right now.

[strridge]

Please continue to let us know how you are.

[maureenie43]

Iggy82, did you end up getting the surgery? I am a 21 year old college basketball player with a herniated disc in my l4/l4. it is pushing on my siactic nerve and causing radiating pain down my whole left leg if i am not on my medication. I got an epidural 2 weeks ago and the pain haw gotten worse since then. I am getting another one today and im praying that it works. I am a type of person who after basketball is over wants to run marathons and stay active in softball and basketball leagues. I have been doing rehab for the past 8 weeks and the pain has gotten better and then goes back to being bad.
If i get the surgery my school will have to pay for it, if i wait and the pain doesnt go away i will be graduating in the spring and there will be nothing they can do.
What happened with you? is the pain gone? have u returned to your active lifestyle?