Lumbar Fusion

[LOUSUE]

I have 7 herniated disks in my back from a work accident. I have had a 2 level fusion with a plate done on C4/5 and C5/6 2 months ago.  This relieved my headaches and numbness in my left arm but did not relieve all the shoulder pain.  I am considering having fusion done on one of the herniated disks in the lumbar region at L4/5. I have had increased leg and back pain over the year after the accident. This is keeping me off my feet for most of a day.  I am in terrible pain after about 10 minutes of walking or exercise. Is this the right path to take, or should I continue with the pain medication and hope fo the best?  Physical therapy was impossible to do. The therapist said he would not recommend  contining PH  because he was increasing my pain to a level that I nearly passed out. I feel I recovered very well from the first surgery but my fear is that my body may not recover as quickly going into another surgery so soon.  What do you think?

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Without being able to examine you or review your studies, it is impossible for me to determine wether surgery is right for you. Typically surgery is reserved for disease which can not be treated by medical treatment. Therefore, if you have failed physical therapy and medication is not helping then surgery may be the best option. I would recommend seeing a neurologist prior to surgery to ensure that your symptoms are related to your spine disease. Also if have not had an EMG, it may help to define the extent and degree of injury to your nerves.

Regarding the timing of a second surgery you should discuss this with your surgeon. If your symptoms acutely decompensate, surgery may be completed sooner rather then later. Please remember though that performing surgery does not guarentee that the pain symptoms will resolve.