neurology or orthopaedits

[laurie1031]

10 years ago i had discectomy of L45.was successful. no more back, hip or sciatia pain. pain is returning. any opinions shsould i opt for injections  rarther than an more surgery?

secondly fell several years ago and herniated C45,56,67 badly. pain was intense. went for several epidurals and pains was  much better. 2 years after the epidurals the pain is back it covers left should and shoulder blade neck and left side of head. should i see a neurologist or an orthopaedista. i don't want any more surgery.
thanx for all your help
laurie

[laurie1031]

thanx for the info and am currently looking for a doctor. i've just been confused as to which kind to see. i do like your idea of a neurosurgeon as opposed to an orthopaedic surgeon.
laurie

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. You need to get an MRI spine to check for degenerative disc disease at other lumbar or cervical levels. You might require epidural injections of steroids, physiotherapy and NSAIDS if there is evidence of prolapsed disc or degeneration in disc. If the same level is causing these fresh symptoms, you might need a redo surgery and fusion. Consult your neurosurgeon for best opinion. Hope this helps. Take care.

[laurie1031]

thanx for the info. i will try your idea.of an occupational md,  it's confusing since there  are so many effected areas. thanx again for your help i appreciate it., as i never would have of of occupational med.

[laurie1031]

yes several years ago and doc only handed me a script for delaudid. too scared to take such a high potency pain killer. i never went back
laurie

[Londres70]

Have you seen a Pain Management Specialist?

[nexus788]

Surgery isn't guaranteed to work and it's also a lot to go through for you again.  Seeing an occupational therapist or physiotherapist might be of some help. I don't see what benefit a neurologist would be for your shoulder pain?

Swimming is a good way to keep active with back and shoulder problems. Back problems are really difficult and extremely painful.

Good luck and take care Laurie