I have to make a decision as to whether or not to have this surgery. It would be a double fusion (I believe that’s what it’s called): L4-L5-S1. Both of my facet joints are broken at L4 (spondylolysis) which is contributing to spondylolisthesis of L5 and S1. I have been to chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapy, tried multitudes of medications, tried ignoring the problem, and also recently had a bilateral epidural in an attempt to relieve the problem. I have been told the only way to fix the spondylolysis is through a fusion. I am 31 years old and have been having back problems for quite some time now. Sometimes my back flares up, and I literally can’t walk… crawling to the bathroom is about the only I manage to do when I have a flare up. I have been told that at some point in my life I will need a fusion, and I basically have to decide whether to do it now, or continue dealing with the pain and have it later.
Any suggestions/experience/advice anyone has with this particular surgery would be extremely helpful.
Thanks! 
Posts Tagged Lumbar
Does Anyone Have Any Experience They Can Tell Me About A Lumbar Spinal Fusion?
Jul 13
Posted by admin in Pain Management and Treatment | 2 Comments
I Have Sharp Lumbar Pain, Scans And Tests Show I’m “fine”. I’m Nervous Asking A Doc For Meds. What Do I Do?
Feb 17
Posted by admin in Pain Management and Treatment | 5 Comments
The lower back pain stems from a fall I took on some ice 2 years ago. At the time I had some swelling around the vertebrae and one of said vertebrae was slightly cracked (L3 to be specific). Since then I have gone through physical therapy and some chiropractic sessions, which I think are worthless. My doctor has never prescribed me any sort of pain medication, only 800 mg of ibuprofen. The pain is still there, the intensity varies depending on the time of day and what activity I am doing. Sitting especially irritates it. I have been re-tested and re-scanned and “everything looks fine” according to my doctor. While I trust his professional opinion I am EXTREMELY frustrated at the persistence of this pain. He has voiced his dislike for prescribing pain killers, and I cannot blame him in this current medical environment. Should I consult him still or find a new doctor? I really don’t want to go “doctor shopping” seeing as I don’t really have the financial resources or time to spend on such an endeavor. What do I do? I really think these medications would help but I feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place! Is it common for pain to persist this long? Especially after the doc has given an “all clear”? I’m sorry for the length of this but I just don’t know what to do. I can’t do this for much longer, I’m on my last straw. Thanks.
Tags: Asking, Fine, Have, Lumbar, Nervous, Pain, Scans, Sharp, Show, Tests
Lumbar Pain Only While Sitting!!!!! …spinal Decompression With Drx9000?
Feb 12
Posted by admin in Pain Management and Treatment | 8 Comments
My MRI shows mild L5-S1 left and L4-L5 midline disc protrusion. I’ve been in pain for more than 8 months now. I’ve seen several orthopedic and spine specialists but with no help. All of them recommended Physical Therapy, which I tried for 4-5 months at couple of different places. It helped in increasing my range of motion but didnt help with pain. Chiropractors also didnt help.
My exact pain description is: I can walk and run with NO PAIN. I feel the pain when I’m sitting up on a chair or couch. In 10 minutes of sitting I start to feel an ache at the base of my spine (L5-S1 disc level) with a pain level of 6/10 scale. If I avoid sitting I’m just fine. I also feel the pain when I’m standing at a point (no pain while walking).
My last resort is Spinal Decompression. Its expensive but I can afford it provided it gives good results.
I’m looking for response from the person who had a similar experience with lumbar pain which gets worse ONLY while sitting (walking and running gives NO PAIN) and has tried Spinal Decompression with DRX9000.
PLEASE REPLY ONLY IFF YOU HAVE TRIED SPINAL DECOMPRESSION TREATMENT. Thanks.
Tags: Decompression, Drx9000, Lumbar, Only, Pain, Sitting, Spinal, While, With
Has Anyone Ever Heard Of Lumbar Or Thoracic Spondylosis?
Feb 6
Posted by admin in Pain Management and Treatment | 3 Comments
I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my early 20s. I have had lower back pain on and off for years but last year it became severe and chronic. I am now 43. I have been on disabilty and on meds but nothing seems to help. Physical therapy seemed to make it worse. Yesterday I was told I have lumbar and thoracic spondylosis and bone spurs, and they have refered me for spinal injections. I’m wondering if anyone else has been thru this? Did it help at all? Will I ever be able to return to work or a normal lifestyle??? I try to stay active but I hurt so bad and often have numbness and weakness in my legs. I am so discouraged. If anyone knows anything about this please tell me what you know. Thanks.
What Treatment Should I Try For Back Pain Due To An Extra Lumbar Vertebrae?
Jan 18
Posted by admin in Pain Management and Treatment | 4 Comments
I found out about 3 or 4 years ago that I have an extra lumbar vertebrae (L6), as well as slight scoliosis. I used to play softball and volleyball but I had to quit because of back pain. I’ve been to physical therapy, a chiropractor, more physical therapy geared towards strength training, and a deep tissue massage therapist. Nothing has worked as a long term solution, the massage therapy worked for a day or two afterwards, but not long term (plus it was expensive). Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions?
Tags: Back, Extra, Lumbar, Pain, Should, Treatment, Vertebrae, What
I Had A Lumbar Strain Or Sprain Over 3 Months Ago And Still Have Pain. When Will It Fully Heal?
Jan 12
Posted by admin in Pain Management and Treatment | 3 Comments
I Spained/Strained my lumbar region while doing weighted squats 3 months ago. At the time i was using a tight belt to avoid this type of injury but i guess i didnt have right form as i hurt it anyway. At first i was in a ton of pain. My doctor sent me for an MRI and it came back normal. After about 6 weeks of physical therapy and taking it easy my back pain FULLY subsided.
So i decided to start to workout again, but this time no squats, no deadlifts, or anything that would be too much for my back. So all i did was lift up hand weights and then i heard a pop in my back WITH NO PAIN. The pain started about 24 hours later, not as bad as my original injury, but it hurts and when i move aroudn too much it aggrevates it. So i decided to stay away from weights PERMANENTLY.
I dont understand what is goign on. Ever since the original injury by back is much more suseptable to injury then ever before. Will there be a time when its FULLY back to normal or will i always need to watch my back forever? Or will it take many more months to get better? What can i do to get my back back to the way it was?
Remember my MRI came out normal so its definelty sprain/strain.
Any help please
Thanks!
Tags: Have, Lumbar, Months, Over, Pain, Sprain, Still, Strain, When, Will
I Suffered From Back Pain Due To Minor Concentric Bulge On My Lumbar Vertebra.i Went For Physical Therapy .?
Dec 20
Posted by admin in Pain Management and Treatment | 2 Comments
I’m feeling good now .My question is that i’m planning to go for a second child and is it safer for me to get pregnant without hurting my back and I’m 30yrs old and I’ve a son who’s 6yrs old..
Tags: Back, Bulge, Concentric, From, Lumbar, Minor, Pain, Suffered, Vertebra.i, Went