Back Issues

[BillR]

I had discussed with my Drs @ The Mayo Clinic if I would be a candidate for artificial disc replacement, they said yes but alas that service is NOT approved in America yet

My wife had back surgery in July and is doing well. She had the three discs between L2-L3-L4-L5 replaced with synthetic discs. I don't know if they are different than what you are speaking of, but Medicare covered most all of it.

[Tynker]

So today I had an appointment for my lower back pain. apparently I have damaged discs in the L1, L2, L4, and L5. I don't understand all I know about this. I guess the spacing in the lower back is shot except for L3 which is normal. L5 has what they call a vacuum, all I know about that is that means it's not had proper spacing for a long time. I'm guessing like 50 years when my dad accidentally dropped and AC on me ... LOL.

I've been given some stuff to think about. !) therapy that might loosen it up, 2) injections, no idea what kind, 3) surgery. Pretty sure I'm not gonna choose surgery, been there, done that a couple dozen times ... it's getting old. I know nothing about injections. And, I've done therapy more than I care for.

So, any advice would be appreciated. I told the doc I need to think about it for a couple weeks. I have my next appointment 9/18, so that's my dead line.

To be honest, I've never really felt like the pain was bad enough to do anything about. It's only reared it's ugly head when I've abused my body, like working on the trike, fixing stuff around the house, etc. Then it is sore for a couple days.

The only good news to come from the appointment ... the Doc never said, "It's age appropriate" ... LOL ...

I am 76, and have had disc (3) in my neck,in 2007,and 3 in my lower spine damaged. Operation in lower back back in 1996, and pain ever since. Injections in neck made a world of difference. I started getting them in 2007, twice a year, then in 2008 once a year, 2210 last shots. have not have any pain in my neck since,thank GOD, as it was a pain in the neck. No joke intended.

[Jack Klarich]

My wife had back surgery in July and is doing well. She had the three discs between L2-L3-L4-L5 replaced with synthetic discs. I don't know if they are different than what you are speaking of, but Medicare covered most all of it.

I am glad this worked for your wife

I dunno for sure what the problem with the disc replacement the Mayo Drs were talking about. This was 10 years ago and my understanding was it was pioneered by some German doctor.

[BKtrike]

That is very good news for you

I should have followed up on my original injury, but like a fool I kept working and the damage kept getting worse

I had discussed with my Drs @ The Mayo Clinic if I would be a candidate for artificial disc replacement, they said yes but alas that service is NOT approved in America yet

That is a shame. I sure hope you get relief. There are a lot of great Ortho surgeons here in Pittsburgh, if your looking for a road trip.

[BKtrike]

I am 76, and have had disc (3) in my neck,in 2007,and 3 in my lower spine damaged. Operation in lower back back in 1996, and pain ever since. Injections in neck made a world of difference. I started getting them in 2007, twice a year, then in 2008 once a year, 2210 last shots. have not have any pain in my neck since,thank GOD, as it was a pain in the neck. No joke intended.

Injections worked the first time I herniated L3, not as effective second time. Glad the shots are working for you. My health insurance only allows 4 lumbar injections per year. Good to hear your neck is good. Sore neck can shorten trike rides!

[hogcowboy]

Injections worked the first time I herniated L3, not as effective second time. Glad the shots are working for you. My health insurance only allows 4 lumbar injections per year. Good to hear your neck is good. Sore neck can shorten trike rides!

The shots didn't work for me. But strangely, something called dry needling is having marginal success. I truly don't understand how or why but I'll take anything I can get.

[BKtrike]

The shots didn't work for me. But strangely, something called dry needling is having marginal success. I truly don't understand how or why but I'll take anything I can get.

What ever works to give you relief. Happy anew Year