Dear Melba,
I have been doing much research regarding surgery for back problems such as yours. I am scheduled to see a surgeon for consult and assessment on Oct.29th/08. I do not want to have surgery after much of the research I have found but I have to at least listen to what the surgeon proposes if anything.
I have two problems in my spine one and old fracture which has narrowed the disc almost to the bone and some spinal stenosis due to adjacent segment degenerative damage.
I have read much research on surgery choices such as Charite artificial disc, spinal fusion, \"Bagby\"and the Kuslich (BAK) cage; and also lumbar diskectomy and IDET which has a very dismal track record.
I also read interestingly enough that the scar tissue which develops post surgery can cause much pain and put pressure on the nerve.
This could be what you are experiencing since many patients claimed their pain wasn't as bad post surgery but returned some months later. Sadly, it does not go away, scar tissue is huge problem for many patients post surgery. I only wish doctors would tell you these things before you commit to surgery.
I also read in \"Spine Journal\" published paper and I quote, \"There is no evidence that disc replacement surgery reliably, reproducibly and over longer periods of time fulfills the three primary aims of clinical efficacy continued motion and few adjacent segment degenerative problems.\"
I hope I was of some help to you,
I understand how difficult it is to live with constant pain,
Good luck to you.
Gypsigurrl<br><br>Post edited by: gypsigurrl, at: 2008/10/08 14:35
