I want a lot of opinions here on back surgery. Details, L5 S1 drill some of my spine and partial disectomy to buy some room for my sciatic nerve. Very simple process. It's been 3 months and nothings changed. Last week had another flare up where I could barely sit walk or sleep. Shoot me ideas or suggestions you may have. I have tried all other options already, including cortisone shots, PT for 3 months, rest, and lots and lots of medications. Chiro and stretching in there too.

 

I was in the same situation as you. I had severe back pain for several months. I could barely walk or sit and sleeping was really hard. I was taking high dose vicodin everyday to get through the day. I tried cortisone injections, physical therapy, everything! Nothing worked. I had herniated discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1 along with spinal stenosis in those vertebrae. I needed up having a bi-lateral discectomy and they cleaned out the nerve canals on both levels. Today I'm 100% pain free and I can do whatever I want. I surfed in Hawaii for a week in April, I go to the gym 6-7 days a week and lift, as well as basketball 3 times a week. The surgery changed my life. If u have the surgery and you want to be pain free its a lifestyle change. You need to be religious about stretching and working out. Core strength is paramount to keeping your back healthy. I pm'd you my number and if you have questions just give me a call.

 

If I could have surgery I would have chosen that option years ago. Even if it didn't clear all pain if I could get 50% of my pain to go away I would so jump on it. In my case I'm not allowed to have surgeries due to a number of reasons so this makes it so hard on me to be in so much pain every day. Hope you figure out what is best for yourself soon because I know this pain is the worse ever pain.

 

Wow, sounds like an epic change. Congrats and best of luck to OP

 

Yeah andrew I remember you telling me about this...I stopped chiro a few weeks ago and am having pain again ha, I don't have any real problems, just super worn out everything, so my whole body is messed up trying to compensate for my bad back

 

I wish I had insight to shed, but at least have my sympathies from one person with back problems to another.


420 help you? (Better than that prescription crap that can kill you)

 

no, but seriously, try Egoscue. Worked for my dad after he broke his back in a helo crash and worked for me after i ****ed up my T7 in HS football.

 

"shoot me ideas",

 

My friends dad has been a chiropractor for his entire life. Whenever i've helped them out lifting or moving he stands behind you and yells at you if you use your back.

That friend has psyiatic nerve issue or whatever, he had surgery after senior year. Pretty much his opinion is it's a terrible waste because it will actually give you more problems later and is not worth it. Better to find something that helps now. My other friend who has worked construction for 10 years has it bad enough to where it couldn't sleep well, but smokes weed now.

Sounds like you need;
1)inverted chair to hang in dunno what it's called,
2heated pool or spa
3)marijuana

 

I know the feeling. Slipped disc l4-l5, herniated disc l5-s1.
3 years of pt, re-injury when I thought I was good. Core strength is life-critical, as is complete movement and body dynamics changes. You need to make sure your legs/hammies are loose, low impact, light footsteps/foot strikes, and that your spine is uncompressed.

Work on cardio, because the best thing I ever did for my back was swim. And swimming takes a lot of cardio! Lots of water, good bed, inversion table are all good ideas too. Posture is critical, always engage your core to support you. Absolutely no slouching! This is going to take a toll on your muscles, which is what the PT is for. To prevent slouching, you need strong shoulders, neck, back, hips, abs, hip flexors, etc. It's all a system, and will break at it's weakest component.

Good luck!

 

just wanted to mention that friend whose dad is the chiropractor (old roomate) swims everyday nearly. Also if you compute as i call it or watch a lot of tube or do have to sit a lot you really should give yourself the extra years by springing for one of the 5+ thousand dollar chairs.

 

Learn to sleep upside down like a bat?

 

Appreciate everyones help here, anyone else? Btw I will give you a call tomorrow.

So far my minds set at 75% towards getting the knife.

 

Muchos "special" brownies will help for sure. No joke....doesnt hurt to try it out before you jump into the knife..

 

I agree, these can help when it's really bad but just don't take too much. I have sever lower back pain from dislocated vertebrae and a constant barrage of extreme abuse on it. (you only live once, right?) But I sometimes (rarely actually) eat like a quarter of a brownie or what have you and it can be a huge relief and put me right to sleep. I don't take much because I don't like to be high.

Goodluck and I hope it all works out!