Hello. Disc replacement is fairly new, and not all surgeons provide this method of treatment. Also, depending on exactly what is going on in the physiology of his injury, it may not be helpful or possible. I am sorry about his situation. that is frustrating. Can he see a pain management specialist perhaps?

Hello,
I am a 32 year old woman suffering endlessly with back pain. I was told that I have a herniated disc L4 L5 area. I have taken a number of different pain relievers and anti-inflams. Nothing has seemed to help. I have had back pain in the past, but it has always gone away with a little bed rest. When I had the pain before it would run down my left leg and cause me to not be able to walk. Now, the pain is on both sides and as of last night has made it's way down to my right foot and toes. The pain in my toes was/is scarey it actually felt like my toes were on fire. The pain in my back is constant dull pain that can at times become sharp. My doctor sent me to have steroid injections which were not friendly at all. I was hoping that it would help but that was in January and I still hurt. I have also had physical therapy that did nothing for me either. What other options do I have? Am I going to feel this pain forever? If anyone can help I would really be thankful.

The pain in your legs and feet could be aided by one of the new Neuropathic pain medicatiosn such as Lyrica, Neurontin, or MetanX. You seem to have tried many conservative methods. Perhaps it is tiem to seek the opinion of a good surgeon.

Yeah that's what I was afraid of. Do they have proceedures now that aren't so invasive?

Well, they have a minimally invasive procedure, but the actual thing being done to your back is the same. the only thing different is the incision size. You might ask about one of the drugs I mentioned. They can be really helpful. Good luck!

I'm sorry I have one last question. I have also noticed that my spine feels like it is pressing thru to the surface of my skin. I don't mean like normal. It feels like extreme pressure pushing out of my skin is this normal? also each time I sit down my tail bone hurts really bad and actually makes me scream. Could this all be from inflamation?

Anyone with back pain that is looking for a real chance to live a
normal life again should check out the Bonati institute.
They have a great web site to learn from. I was dealing with back
and leg pain for over 2 years with no options and had surgery there
and I am now 90% painfree and getting better every day.


Joe

Hello Sillyakchick,

You mentioned about pain medications to reduce back pain. Yes, they can help. My experience with Hydrocodone was that it did help reduce the pain, however, I found I was sleeping most of the day away in my recliner. Didn't take long and I decided that was not a good solution for me. I then started to slowly reduce the number of pills I was taking each day. Oh BOY, then I found out about "withdrawl" symptoms. That was not fun.

I would only caution that one needs to understand the down side of taking pain medications. Each person I know will respond differently, just be careful.

RichT