Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Provides More Pain Relief than Nonsurgical Treatment

Lisa, I don't no what a minoe spinal procedure is, and you do not specify what or where your problem is. I have posted a blog myself as I have been suffering with spinal problems for 20 years and wish I would have done something about it sooner, maybe even done more research into more surgeons(although I was very picky, one can still be duped) would be glad to help with comments if they're applicable. My fusion involved a cadaver bone and a titanium plate. Don't know about concrete material.

Bill - I know exactly where your're at. I am just a few steps ahead of you, in that I had a posterior lumbar fusion just before Xmas. My surgeon sounds just like yours too. No prescription for post-op analgesia and "I'll see you in 8 weeks". Don't worry - surgeons are like mechanics, great with the fixing the technical bits; but not so involved in the what goes on outside of the repair-job.
I needed regular (3-4 x a day) pain relief for the first five weeks, and after eight weeks managed to reduce that down to taking an anti-inflammatory (400mg Ibrufen)and Paracetamol before bed each night. These are both available over the counter. Take them regularly, don't wait until the pain is intolerable before you take the next dose. I also found hot packs and even the post-op exercises sometimes help relieved the pain. Have you seen your GP yet? If not, go and have a chat with them about your pain management and how your're going.
Recovering from spinal fusion is a bit like "a slow boat to China". I had so many questions and no one around me to answer them. I find I'm getting frustrated in wanting to do more, but when I push the boundaries too much, I get a recurrence of my original symptoms like pain down my legs, lower back pain and weakness in the legs. I have found Hydrotherapy the best of all the exercises - the warm water is relaxing, helps your muscles move more effectivly and the anti-gravity effect is great. Only trouble is I live 30km from the pool!Have you seen a physiotherapist also? - you may find that helpful too.
I'll be thinking of you and wish you all the best with your recovery. I'm sure you'll look back in six months time and go "Phew - thank God I'm past that stage" I relate it to climbing a mountain, and youv'e just completed the base-camp section. Wait till you get to the summit climb - you'll feel really great. All the best.
Miranda

I JUST HAD lumbar fusion ne level
my feeling is that we won't know our full pain or less pain level until a full 6 months to a year have gone by
Rob

they are state of the arts and probably work well where this appropriate decompression is for helping the disks especially, so
check with a Chiropractor in Corvallis Oregon , his name is Lakh, he has one. better to get a regimen of treatments from a qualified person than buy one, the are way-expensive, and so are the treatments which insurance doesn't accept yet
Rob

I will list the below some of the websites that sell the products or use the products that achieve the results for Spinal Decompression or some sort of traction which is what you saw on TV.
I will try to elaborate further on my experience and more sites if you are really serious or really need my help. Please DO NOT buy anything off these sites before you at least email me back one time. I am NOT pushing any of their products or sites.
I regret that you are in pain. I do not sell anything like most people who you see on TV. I have been in chronic intractable pain for over 11 years. I know something about these things. This Spinal Decompression is really just coming into its own in the medical field because it has gained FDA approval, but that does not mean it is one bit more helpful than the less expensive Inversion Therapy. More later if you are interested…
Agape<><,
Reva H.

See websites below:
http://www.spine-health.com/Treatment/Back-Surgery/Spinal-Decompression-...

http://www.myvaxd.com/Vaxdtrac.html

http://achwellness.com/SpinalDecompression.asp?gclid=CPyBxrD10ZICFQakHgo...
http://www.austinmedical.com/index.html
http://www.querycat.com/faq/9ec44cc7782ca64ab38ed0af130fefae
http://www.losethebackpain.com/inversion3.html
Inversion Tables:
http://clues-foryou.com/clues/JnA9SW52ZXJzaW9uIFRhYmxlcyZtPWImcz1TJmI9SW...

The mahine is called - Get Back 2 Life

THEY HAVE AN INTERNET SITE.

I have had a few discograms (if it is still the same proceedure) - they are diagostic tests and not surgery. Basicly an X-ray with contrast medium of a specific disc. HINT - after they inject the dye in your spine don't lay down you'll get a headache like you have never dreamed of. My surgeon 22 years ago liked them better than MRI's which were brand new then, and they are cheaper than MRI's.

Indeed it is true that surgery is almost always advised post discography.

However, one must understand the reason for this.

It is important to understand that discography has several criteria that should be met before being performed.

1) The patient's pain must be severe for 6 monts or greater.

2) The patient has had an MR which is typically "non-impressive" (i.e. No large herniation or rupture which is obviously compressing neural elements). Additionally, neurological examination is consistent with the MR findings. Additionally, although not always necessary, an EMG/NCV performed by a skilled examiner (Hopefully with the injury not arising from a MVA or Work Ijury).

3) The patient has exhausted conservative therapy options such as : P.T., manipulation, injections, narcotics only provide minimal relief, all aggravating activities have been eliminated, daily home exercises, etc.

4) So by this point it is fairly certain that the patients primary pain generator is not the facet joints, stenosis, space occupying lesions, etc

5) Patients are typically very frustrated by this point. They are told that their discs are "not in bad shape" (externally, as visualized on an MR), they have failed to respond fsvorably to all treatment, they have exercised faithfully, they are typically clinically depressed, their lives are dramaticall affected as even simple activities of daily living are extremely difficult, etc.

6) So, it is ultimately the patient who must decide whether they would like to pursue discography. Essentially, these patients can not manage their pain adequately with narcotics and exercise and they are willing to undergo a spinal fusion. (Essetially, if a patient is not willing to have surgery, there is absoluely no reason for them to undergo a discogram).

7) The real thing to understand about discography is not so much to determine if a patient needs surgery, instead, it is to determine either where the fusion(s) should be performed. (In the lumbar spine, fusions beyond one level are more challenging and are definately contr-indicated beyond 2 levels. The cervical spine can tolerate multi-level fusions).

So, there are times when surgery is not advised, but that is typically when three or more severe pain generators secondary to internal disc disruption in the lumbar spine). Ideally, there would be one level concordant severe pain with verified inner annular or nuclear fiber tears. These tears are believed to result in a "chemical mediated pain".

9) Please be advised that there are probably many persons with internal disc disruption, but either their symptoms have improved with time and treatment. (i.e. Internal disc disruption in and of itself is not an indicator for a fusion). If this was the case, a simple CT scan with contrast/antibiotics could be utilized instead of discography. However, this finding would not be very meaningful because one can not ascertain if the tear (s) are the pain generator(s).

10 ) A few years ago, their was a trearment known as IDET, which was felt to be @ 30 % effective. Unfortunately, it did not pan out.

11 ) Hopefully this makes sense. In summary, 6 months or more of severe disabling pain regardless of treatment and an MRI that does not demonstrate the reason for the pain, a discogram is performed to demonstrate where the fusion should be performed.