Spinal Surgery

March 16th, 2009 | by admin |

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Something Good About Spine Surgery

By Francisco Mejias

Spine Surgery was found a more effective treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis than were non-surgical methods according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Surgery is commonly used as a treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. There has been controversy regarding it’s effectiveness in comparison with non-surgical methods.



Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a condition in which breakdown of the cartilage between the vertebrae of the spine causes one vertebra to slip over the one below. This can result in narrowing of the spinal column — spinal stenosis, which places pressure on the nerves, resulting in pain in the buttocks or legs while walking or standing.

This study tracked 370 patients who received a type of surgery known as decompressive laminectomy and 235 who received non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, steroid injections and analgesic medications. These patients were tracked over the course of two years. This trial showed a significant advantage to surgery at 3 months, which decreased only slightly over the course of the two years in terms of mobility and the return of pain.

To find more relatd articles please visit www.empowereddoctor.com/specialty_748.html and www.empowereddoctor.com/story_1208.html

Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com


This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek the guidance of a licensed physician if you need medical advice.

Spinal Surgery Resources

Spinal Surgery

Spinal Decompression

  1. 35 Responses to “Spinal Surgery”

  2. By Collette on Mar 28, 2009 | Reply

    I had a fusion of L5-S1 six years ago for spondylolisthesis. Because the pain got worse the surgeon decoded to remove the hardware. I just found out my fusion has slipped about 1/2 inch forward according to the x-rays, this is after having a Mylogram last year that showed bony fragments down at the base of my spine which was attributed to the nerve pain all the way odwn to my feet. Has anyone else had the hardware removed after a fusion in this type situation?

  3. By geri on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply

    what are the effects of cervical spine surgery on the elderly

  4. By geri on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply

    effects of spinal surgery on the elderly

  5. By Barb on May 14, 2009 | Reply

    Anyone know if a GEL CAN BE INJECTED INTO THE DISKS TO PLUMP THEM UP? THEY USE THIS IN KNEES!!!!!!!!!

  6. By Beth on Jul 2, 2009 | Reply

    i recently had an MRI on my entire back and spine. Today they called and requested me to come back in for more imaging as the radiologist would like pictures of my thoracic spine as well. I already have problems with a couple of herniated discs as well as scoliolsis and arthritis in my back. They originally told me two years age that i have two herniated discs in my lower back but due to my sister having unsuccessful back surgery ( a plate and 4 screws) not to mention they would like to put a rod all the way up to her neck, but the metal(from the plate & screws) has grown into her bone along with a bone spur. Her doector expleined to her that if she were to do theat she dould become paralyzed (not a good outcome)! I’ve lived with this for years and have used prescription meds but i’m at the point i will do anything because i can’t stand the PAIN any longer and the meds only help temporarily. I’m wondering if anyone has had any of the same systems or problems I’m having? Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!!

  7. By TOM on Jul 2, 2009 | Reply

    > Hi Beth..Wow! I really do not recommend anyone to have extensive back surgery unless you cannot walk or stand! Their is not a day that goes by hat I regret having extensive back fusion surgery with hardware! I have spend over a year trying to help relieve my pain/numbness! I hate going to the doctor anymore. I feel the vibes he does not really care regarding my pain/numbness issues and he hates dealing with workman`s comp.
    I pray everyday that I wake up not pain/numbness or I pray that it time for God to home!

  8. By andrew on Jul 6, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Tom,

    Can you tell me what happened after your surgery? My wife is being advised to have the same surgery. Removing one spine which causes the ailment and then putting 4 screws and a plate at her spine.

    She can still walk but there are times that her knees get weak and she trips off and cannot get up for several minutes due to her slip disc. More often she cannot getup on her own. I have to lift her in a certain manner so she can stand.

  9. By Lori on Jul 8, 2009 | Reply

    Hello Everyone. I many years ago hmmm 30 some years ago. I was diagnosed with curvature of the spine and long story short had a 14 inch herrington rod fused to the inside of my spine. well a couple of years ago I noticed my right leg was going numb and I was limping alot and my hip was hurting alot. I had the shots into my nerves only 2 times couldnt take it no more. went to see a local spine doctor. Luv him to pc’s he told along with the nerve doctor I had a buldging disc and it had been pinching a nerve and I needed a fushion. Well the bar I had in there sense I was 14 the fushion then never took. my my lower lumbar 4 and 5 were almost kissing one another. surgery this Jan of 09 and wow dont want to have to go through that again. ended up 6 inches of my herrington rod came off because it was in the way of the not 1 but ended up being 2 fushions. spent 5 days in hospital. I was just released for a whole year. I still have the stiffness sometimes. and I dont like to walk on on even ground. and never can manage the stairs the normal way yet. my right leg is so weak and it just hurts. But I do feel for all of you. And Im just very pleased with the outcome and just keep hoping and praying it gets better as the days go on………..

  10. By Lori on Jul 8, 2009 | Reply

    Barb. My Doctor injected some kind of fluid inbetween mine. along with the fushions……..

  11. By Lori on Jul 8, 2009 | Reply

    Tom, I sure hope God heals you. I know it isnt fun. Just keep praying……..

  12. By Doris on Jul 19, 2009 | Reply

    How do I care for a person after they have had a spinal cord stimulator placed ?…i.e. changing the bandages,if they can sit up, what symptoms do I watch for? More less what would be the treatment plan ?

  13. By keren laurent on Jul 25, 2009 | Reply

    Has anyone had a spine stimulator implanted or know anyone who has? By the way, those of you who have a searing horrendous pain after surgery at other than the site; you should ask about (or look up – the Mayo Clinic site) for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

  14. By Don on Jul 27, 2009 | Reply

    Hello!All
    I recently had a spinal fussion l4 an l5
    had herinated the pain radiated down both
    legs!I was trued of the pain each day!I had
    the fussion i don!t have the same pain!
    Iam prayig to God to help!You must have faith
    in God!I never ever want surgery again!If
    thats neccessary take me home!!Don

  15. By Brandy on Jul 29, 2009 | Reply

    I am 27 with digenerative disk disease and in August of 2005 they gave me two years before I needed surgery to continue walking. It has been almost 4 years and the pain and mobility has gotten a great deal more intense. I am scared about this. At what point did you decide to have your surgery?

  16. By Mike on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    For anyone who has posted a comment on this site and is suffering with disc herniations/bulges, degenerative discs, facet syndrome, stenosis, arthritis or even scoliosis, you have to understand the inherent risk involved with any spinal surgery. Anytime you have a surgical fusion(with or without hardware) or a laminectomy, your surgeon is not treating the problem…only a symptom of your problem. The herniated/degenerated/damaged disc is your problem! Not the bony structures surrounding it. That is why the greatest risk for having a second spinal surgery is HAVING A 1ST SPINAL SURGERY!!! Because the surgeon does not treat the disc, and it CONTINUES TO DEGENERATE!!! The only proven treatment to reducing pressure and rehydrating degenerative/herniated discs is non surgical spinal decompression!!! I have treated numerous people that have gone through the agonizing suffering that many or you have discussed in prior posts…and the simple fact is you DO NOT have to live in pain. There is no reason your back pain should be any different. It is a pain free treatment that only requires 5-8 weeks of your time, and a little effort on your part after treatment following our recommendations. It is drug free, pain free, and the cost is less than 1/15th of surgery. If you would like an information packet or to schedule a free consultation to see if you qualify for this breakthrough type of treatment, please email your contact information to Amarchirocenter@gmail.com, and we will respond withing 24 hours. I’m so sure I can help that I can GUARANTEE your satisfaction, because there are only a small percentage of people we can’t help. And I will let you know if you are not right for the treatment. There is hope…please contact us for more information.

  17. By Melissa on Aug 6, 2009 | Reply

    Do you still have hardware in your back? My husband had a three level disk fusion 2 years ago. He is still in constant pain. Now, they want to take the hardware out. He is having to leave his job. When a man has worked all his life doing physical labor, what is there to do now? I see him getting more and more depressed. Any advice?

  18. By Lisa on Aug 10, 2009 | Reply

    One week from now i’m going in for decompression and diskectomy in my lumbar spine. My doctor said this is a quick fix and I really need a 3 level fusion but because of my age (45) he doesn’t want to do it – he said that i might not work again. I’m happy with his decision and hope that my surgery is not too bad.

  19. By CHRISTY on Aug 10, 2009 | Reply

    HI The surgeon also wants to remove my spinal fusion hardware (4 screws) after increasing pain since operation (Dec 2008); Do u think this is what is continuing to cause my nerve damage pain/numbness/ache/tingling/pulling & pinching?

  20. By Joanne on Aug 12, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Lisa (Aug. 10),
    I’m wondering why your age should influence your doctor’s decision to NOT perform spinal fusion? I am 46 yrs. old and am having spinal fusion next month. I have consulted with about 6 different specialists (neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons & a spine specialist at Yale) and all agreed that if I didn’t have the fusion, I would most likely be back within the year needing the fusion. Once the ligaments and everything is removed from the disc space, there is not a lot left to support the spine. Have you had a 2nd opinion? I don’t see how you can be happy with his “decision” knowing that you might not be able to work again! I hope you know that the doctor should only be giving you his professional opinion; the final decision is yours! Good luck!

  21. By Joanne on Aug 12, 2009 | Reply

    Does anyone know if being on DEPOT-LUPRON (for endometriosis) interferes with the BONE HEALING process after a spinal fusion with bone graft?

    Thanks! :)

  22. By Chris on Aug 12, 2009 | Reply

    Tom, Where in your back was the surgery? I’m so sorry you have trouble. I had spinal fusion in my cervical and have been pain free since. I couldn’t have asked for better results.

    Don, are you saying that you still have pain?

  23. By Chris on Aug 12, 2009 | Reply

    Anyone know anything about a laminectomy done for someone with cysts on the spine? I have 4 cysts on my sacral spine affecting my bladder, bowels, leg, and toes. I have my third opinion this Friday and don’t know what I’ll do after that. There are a handful of doctors in the U.S. who work on these, but I just wondered if you have heard of this. It’s speculation that the cysts are due to a leak during a lumbar puncture. ??? Thanks! I wish all of you less pain.

  24. By Bonnie on Aug 14, 2009 | Reply

    Hello..My daughter is the one facing spinal-fusion surgery. She is scheduled for the end of August. While, I do alot of praying about this, I would like some opinions since I’m divorced. She was born physically, mentally, verbally-challenged. She has uncontrollable seizures, and she has a severe case of scoliosis. She is 16 years old. I don’t know if this will relieve her discomfort..make it worse, or even kill her. The doctor said if left untreated, she would eventually have her heart and lungs crushed. I just don’t know. The doctor said it was more difficult with someone who also has a neurological problems..greater chance of complications. Replies would be appreciated. Thank you..B.

  25. By Chris on Aug 14, 2009 | Reply

    All,

    See the recent spot below from “The Doctors” that was on this week regarding disk surgery. After you get to the site scroll down to Chronic Back Pain. Click on the topics within this information for some very good information. This gives us hope. The doc, Ian Anderson is in California.

    http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_synopsis/297?section=synopsis

    Chris in SC

  26. By Chris on Aug 14, 2009 | Reply

    I had a visit today with a 3rd neurosurgeon for a 3rd opinion on having surgery for my sacral spine cysts (Tarlov cysts). I was comfortable with him…better than the first two. He thinks I have a 50/50 shot at having some relief. After 3 years of grief I’m going for it. The cysts affect my bladder, my bowels, and everything from the middle of my butt down to the inside of my thigh is numb. In addition, my right leg is restless and aches, and I have neuropathy in my feet. :( (( I have to have trust in my doctor. I’m a Christian, so I have faith in God. I got through massive chemo and bone marrow transplant for leukemia 3 years ago, so I have to have faith that this will work, too. And, my friends and family are very supportive.

    Have faith that you will have the best care possible. Do your homework. Get 2nd and 3rd opinions. I was so confused before today, when a doctor looked me in the eye and said he would try to help me. The first two seemed a bit nervous. You just get that gut feeling.

    May you be blessed in making the right decision for you. I wish all of you much hope and prayers for successful procedures. My motto is, “Never Give Up!” A positive outlook is half the battle…I know from experience. I am not ready to expire; I live to help others with their cancer journey.

  27. By Archie L. Doddo on Aug 17, 2009 | Reply

    Hi, Back pain people. Im 72 years old, my doctor diagnosid my problem as stenosis lumbar. He wants to fuse L3-5 lamunitomy L3-5. Need comments!!! Im not to sure about this, rather live with the pain. Matter of fact i just received two stents for 90% blocked artery. Feel pretty good after that. Please respond. Thanks Arch.

  28. By terri on Aug 24, 2009 | Reply

    my 11 year old had spinal fusion surgery aug. 5 and is well on her road to recovery-if u want to talk email me at terri3485@gmail.com

  29. By carolyn on Sep 15, 2009 | Reply

    Hey guys i am new at this and trying like hell to put together all the info i can find and help from you guys would be greatly appreciated. i am looking for info on stem cell surgery on spinalcord injury. My friend is a parapelegic and we are looking into stem cell surgery. i am looking for any site i can download research and your comments will help me tremendously with all we have to do. He is using his own stem cells and hopefully knowing that portugal has the best success rate around will be walking assisted or unassisted would be better. Please let me know if you have any info and know where we can research this. my name is carolyn and miabemine4@yahoo.com is my email. ty so much for reading this.

  30. By Don on Sep 15, 2009 | Reply

    Hello!All
    I would like to share a success story i had
    a fussion L4 an L5 were herinated!Causing servere pain each day!I decided to have surgery
    it is a blessing that Iam not in pain eachday!
    I still have some pain yet it!s not the pain
    in both legs!!!You must have faith,because
    with-out it nothing works out well!Have faith
    Email me Winntrader@yahoo.com i!ll share other
    success stories.How to stop smoking!Bye

  31. By Dawn on Sep 28, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Keren,

    About a year ago, I had the spinal stimulator trial placed in my lower back. No matter how much I adjusted the electrical impulse levels, I could NOT stand it! Every time I spoke above a whisper, coughed, laughed, etc, it was SO painful. I think I now know what a dog with a shock collar feels like! I know it works for some people, but it did not work for me. When I went back to my doctor after the week-long trial, I BEGGED him to take it out immediately. I am now waiting to have a multi-level disc fusion, which is scary, but I would NEVER have the spinal cord stimulator permanently implanted. I hope this helps!!

  32. By Lamanda on Oct 5, 2009 | Reply

    Hi,
    To anyone who is reading this. My son was born with this and has been diagnosed by a Genetics spec and a Bone spec. at the age of 1 yr old. He has an abnormality of the spine. His spinal bones are shaped liked bullets in the center of his back so his spine curves out of his back such like a (hunchback). After a year of x-rays and doctor visits every three months, they named it, Spondylolysis Dysplasia Type: Kyphosis. According to the bone specialist, if we don’t do surgery within 6-12 months after he turns 2yrs old, his spinal cord will bend like a waterhose and shut-off all curculation from the waste down. He is a walking miracle considering all the medical problems he should have, you would not be able to tell anything was wrong if you didn’t see or feel it.
    If there is anyone out there who can give me some advise, warnings, or anything concerning my son’s situation, I would greatly appreciate it!!! Contact via e-mail wings_faith18@yahoo.com
    Thanks

  33. By Larry on Oct 12, 2009 | Reply

    I just had two X-STOP implants put in my spine and in a matter of days wished I has done it years ago as the pain relief is remarkable and I can actually stand up and walk to the Home Depot store from front to back and out again without the aid of a shopping cart and my legs do no go numb and cause me to have to set and rest to get them under control to get out of the store.

  34. By Julie on Oct 18, 2009 | Reply

    Hi all – I had an L5-S1 spinal fusion on October 1 which took 10 1/2 hours due to the curvature of that portion of my spine. My back feels much better and my leg pain is gone, but I have “positional numbness” in various parts of my body, especially my right arm, due to laying in one position for so long during the surgery. I’m concerned about this as not only is my arm numb, but it aches, like a deep muscle pain as well. My surgeon said it should improve but we’re watching it. Has anyone had this problem post surgery before? My left armpit and one half of my crotch area are also numb. Thank you!

  35. By Denise on Oct 22, 2009 | Reply

    Hi Chris, I too have a tarlov cyst but was shocked to see it on the MRI as it never caused any pain and it is 2.5 cm big and the doc says that is very large as I am only 90 lbs. It was there 2 years ago but my concern now is the herniated disc pain I have been having since the chiropractor adjusted me 3 months ago causing constant sciatic pain and you can feel this big lump in the lower part of my spine now and the tarlov cyst is in the sacrum so you can’t feel it. Did you have your surgery for your cyst? hope it was successful and that you are pain free. I’m seeing the surgeon for removal of mine or just an injection to drain it and then close it off with fibrin clue. Are you aware of this procedure? My main concern now is this herniated disc as that is the cause of this severe pain. People out there, don’t get adjusted if you have a disc buldge, herniated disc or even an annular or radial tear. You will end up worse. I unfortunately did.

  36. By joseph on Nov 6, 2009 | Reply

    I would have to back Denise up on seeing a chiropractor with these back problems. I myself have stenosis and a bulging disc along with Pars Defect which the Dr said is striations of cartilage in the vertebrae. At 17, I suffered bi-lateral stress fractures in my L4 and the Dr offered for a spinal fussion which I denied and opted to let it heal on it’s own. Before I was diagnosed, however, i saw a chiropractor to get adjusted as everyone said it was growing pains. LOL, I knew I had bigger problems but I tried it. My Orthopedic Dr told me I did more harm than good having weekly back adjustments. I have been through many doctors and tried many many things to ease the pain, numbness, tingling, legs falling asleep…etc. Stay with it and go with your instinct, as it is your body and no one knows it better than you. Sometimes it takes not taking no for an answer as well. Be sure to research your symptoms and tell everything, i know I just listened to all those telling me the pain was in my head or not so bad but I had enough of it and I’m finally with the Dr’s that I believe will help me the most. Today, I had my 2nd cortizone epideral which I hope takes away the rest of the pain I was still experiencing after my 1st shot. Keep your chin up and keep on moving forward even though it seems hopeless at times, THERE IS HOPE!

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