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QUESTION:
What caused your bulging discs??? Many times with ddd I suppose
one doesn't know. If the discs are only bulging a doctor will not operate
on you. Perhaps a neurosurgeon could be consulted. I do know that
a mylegram can show damage to nerves that doesn't always show up
on a MRI that can indicate surgery might help.
ANSWER:
As I indicated in another post to this newsgroup, it is important to
determine exactly what is happening. Sometimes, a more sophisticated
(and expensive) test such as an MRI may be necessary.
Steroidal injections and pain medication only treat the symptoms and
not the cause. No one wants surgery but sometimes it is necessary. I
went through years of chronic lower back and neck pain and finally had
surgery to eliminate severe spinal compression (stenosis). This was
recommended to prevent worse problems in the future. If the nerves
are severely damaged, motor functions may be affected and it's not
reversible.
I still have pain and take Ultram regularly which works for me but not
everyone.
There have been several posts here on the dangers of steroidal
injections so I would not have them often if at all, especially if
they only provide temporary relief.
You may have to consult several physicians before you find one who
will make an accurate diagnosis and recommendation. Problems such as
yours are addressed by rheumatologists, orthopods and neurologists.
Unfortunately, they sometimes don't take the same approach which
leaves the patient confused.
Remember though that lots of us have had surgery....and are still
in much and perhaps more pain than before. My daughter at
23 had a bulging disc from lifting. She hada discogram that confirmed
that laser surgery might help (neurosurgeon) it did for 6 months and then
the pain came back with a fury. She then had a ortho and a neurosurgeon
perform a fusion on her back. The orth did the fusion, the neurosurgeon
removed the disc. They used bone from her hip. She is now working
full time....but has pain that creeps up and incompassitates her from time
to time. She stands full time at her job also. She says that the only way
now for her to get back to work, is to work at physical therapy as hard
as she can....she works through the pain of exercise...and then keeps
her muscles strong enough to support her and reduces her pain level.
Please give the physical therapy a real, real good try before you move
on to more drastic measures.....
I would also reccomend Physical Therapy! Find a good one and don't give up
until you do. It is hard to find a good medical facility to help you
manage your pain. Try perhaps a Pain Clinic. Soft Tissue Head & Neck
Massage can help also...I go to Occupational Therapy for that. OT also
helps differently than PT so go to both!
It is a ligament injection therapy that helped me alot for an unstable S1
& pelvic area....the bones in my butt would not stay in place. Once I was
able to tighten up the ligaments.....I was then able to go to PT and do
some good muscle building exercises...\\Whatever...
Remember, you are an important and worthwhile person who has the right to
look out for her own best interest!
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