Bertolotti's Syndrome: Looking for a specialist

I live in Tennessee this area would be close enough for me to travel, I am desperately seeking help as well, I hope you find someone. Please update me if you find someone.

I am in Tennessee looking for someone who specializes in this condition I can travel to surrounding states. TIA

@atinnon There are some excellent specialists at Vanderbuilt. I don't have personal experience there, but have heard from people I know about their experience although not spine related. Have you looked at their website? It is worth traveling to see a world class specialist.

Try doing a search under “aboutbertolottis.org” for a specialist.

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville has excellent spine neurosurgeons. You must have a referral from a doctor, have gone through PT and multiple cortisone shots, You also then send in your MRIs and doctor's reports. It's difficult to get an appointment but well worth it. I went from walking 2 miles a day to not walking and after surgery now walking 2 miles a day.

Hi, I am so glad I have found this post/thread. I have been struggling for the past few months with hips, pelvis, lower back and sit bone pains. Numerous x-rays and MRIs with multiple “diagnosis” of imaging commenting of Bertolottis syndrome. However, according to all of the providers I’ve seen (over 5 at this point) from sports medicine to neurosurgeon I am told everything is normal. When I look up Bertolotti’s as well as reading all of these stories. It is me to a T. When this all really flared up I was also told that I have the qualifications of a connective tissue disorder/EDS, but that was from a PT and not provider so I haven’t been clinically diagnosed. The pain is unbearable and I feel like I am being overlooked so much. Does anyone know if there is any provider near the Wisconsin area that specializes with Bertolotti’s? I feel like I won’t be taken seriously by any other provider at this point.

@colleenyoung
Thank you for this information. I have been diagnosed with Bertolottis and have seen every kind of specialist you can think of and tried every thing they have suggested and have had zero pain relief. I’m in ND and it seems I have exhausted my options. I filled out the questions and anxiously will await for a call and crossing my fingers they will try to help me.

@lortiz716
I am so sorry to read that you seem to be going through exactly what I am. I have tried everything under the sun as far as treatments, I’ve seen everyone I possibly can in ND and no one can help me. Living in chronic pain and not being able to sleep is wearing on me; hoping to get some help soon! Prayers to you!

It's been about 2+ years now I have been dealing with severe back pain. I have done all the steps to get me to this point and believe surgery is my only option. After ablations, PT and everything else they recommend I no longer have nerve pain but my aching pain is a 6-7 on the scale and I have lost a tremendous amount of flexibility and mobility. I have read about the surgeries for this condition and I'm just wondering what the outcomes are. I'm a 73 year old male endurance athlete who wants to continue exercising but it is getting extremely difficult to push through the pain. If anyone has had any of the possible procedures please tell me how long and hard the recovery is and how successful the surgery is. Thanks

@rangerraptor: You may not immediately receptive to my routine; but please consider:
I’m 81 with degerative discs (bulging, nerve damage) and several years ago was recovering a bout of sciatica and wanted to improve balance & strengthen muscles. I chose a “ chair yoga” class - 45minutes 2x week. It has given me my goals plus much more flexibility than I’ve ever had! Gentle TaiChi is also helpful if you can try a class!
My recommendation: Be gentle with your body and seek consistent, gentle stretching to prepare you for the “athlete inside” at the gym. Best…