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Surgical solutions to chronic cervical/back pain
hi I've been on the chronic pain list for a little while now. I got off pain medication completely in an attempt to see where I stand without it. Without telling me my pain doctor then refused to put me back on any when they found out all the damage that I actually had and the meds were masking. It turns out they did MRIs after I was off medication, I found facet problems in my mid back, but much worse they found degenerated discs from C4-C7, bone spurs, and facet problems here also. For the last two months they been doing EMG, other X-ray studies and they now have the MRIs. One neurosurgeon immediately said I needed to fuse all three vertebrae levels in my neck which didn't really appeal to me unless that was my only choice. I'm in a tremendous amount of pain, laying on ice in bed most of the time. I did go back to a small amount of pain medication after moving back to my previous pain doctor, just so I could tolerate the pain until they decide what to do. I also saw a second neurosurgeon who is the top neurosurgeon in our area, head of neurosciences at our hospital etc. I see him again after they try an cervical epidural this Monday. I am wanting to hear other people's experiences with fusing multi levels of their neck, or disc replacements, or any other treatments that they have had. I've been trying to read as much as possible, but there's a lot of information.
I also have a question for the moderators. I've emailed one moderator twice and I haven't really gotten an answer. One of the topics that I have been reading and participating in for quite a while, started to just get over blown with tons of email. Lots and lots of responses some pertaining to the subject matter, and some just heartfelt communication with others about life. I realize many of us are very isolated by our pain and communicating here is a way of making friends. It just seemed like it got out of control, to where I was getting 30 to 40 email every time I open my inbox. I also saw a couple other people ask about this problem and how to solve it. Maybe there needs to be a form just for people to chat and get to know each other and talk about their lives. I put my settings on one daily digest but I only thought that for one day, now that's not working and I seem to be not getting email at all. I have been through all the directions that were listed, because other people asked the same question, trying minimize the number of email coming through. I don't know how to fix my settings because I think I have them set correctly but I'm not getting anything now. I would appreciate any direction on how to correct this as I really do want to read what's going on, without so many email every time I open my inbox. I do have other email I need to read and they get lost in the shear volume.
I really do appreciate all of your input and look forward to anybody's experience with neck fusion, neck disc replacement, or any other treatment. Thank you Jennifer
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I THOUGHT THAT Mayo AZ, did regenerative medicine for knees also?
just spent an hour being bumped around phoneing Mayo AZ trying to get a hold of someone re knees (cells)
@mari, it sounds like you didn't get the answers you were looking for. I suggest you call Mayo Clinic's Regenerative Medicine Consult Service 1-844-276-2003 to speak with one of our experts. They can tell you about the services available in AZ.
@jenapower I have same
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I have spine pain in my lower back, on and off for years, The L 5 vertebrata is no longer properly connected-- in have move forward. At what point should I consider surgery. .
Hello @stewart,
I moved your discussion and combined it with an ongoing discussion about chronic back pain/issues and surgical solutions. In this discussion you will meet many other members discussing various back issues and what solutions they are considering or have undergone. If you are replying by email notification, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY at the bottom of the notification to see the whole discussion.
@stewart, what surgery has your medical provider suggested and have they given you a timeline?
Get more than one opinion
I had surgery on my cervical spine several years ago. I didn't have any pain which probably contributed to the worsening of my condition over time. I finally sought help after repeated falling. I was scheduled for surgery within 4 days. I received spacers to lift pressure off the nerves. It worked well however I never regained full range of motion. It has been 4 years and I have had no new problems.
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Has anyone had back surgury on L4and l5
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1 Reaction@marilynkilg, I would like to add my welcome to @IndianaScott's.
I moved your message from the Just Want to Talk group to the Bones, Joints & Muscles group and then combined it with an ongoing discussion called Surgical Solutions to Chronic Cervical/Back Pain. I did this so you could meet the many members already discussing back surgery and pain issues. If you replying by email, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY so that you can see the conversation in its entirety. You may find it worth your time to read through the full discussion and meet the other members who have experienced what you are asking about.
@marilynkilg, are you facing a decision regarding a surgery on your L4 and L5? If you don't mind sharing, do you suffer from back pain?
In February I had a spacer put in. They still call it a fusion I believe. At least on my paperwork it was. Its just a spacer with a plate and screws to hold it in. I can say for me it was a much better surgery than the lumbar fusion. Yes still have issues but not like low back. Recovery was easier after the intial 2 weeks. Maybe a spacer could be an option for you.