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unstable L4/5

Posted by pwb @pwb, Jun 5, 2024

I just turned 70 years old and I have an unstableL4/5 degenerative spondylolisthesis with neurogenic claudication. I am not sure what all that means but he would like to do surgery using screws to help my bones grow back together. I am so unsure about this surgery. No guarantee if it will work, stay the same or come out of it worse. I do not know what to do

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cjcatmom | @cjcatmom | Jun 7, 2024
In reply to @heisenberg34 "I went to a similar place two years ago. I discovered it was run by a..." + (show)
@heisenberg34

I went to a similar place two years ago. I discovered it was run by a chiropractor. They also had special tables to realign the spine. I was sent for a CT scan because he didn't like the MRI. After the results came back, he sat down and proceeded to point out all the terrible things wrong with my spine: herniated disks everywhere (the MRI showed no such thing). It was a wonder I could walk. Now, his 30 day program involved coming in weekly to get "stretched". Also will sell you vital nutrient packs to help the disks return to their normal size and shape (any of this sounding familiar?). Normally, this amazing program is $12,000 (no insurance coverage), but today, if you sign up, the price is $9200. Why, yes, we offer financing. One stop shopping.
I said no thanks. "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't". It's your money. I''m just giving you my experience.

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Thank you for your comments.
I have been wondering if I may be looking down a rabbit hole that I may not want to go down.

REPLY
chichi12 | @chichi12 | Jun 12, 2024

I have same problem I am afraid of surgery had a disk shaved off in my twenties never been the same
It’s hard to find a doctor that can do it successful surgery check them out right now I am 75 I use an inversion table works for me but it is not for everyone I also take collagen to help the disk to plump up
Make sure your surgeon has been successful !

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1 reply
chichi12 | @chichi12 | Jun 12, 2024
In reply to @chichi12 "I have same problem I am afraid of surgery had a disk shaved off in my..." + (show)
@chichi12

I have same problem I am afraid of surgery had a disk shaved off in my twenties never been the same
It’s hard to find a doctor that can do it successful surgery check them out right now I am 75 I use an inversion table works for me but it is not for everyone I also take collagen to help the disk to plump up
Make sure your surgeon has been successful !

Jump to this post

I hope things work out for you I am trying to do everything I can to keep from having surgery.The device I use is called a teter hangup I don’t tilt no more than 120 degrees,try to relax and it will pop back in.
I have spondeolesthese (spelling is not right) at the 4,5 level
I wish you well at my age I don’t know about giving up 6 mo for recovery.

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cjcatmom | @cjcatmom | Jul 9, 2024
In reply to @cjcatmom "I don’t know where you live. The New England Spine and Disk Institute in Orange, CT..." + (show)
@cjcatmom

I don’t know where you live.
The New England Spine and Disk Institute in Orange, CT has a special table that stretches the spine to allow the vertebrae to become re-aligned. In August I plan to schedule a session on that table.
I’ll post more info on Friday when my husband gets his next stem cell therapy treatment for arthritis in his knees.

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Sorry I am late with this reply. I spoke with the technician at the Spine and Disk Institute. He said the stretching machine would not help my back issue.
Don’t know what to do now.
I have an appointment with my back doc in August. Maybe he will have an idea. The back brace he gave me doesn’t help. Maybe a 73 year old injury can’t be corrected. 😕

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