I have several several ruptured disc in thoracic spine and one in the Lumbar spine, in pain what to do ?

Question

Have had surgery on cervical spine c4 and c5 but it seems as though my spine is a mess. I read several articals and herniation of disc in the thoracic spine are not common. They are causing mild narrowing of the spinal cord I am only 47 and live in constant pain as one is pressing on a nerve causing pain to radiate back to front. any advice PLEASE

Answer 1

There is a one-time treatment called Atlasprofilax curing the cause of the problem - I just hope, your two cervical spines are not fixed together!

Then the treatment probably would be a risk.

Otherwise, contact a therapist in California to see what's possible - the effects are amazing, but be cautious and inform about the surgery!

Answer 2

I'm NOT a doctor, but...

1.) Check with your doc about ideas- pain clinics, other meds, etc. Also keep your own doc informed as to other ideas you are going to try.

2.) Consult with various back, sports med, and pain management docs for ideas. In most cases, your back surgeon should be able to provide the best answers.

3.) There are a lot of theories and opinions about this, but consider accupuncture or accupressure. Even if it is all in your mind, it might help. There are some interesting studies out there on it that seem to hint that there is a certain validity to the practice.

Answer 3

Have you gone to a pain management clinic? They have many new techniques to help with herinated disc. Including injections, pain medications, & radiography(sp?). From experience, I can tell you as well as many other people who I have met through the years, that have had surgery of a herinated disc, rarely works for very long. The recovery, no matter how noninvasive the procedure is very long & tedious & rarely gives you relief for longer then a couple of months. I do admit I have heard of people who have recovered. But they are far & in between. Most end up worse then before & more crippled. I would think not only twice but three or four times before going through anymore back surgery. As the previous person said I hope all of your injuries are well documented. Beause you will probably have trouble for the rest of your life. I don't know if you are working now or not. But if you have been off work for at least six months & it does not look like you will be able to work anytime in the near future. You maybe eligible for temporary Social Security benefits or if they feel you will not be able to work ever again, permanent Social Security benefits. I would definitely look into it. I injured my back when I was 12 years old, when I fell off a trampoline. Because my instructor didn't have the proper spotters, I fell off & hit my head & back on the wooden gym floor, they had no pads for protection. I ended up with five herinated discs. I've had several surgeries without benefit. Injections do help, but like you have found out they wear off after about 4-6 weeks & you can only have so many before they will no longer do them anymore. I hate to be a spoil sport but I think honestly is the best policy. Whatever your Dr's suggest research & research some more before you decide on your next step. One other thing, never take the advice of someone who hasn't been there & done that. There will always be people who will tell you it's worth the risk. But until they have walked a mile in your shoes, they will not know what they are talking about. Esp if they try & tell you to get rid of the pain pills. If you are in true pain & I know you know what I mean. They can't tell you that you don't need them. A person in real pain doesn't become addicted to pain meds. He may become tolerant of them, but never addicted. My pain specialist has been telling me this for last 12 years. Before that time was never given more then Tylenol #3. That is the strongest medication I was given for pain since the age of 12, until I went to a pain management clinic. I am now 55 years old. I wish you the best of luck. God Bless You. I know what you are going through & will think of you often.

Answer 4

Have you tried an inversion table? My husband has one and it has really helped with a very similar disc problem.

Answer 5

your doc must treat u, we cant give u the cure as there is none...