I've been diagnosed with a herniated disk. My primary physician wants to refer me to a neurosurgeon. I don't know if the goal is surgery or non-surgical treatment.
What questions should I ask both doctors before I proceed?
2006-11-23 14:26:56 · 4 answers · asked by Nintoxication 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
1. What level is the herniated disc? Is it cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral?
2. How severe is the herniation?
3. Do you think that physical therapy will help with this?
4. What options do I have for recovery?
5. Do you think that surgery will be necessary?
6. What options can we try before surgery?
7. What is the success rate for pain relief with the surgery?
8. If the dr wants you to take pain medications, make sure you know the side effects of the drugs and what to report when taking it.
9. Do you think anti-inflammatory medicines will help with the swelling around the disc?
10. What else should I know about disc herniations like the one I have?
Hope this helped.
2006-11-23 14:41:44 · answer #1 · answered by kinndee 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First get the opinion of both if you should be considering surgical or non surgical intervention. Ask them what the options are and the consequences of those options. The neurosurgeon very well may have non surgical treatment options that you primary physician can not offer. A herniated disk needs to be taken care of and monitored by a professional.
2006-11-23 14:30:16 · answer #2 · answered by fancyname 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no disc left at L.5, S.1.. am asymptomatic.. but am aware of the weakness there and know what leaning forward does for it.
Depending on the level of the herniation and the amount of pain being experienced by you, should that decision be made..
I have had occasional flare up during my many years but always have responded to Chiropractic care.. still remaining symptom free. May want to consider that prior to succumbing to surgery.
2006-11-25 21:10:22 · answer #3 · answered by mrcricket1932 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A neurosurgeon does only surgeries. They don't do any other types of treatments. You should ask if there are any other types of treatments other than surgery that would help with pain. Only surgery is going to repair the disk though. I would also ask what the chances are if you have the surgery that your pain will stop. Sometimes this type of surgery ends up causing more pain. Hope this helps.
2006-11-25 02:37:02 · answer #4 · answered by paulamcneil1223 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋