is there any way it will heal on its own i kind of scared to get surgery on my back thnk you for you responds
2006-11-29 06:53:36 · 9 answers · asked by kase 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
A ruptured disk is no laughing matter. I will have to assume that the rupture is in a critical area to be recommended surgery. And I understand how scary it is to be going under surgery.
The suggestion of getting an epidural-steroid injection is a smart idea. It is usually used for bulging disks that rest on nerves or to reduce complications/issues in a post surgical environment. I had this done both before and after the partial laminectomy on my L5-S1 disk.
For me, I had to come to grips that surgery would be the only way out of the pain I was experiencing. I was in a rear-end collision (I was the one hit) and it ruptured a healthy disk that went untreated for 6 months (25 weeks to the day). I suffer for that delay (and it is in litigation with Worker's Comp). Even when I found that the surgery was being scheduled (and gratefully so), I was terrified the day before. I could not sleep, rest, or even get it off my mind.
The doc eben asked me the morning of my surgery (he is not quick to cut) if this is what I wanted. He told me that there was a 30% chance that I will not be healed and that of the 30%, there was a 50% chance that I would be paralyzed down the left side. My only question to him was "Will the pain end?" He said "Yes" and that cinched it.
I am not saying that surgery is the answer. I am saying that being scared is okay. Even with 2 months of being ready for the inevitable surgery, I was still afraid the night before. I knew the risks, I knew the possible complications. I am glad that I did have the surgery. With the proper follow-up care and adherance to physicians' orders, you can heal remarkably well. And depending on which disk it is, you can be relatively back to normal as if the repairs were never needed.
For me, I will never be able to do what I used to. But then again, it was untreated for 6 months and it is a primary load-bearing disk.
I hope this has helped.
2006-11-30 01:27:42 · answer #1 · answered by talons_pryde2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are other options. You are young and I doubt you have a degeneration of the disc area. I assume you injured it lifting or moving the wrong way.
I would ask about an epidural. Inserting a syringe in the tailbone area, up to the affected disc. It then saturates the injured disc with a steroidal fluid. This reduces the inflammation, and allows more blood flow though the area, promoting healing. This may take 2, 3 or 4 procedures before it completely goes away. Each one of mine lasted about 3 months. Some people just get them regularly - 3 or 4 times a year.
There is also a procedure involving an injection that heats the disc. I have talked with people that have had success with this.
I personally had to have surgery after trying everything else.
The micro-disc surgery that is performed by a neurosurgeon is very safe. Also very expensive.
Great deal of pain for a week following surgery, but been fine for 3 years now.
But remember, once you have ruptured a disc, you are more vulnerable to re-rupturing it.
2006-11-29 07:27:37 · answer #2 · answered by ump2please 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had surgery to the disc in my cervical spine. It is a very serious, and dangerous surgery. Make sure you get second and third opinions. There are new ways of dealing with this now. From my own experience, I haven't had a pain free day after surgery since sep. 2004.
2006-11-29 06:58:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you allow it to remain as is, it could get to the point that you can't walk. As with any surgery, there is always risks. However, I would rather have the surgery and walk, then to live in pain and potentially be unable to walk. Be sure that you get a second opinion. Keep in mind that even doctor's make mistakes. In the meantime, try to keep your pain level down, as best as you can, this will help with the recovery. Good Luck!!!!
2006-11-29 07:04:19 · answer #4 · answered by pupcake 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the surgery done in the winter. You will be back in shape by summer. Otherwise the pain will just increase until you cant do anything else. You will have some limitations in movement, but there are exercises you can do after the surgery that will help stretch the scar tissue so your movements will be better.
2006-11-29 07:00:31 · answer #5 · answered by Squeegee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely get other opinions before you have back surgery, I have an uncle who had it and it made him worse than he was before. He's in almost unbearable pain all the time nothing seems to work for long to relieve it. You might try HA and/or glucosamine supplements in the meantime, they do generally take a couple months to work though.
2006-11-29 07:08:55 · answer #6 · answered by Ryan K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you been to this doctor before? Do you trust him? I would get a second opinion. I might also see a chiropractor before I considered surgery. Or maybe a physical therapy specialist.
2006-11-29 07:03:18 · answer #7 · answered by charlotts_web 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the surgery while you are young!
2006-11-29 06:56:13 · answer #8 · answered by iMedic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You come here for medical advice from people who know nothing about medicine?? Are you crazy?? Listen to your doctor who is qualified, trained, and licensed to give medical advice. People on this site are not!!
Chow!!
2006-11-29 07:17:17 · answer #9 · answered by No one 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋