I have a herniated disc in my back and need surgery does anyone know which is better spinal fusion or a disce

Question

IM confused on which surgery is for me a spinal fusion or a percutanious discectomy i have two surgeons telling me different things so what do i do

Answer 1

I had an L5-S1 discectomy and while it did help my back problems (the surgeon did a good job and there were no complications) and while it did save my right leg from further muscle atrophy from nerve damage, it was far from the most important factor in my back rehabilitation.

The right kind of exercise and the right kind of stretching plus managing your body position while you sleep and work are by far the most important factors in managing back problems.

In addition to having experienced back problems myself, I also have a degree in Kinesiology but don't just take my advice, back surgery is a MAJOR decision and you shouldn't really be soliciting medical advice for a potentially very serious condition from Answerland.

This one is for the professionals. Even a doctor wouldn't tell you which surgery is better for you until he has checked you out thoroughly including a complete physical, functional testing, x-rays and perhaps an MRI.

If you are getting conflicting diagnoses or conflicting suggestions for treatment I would keep asking different specialists until I could get at least two of them to agree. Good Luck.

PS - I was bed-ridden and almost paralyzed and while I still have some limitations, I'm more active and fit than the average person 1/2 my age. A book that really helped me was 'The Back Doctor' by Hamilton Hall.

Answer 2

My husband has a disc in his back..the last one..Its basically non existant right now..he just got back from the surgeon's office and they are discussing a Disc REPLACEMENT. IT was just approved last year.

Hubbies best friend has the spinal fusion and I know another person as well who has had it and both have claimed they are in more pain now than before. My husband is absolutely refusing fusion. We are going for the full disc replacement. This procedure claims 100% recovery with no meds needed after the fact. The only you still can't do full on contact sports but hell screw that part as long as he can walk and put on his shoes normally again. Check it out.. I hope it helps.

Answer 3

Both my sister and I have suffered from herniated discs, so I know the pain you must be in. I chose to go for conservative treatment, I had bed rest for one month then limited activities for six months. My sister opted to have spinal fusion. She says it feels as if she has a rod in her spine. She told me the other day she is still having problems with her back. Perhaps you could talk with an ortho doctor who is not trying to get you into surgery.

Answer 4

Can't give you a definite answer without more background on the injury, your age, family history, but for starters depending on where in the spine the fusion would occur, your everyday routine and mobility would be limited. So you can see why knowing your age, type of injury, etc is important to know before giving a better answer.

Answer 5

I would try a nucleoplasty- I had that done- it has a high success rate- find someone that has done hundreds if not- thousands-it is less invasive and recovery is much quicker-My was herniated between L4 and L5- and I did some physical therapy- that was very easy=take care- I'd get another opinion and a very experienced Md-that specializes- D

Answer 6

I have never heard of anyone saying fusion is good. Once that is done to your back there is no room to try any different options. I have had back surgery and was told fusion is permanent, there is no turning back!!

Answer 7

If I were you I would get some more doctors' opinions...I wouldn't take the advise of Yahoo Answers on something like that.

Answer 8

don't worry about it, the apocolyps will be on 12/21/2012

Answer 9

Third oppinion

Answer 10

disce