specifically for herniated disks?
2007-01-29 04:44:48 · 5 answers · asked by kat 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
It's definitely a case-by-case situation. Many people have a lot of relief...others have some relief...others have no relief...and unfortunately, I have seen a few that felt the pain was worse. I hope you have explored other noninvasive alternatives first. But at the very least, I would encourage you to get a second opinion...It's always a good idea.
2007-01-29 06:07:49 · answer #1 · answered by kathy_is_a_nurse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not! In fact, sometimes your pain is worse and that is why alot of surgeons won't do it. I have had 2 neck surgeries for degenerative disc disease and arthritis. The first surgery went great although the disc right above the surgery blew out.That was one of the risks discussed,because the area where the surgery was done is far stronger then the other areas. The second surgery failed, meaning the bones did not fuse together like they should have, and the titanium plate is what holds my neck together. So, now I have permanent nerve damage to my left neck and arm, chronic pain(some days horrid, others severe).I understand that is common when more than one level is operated on. Now, I also have severe low back pain from two herniated discs. Will surgery fix it? Not likely. Will I always suffer with pain? Very likely. Will I try a low back surgery to see what happens? No. I take Methadone for pain, I still can walk, I do not want to be paralyzed. Did my story help you? I hope so, good luck.
2007-01-29 05:16:51 · answer #2 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Quite often, pain is not relieved in ANY back surgery. I've known many people who have gone through back surgery, and not one person has experienced a decrease in pain. In fact, one was worse. When I was talking to my mother about this the other day, she agreed with me, but could think of one person who was doing better. That person was operated on by a talented surgeon in a very reputable hospital.
If you are thinking about surgery, please do some checking online for a doctor. If I were you, I would rather find a doctor who does a few herniated disk surgeries a week that is 4 hours away from your home, as opposed to one who is 30 minutes from your home, and do a few a year.
If you choose to go further away, always check to see if your insurance will cover you going out of the local system. It may also cost more, but may be worth it in the end.
2007-01-29 04:56:43 · answer #3 · answered by Bird Breath 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Some people may get relief while others do not. It depends on your injury your surgeon & the ability to get the right spot. I've had some surgery that was great & others where I have felt worse. You should go to the pain management website PainAid or the Pain Foundation. You can get answers from doctors, pharmicists, nurses & people who have had all types of surgery. I think the address is www.painaid.painfoundation.org
I to have to take methodone to be able to work, also sometimes I still get nerve blocks that sometimes work & often times don't. But when it does it's almost like before I hurt.
2007-01-29 05:24:19 · answer #4 · answered by ChaliQ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not always.
2007-01-29 05:10:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋