L5-S1 removed 7 years ago pain and stiffness a nightmare help!!! i try to exercise but this aggrevates more??
2007-02-09 19:51:51 · 5 answers · asked by rockysgal_one 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Hi. I know how you feel. I had fusion in 2004. Lower back. It took care of the acute pain, raw nerve pain and I was able to function again. I still have pain in my butt and down my leg, have for 10 years and is starting in left leg. Some days worse then others. I take pain pills every day and expect to the rest of my life. Nothing is guaranteed to take the pain away 100% when your back in involved, my Dr even told me before surgrey in 2004. It helped but not 100%. Talk to your Dr, and work out something to make you as comfortable as possible. I know this doesn't make the pain any better to deal with, but with the back sorry to say it is hard to deal with.
Good luck
2007-02-10 01:20:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband had fusion surgery in L5-S1 almost 20 years ago. Unfortunately, the pain never goes away completely. He tried everything (drugs, heating pads, vibrating chair massages) and then found that going to a Chiropractor actually helped. We also bought a Sleep Number bed which he says has helped a lot. When he gets up in the morning his back isn't as stiff and doesn't hurt as much, which helps get him through the rest of the day. FYI ~ the least expensive Sleep Number bed is $1100 and you don't need the extra's (like the pillow top) to get a good nights sleep.
2007-02-10 13:07:16 · answer #2 · answered by Margie M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because surgery isn't always the answer to back issues. I've had two neck surgeries and still have chronic pain. I also have had two low back injuries that have disabled me,I live in chronic severe pain and take Methadone to control it. I think once you have had a back injury,it will always be a thorn in your side,constantly be a part of your life. You will need to make adjustments to your lifestyle along the way,you will need to learn how to "live with it". There are alot of support groups out there for pain management, lots of people that suffer with neck/back/spinal pain, many have developed arthritis from the injuries they have had. I think you should use a heating pad nightly to help ease muscle tension. I use a rice sock also, take a tube sock and put 3 cups of rice in it. Nuke it for about 2minutes. Remove,it will be VERY HOT! Get a washcloth and put it between you and the rice sock. Sit and relax, the moist heat from the sock will help with your pain. Doesn't matter what kind of rice,white or brown,instant or not. I've had chronic pain for 16yrs now,I try anything new that people talk about,usually no improvement. You can try Valerian for muscle spasms,it is in the health food area,it will help you sleep better also, just remember to allow a full eight hours of sleep,oltherwise you are real groggy the first couple hours at work. Good luck.
2007-02-10 13:35:52 · answer #3 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the long term effects of disc surgery are the same, as those not operated. the only reason disc surgery should be done is if there is neurological involvement. surgery takes care of the acute problem, but there are other joints and discs at different levels which can aggravate the problem.better to see a doctor again and if required, get an MRI done to localize the problem.
2007-02-10 08:42:13 · answer #4 · answered by drbony 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
You will have to provide me with a lot more info than you have here. was it a laminectomy or a discectomy? Where is the pain? etc.
Send me a message and I'll see what I can come up with.
2007-02-10 04:06:03 · answer #5 · answered by Gavin V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋