I had 2 MAJOR back surgeries in 2005. Lumber was finally fused. NOW have bulging disc on right side, very BAD

Question

Does anyone know if i will have to have more surgery or what can be done? I DO NOT WANT anymore surgery. What about injections? PLEASE somebody w/some knowlege help me! Need some advice despretely!!!!! IN pain management and sick of all the pain meds!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looks like i may be have to be on meds for the rest of my life since i'm considered acute/chronic patient???????????????? UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELP HELP HELP

Answer 1

You may avoid surgery if you lose weight. Muscle relaxants and moderate exercise will help as well.

Answer 2

If the bulging disc is the source of your pain and it is at the level of the fusion, there is not much that can or will be done to fix it without surgical means ...yet repeating of a fusion is rare. Your best bet would be long term multidisciplinary pain management program to learn effective coping strategies and an appropriate exercise program. It certainly may include spinal injections, but could also include TENS unit and other mechanisms to manage the pain.

If the level of the bulge is above or below the level of the fusion, there are still options for other conservative measures to possibly correct the problem...such as physical therapy.
If this is the source of your pain, then you might respond well to conservative management. Of course, in extreme cases, fusion of the subsequent level is possible.

Answer 3

Muscles can have knots (trigger points) that make them tight which in turn put pressure on nerves and other things causing pain.
Molasses - a couple of swigs or Bananas 1 or 2 - both contain magnesium and potassium for muscles.
Try working with the principles taught in The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies.
I use a chiropractor and massage therapist with it - You would do best with a chiropractor who uses an activator if there is one near you.

Answer 4

You are in pain management but asking about injections? Does your pain management doctor not do injections? If he doesn't then find an interventional pain management specialist that can help you.