25 male had a reoccurence of disc prolapse in L4-5. I tried taking tarction (intermittent - 50 lbs weight) but it did not help rather seemed to be aggrevating so I stopped it. I am reluctant to try epidural injections, can some one pls let me know if they have tried spinal decompression, can it have any negative impact ?
2007-02-25 13:18:16 · 4 answers · asked by thakkarkt 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Are you referring to the machine at a chiropractors office? I haven't tried it, but I've heard mixed results. I guess it depends on what your symptoms are from the disc injury.
Have you tried getting treated by a chiropractor? Have you done Physical therapy at all?
If you have tried those things and they have failed then you really should try the injection. It's not that bad. And you might actually get some pain relief from it. I know I did. And I have a terrible fear of needles.
2007-02-25 14:13:31 · answer #1 · answered by fiestyredhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had serious back problems at the same level as yours and also both either side and have had two lots of surgery and also epidurals. I have had a great success rate with both options, but the epidurals are definately the way to go to try and avoid surgery, the science behind it is proven in many patients. Despite the fact that many websites etc claim that decompression can help just about everyone, the science just doesnt add up. I would give the epidurals a go, they are relatively painless, and most likely a far cheaper option with a greater success rate. Have a chat to your doctor and good luck!
2007-02-26 07:21:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually go by the rule of thirds when I recommend spinal surgery to someone- 1/3 do better, 1/3 do worse, 1/3 do the same. I don't understand why you are reluctant to have epidurals, I mean you are willing to let someone make a large incision on your back but you are unwilling to take a shot. See the January 2007 issue of "Pain Physician". It has articles about the efficacy of epidurals as well as other procedures performed by pain physicians. You can link to the journal with the site below. Worse case scenario is that the epidurals do nothing for you and you have to have the surgery.
2007-02-25 21:54:45 · answer #3 · answered by rwill54287 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Mine were L1, L3 & L5. I elected to wear a light weight back brace for several months. It worked for me but I know a few people that swear by decompression by the machine...what is it the DRX 9000 or something like that? As I recall it starts with a 2 week course of therapy and has a success rate of over 80%.
What ever you decide...best of luck.
2007-02-25 23:57:22 · answer #4 · answered by iraq51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋