Hi Billye

I know you are not a big fan of orthotics or braces, however, I thought I would let you know, that I have been fitted with a new type of brace. It is a German company that makes it. It is a new concept, and they had to stop the clinical trial, as the group that was to give the brace back after wearing it, had gained height, muscle strength, bone density, function and decrease of pain, to such an extent it was deemed unethical to make them go without the brace. There was a 73% increase in back extensor strength, 58% increase in abdominal flexor strength, 11% decrease in angle of kyphosis, 25% decrease in boy sway, 7% increase inital capacity, 38% decrease in average pain, 15% increase in 'well being' and 27% decrease in limitations of daily living. Drop out rate was only 3%.

It is actually designed for osteoporosis, or vertebral fractures, however, in my application it is for my herniated discs in my t-spine, which due to location and my condition are not accessible for surgical repair. I also have the beginnings of degenerative changes in my spine. Since internal fixation is not an option, and so many back surgeries fail anyway, and the one involved in my case is an open chest surgery, this seems like a better alternative.

I can't say how well it works yet, but my old brace helped my spinal pain, it was just so cumbersome I felt like the Michelin man wearing it. This one is lighter and not at all as cumbersome. My other brace also pressed on my old fracture site at my SC joint.

I have a copy of the study unfortunately there is nothing in English on the net. You can PM me if you want more information.

Also, perhaps you can call the doc for some additional pain medication.