Who do I ask 4 opinion on Surgery?
 

Hello everyone. How r u tonight? I have just started going to a pain dr. After severe pain in my lower back going on for months. I have 3 bulged discs and Spinal Stenosis. I am new to knowlege of Spinal problems and what causes bulged discs to come about. Also, what causes Spinal Stenosis too? My pain dr. Doesn't have the answers. What kind of specialist should I try to find for this information? Any suggestions at all? Thank you so much for any help for me. Mykinzie....

Hi ~ Alot of people are walking around with bulged discs and don't even know it! LOL. It comes with age alot of the time. It's wear and tear on the spine. Then of course there's injury too. I have what's called degenerative disc disease, which is what most people get when they get older. The discs dry out and the space between the vertebra gets smaller causing the discs to bulge or herniate. I've had 2 surgeries and Lord knows how many procedures. For me, the surgeries did NOT do me any good, and if I had it to do over again, I would not let them touch me as I'm now disabled. But that doesn't happen to everyone. If yours are just bulged, you're not a candidate yet for surgery unless your pain is out of control.

But I would see a NEUROSURGEON if I were you. I'd make sure that he has done spinal surgeries before and that he doesn't just specialize in brain surgeries. If you see a Neuro now, you'll have a baseline to go by if you should get worse in the future. Ask your doctor to refer you to a good Neurosurgeon but do NOT be in a hurry to have surgery. It is NOT a recipe for pain relief. Surgery will NOT fix pain ~ only mechanical problems unfortunately. Many times after surgery, you still have the same pain or worse. Best of luck, and I hope you find some answers. God bless. Peace, Lee :wink:

Hey my brother had intense pain for a similar disorder which was very effectively treated with one steriod injection - no surgery needed. I will you well and will keep you in my thoughts. Laurie