FAQ/Help |
Calendar |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
Spinal Disorders & Back Pain For discussion of all spinal cord injuries, spinal issues, back-related pain or problems. |
Reply |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
04-25-2009, 06:52 AM | #1 | ||
|
|||
Member
|
I have a bulging disc at L4-5 and a herniated one at L5-S1 and a physical therapist recommended this. From the little research I've done, it says its not a permanent fix and it takes a fair amount of procedures which cost a lot. The PT tells me that I'll know immediatly after its done if it will help or not.
I'd love to hear anyone's experience with this. Thank you, EE |
||
Reply With Quote |
04-25-2009, 12:22 PM | #2 | ||
|
|||
Junior Member
|
Hi,
I also have herniated disc at L5 S1, ( you can see my posts)- I am 36 and was in a car accident in 2001. The disc revealed itself while I was doing playground duty, just walking around, nothing fancy! Anyway, after diagnosing, I started pt (which involved stretches and exercise along with deep massage for about 20 minutes which I really wish was actually an hour!)Did pt for about 6 weeks (with a lot of improvement) and started to level out with no new great improvement. I tried 2 non invasive spinal decompression treatments to see if I wanted to do the estimated 48 treatments at a total cost of $4000. First treatment they stretched me at 45 or so pounds. I actually dozed off in the middle of it- so relaxed and it felt SOOOO good. But by the time I got to the car, I was in agony. I stayed in bed all night and all the next day. Everything HURT!! I called and told them no way I could take a day after each treatment to recover from the treatment, plus the $$$ was way out of my range ( my insurance didn't cover!) They said, come back one more time, and we'll try again. They dialed the pull back to the 30's, and the next day I didn't feel quite as bad, but I still hurt. Because of the $$$ part of it, they were going to try to work out a deal with me and call me back. They never did. (And I had also been told like you have that there was no guarantee that it would work long term, and that there wouldn't be pain as the disc compressed as it inevitably will because of gravity, etc Plus, it was COSTLY!!!) So I started seeing a neuro chiropractor. WOW oh WOW! Such a difference! He does not mainly do adjustments like most chiros do, but instead treats muscles and nerves, while checking on the stability and strength of the brain ( I know, seems like a lot of weird, and I was a bit of a skeptic at first, but I have felt so much better!) He and pt are working in agreement with what the other is doing, so I see both a total of four times a week, alternating days. Chiro is working on stabilizing nerves and muscles to keep everything aligned along with breaking up deep knots, and pt is working on exercises for core strengthening (glutes too- didn't realize how much core and glutes have to do with your back!) and deep tissue massage for the tight muscles and knots that seem to be prolific. Anyway, that's where I am at. I have been recommending my neuro chiro to everyone because he has made such a world of difference- and I tried a regular chiro immediately after the car accident all those years ago- after a time of treatment, he dismissed me saying I had chronic pain and that I would have to learn to live with it, but he would not treat me any longer. I went for many years with regular pain until the disc thing happened in January. I have been blessed with some amazing doctors and pts, and feel I am well on the road to recovery. God has a huge part in it as well! Hope this helps, and get better soon! I would love to hear about your progress wherever you end up. Quote:
|
||
Reply With Quote |
04-25-2009, 07:45 PM | #3 | ||
|
|||
Member
|
Jennifer, thank you for sharing your experience with me. I've already been through physical therapy and the neuro surgeon I saw didn't give me a lot of information about what was causing my pain. He recommended I see a pain management doctor or a neurologist. I'm opting for pain management as I already have an awesome PM doctor, but my DH thinks I should try one or two traction visits. I think he has more faith in the physical therapist than I. Anyway, I'm still on the fence with this but I'm gathering all my records for my pain guy. Take care, Ellena
|
||
Reply With Quote |
04-30-2009, 09:17 PM | #4 | ||
|
|||
New Member
|
EE03,
Been there done it. I would highly recommend mechanical traction if for no other reason than to give you some short term relief. We all need a break and traction can offer that break if even for 20 or 30 minutes. |
||
Reply With Quote |
"Thanks for this!" says: | EE03 (05-01-2009) |
05-01-2009, 06:15 AM | #5 | ||
|
|||
Member
|
EE03,
I have problems at L4/L5 and S1 also. The only thing I can add in regards to traction alone is that I was prescribed aqua therapy PT. I can do stretches and such while on land. But I also have pelvic floor dysfunction so I have to be very, very careful with any lumbar exercises. Anyway, while in aqua therapy PT they put 2 lb. ankle weights on me and wrapped a noodle under my arms so that I could float in the deep end. Boy, did that feel GREAT! It was very gentle and for about 15 minutes each time. It felt so good afterwards and helped so much that my husband had a pool put in last summer. So, basically the water is so much easier on the joints while at the same time stretching things out...in a sense. Oh, forgot to add that they also had me do water walking and other things. But nothing so aggressive as to make things worse. I wouldn't call it a cure all because the problems are still there. But it sure helps to manage the pain. Oops, forgot to add I think it's great that you are going to see a pain management doctor. My own is the one that prescribed aqua therapy and insurance covered it. Plus the rehab place I was going to allowed for visits throughout the year once your PT was completed (about 6 weeks). If I remember correctly, it was $5.00 per use (session) if, say, you wanted to go once a week for maintenance. Last edited by Kathi49; 05-01-2009 at 06:20 AM. Reason: Added more |
||
Reply With Quote |
"Thanks for this!" says: | EE03 (05-01-2009) |
05-02-2009, 09:29 PM | #6 | ||
|
|||
Member
|
I appreciate everyone's perspective on this. Out of frustration, I made an appointment with an Orthopedic doctor to evaluate everything and point me in the best direction. I did this at the urging of a friend who works at the facility since he had issues with his back and this particular doctor helped put things in perspective for him. Sadly the neurosurgeon I saw didn't explain anything to me which totally @&$%@. He only indicated that I should seek pain management or see a neurologist. Kathi, I already do water therapy including a lot of water traction. Sometimes my back feels better, sometimes not. I also walk on a treadmill and use an eliptical machine. I just don't know what to attribute the pain to and whether or not some of my workout routines are aggravating it or what. I do look at the therapist with a bit of skepticism because of the cost involved. So, I'm not doing anything until I see the orthopedic doctor and get his advice.
These problems are a puzzle to sift through, aren't they? Thanks again to all who've responded. Take care, EE |
||
Reply With Quote |
Reply |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Neck pain-Disc herniation and bulge | New Member Introductions | |||
Neck pain-Disc herniation and bulge | Spinal Disorders & Back Pain | |||
Mechanical stress and formation of protein aggregates in neurodegenerative disorders | ALS News & Research | |||
fibromyalgia, disc diease, ms, and pain issues that need adressed. | New Member Introductions |