Recommend Back Surgery or Shots

[aqua pimp]

My disk was on my lower back (L4 & L5) in 2000. The first doc wanted me on the operating table the next day it was that bad. 2nd doc said to try the Chiropracter thing. Tried it for 2 days and said screw it went the surgery route and had no problems since. I was very easy, in the hospital at 7am and out the next day at 3pm. The first month was painful especially that damn nerve that runs down my left leg. But after the first month I felt better. The first 4 or 5 boat rides were a #$%$##%^*(*!!!!!!!

The doctor was Dr. Sinhah out of Clear Lake.

Good luck! I wish back pain on no one

AQUA PIMP

[OR19]

I had back surgery when I was 31 (L5/S1) for a herniated disk, back in 1996/97. Went in the day before new years eve at 7am and out the next afternoon in time to mix a Budweiser with my Darvaset for new years eve... Worked well for me. Never tried the chiropractor thing...those people scare me! Lost 35 lbs during the 6 weeks I was off work and rehabing...still wonder if it was the weight or the sugery. I suspect both.

It will still get sore occaisionally and I still have stretching exercising that I do now. The biggest factor for me is not getting to heavy (a constant battle) and continuing to do my stretching exercises. Overall, I do just about anything I want and just try to be carefull when I'm lifting anything that weighs more than about 20lbs.

I was diagnosed in 1994, and my theory was until I absolutely have to do something I'm not going to...got tired of my left foot feeling like it was asleep all the time, and had enough sick time accrued to get the entire 6 weeks off paid so I went for it. Every case is different but usually if you can stand the pain you've got time to research it and make a decision...

Get a neuro surgen and not an orthopedic doc...IMO..

[reelmacoy]

Thank yall for the info. My wife and I have some research to do between the 2 sites. I see quite a few have been thru this, with no real horror stories. I can relax a little. Tight lines.

[Deke]

Anything but the surgery, do all you can until you can't take it anymore. I see a back doctor once a month for the last 5 years, it sucks, but no one is going near me with a freakin knife anytime soon.

[Nwilkins]

281 467-4000
Joni Honn~~~~~~Massage Therapist for The Texans

[imhammer]

I dealt with the pain for 2 years before the first surgery. I went to a chiro almost every week and had all the treatments. It worked out for a while, but I finally gave in got it done. Everything was good for a year and then I was playing volleyball and the next day I couldn't get out of bed. They took me to the ER and into surgery again the next day.
I paid for the first one and it took a long time to pay it all off. It was close to $40k. The second one was covered by the insurance. I have been good for about 5 years now, but my back is very deteriorated and the doc said that I will be back a few times more, so I gave up volleyball, sold the golf clubs and started fishing.
Stretching and keeping in shape will help a lot. If you are on the SE side, go see Dr Barton at Peak Performance Sports Medicine & Injury Clinic in Pasadena - 281-991-3002.
My Ortho is the best. He has worked on a bunch of Astronauts and is the Ortho for NASA.
Ray E. Santos, M.D.
18100 St. John #300
Houston, TX 77058
281-333-2727

Good Luck!

[reeltime]

I piched my siatic nerve at about 25 or so and went to Hart Pertersen in Westlake Hills for about a year were he worked me over.Back problem are life long....get the top of the line bed, lose the spare tire(i wish i could.lol)For me using a shovel and lifting heavy things are not a option. I personally would avoid the knife.

[sfef84]

My Grandma has been living with back pain for the past 6 years. Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and ZERO cartilage between some of her disks (bone on bone). Past 2 years she has basically been bedridden with pain. She tried the "rooster-booster" shots that worked for a couple days and was told she had three options:
1) Back surgery
2) Live with it
3) Electronic stimulation

Being 81 years old, back surgery is out of the question. She did a trial run with what is basically a pace maker that releases current to specific nerves. After a 3 day trial, she was pain free (in her back) and will be having the device permanently implanted in September.

Keep in mind, shes not a 81 y/o softy complaining about a litle geriatric back pain... She showed horses (got tossed plenty of times) and grew up on a working ranch as a kid. After three days of the electrodes.... she was like new.

[GGF]

I'd say shots, but be sure to use a high end tequilla to minimize the hangovers.

[Robalo]

Ummm Tequila Shots Ummmmm! YES! X2 to GGF's response.