Gerald Said:

surgery for herniated disc in back?

We Answered:

There are now artificial discs available.I have a lumbar disc bulge but it doesn't sound as bad as yours.I saw a special on local news here in Reno either earlier in the year or last year about it.The woman that had the artificial disc surgery was working out at a local gym.
I also have cervical stenosis on two levels. My neurosurgeon at the VA wants to do a discectomy and a bone fusion. I won't let them do that older (and cheaper) surgery because it puts additional strain on the discs above and below, I have spoken to two women in town that have had the fake discs installed and they were completely happy.

Michele Said:

How many of you had to have back surgery for herniated discs even after steroid/epidural shots?

We Answered:

I have spondylolistesis (slipped vertebra) but I have had three injections and am scheduled for surgery next Friday.
The effectiveness of these injections varies from person to person. It depends on what is causing the nerve problems, the severity of nerve compression/inflammation,and how long the patient has had these symptoms. Some people do not respond to steroids as well as others might.
If you feel uneasy, you can always get a second opinion. In my case my neurosurgeon says that fusion will be a big help and seemed optimistic. Maybe it will do the same for you. Just ask alot of questions and get a second opinion.

Judy Said:

my 81 yr. old mom recently had back surgery (discetomy) for a herniated disc. she had the surgery on feb.7.?

We Answered:

I'm a physical therapist, and in my experience with treating patients this is very common. Since she was experiencing the leg pain due to the disc herniation (probably), the nerve gets very inflammed and nerves are VERY finicky creatures--that is, they get inflammed very easily, and when they are any little thing can progress the pain. The surgery in and of itself is a trauma to the area, so the doctor giving her cortisone will act as an anti-inflammatory to reduce the nerve irritation. After the next check up, she can also request to have physical therapy to further help with pain management. Of course, cold packs applied to the buttock area on the side of the primary pain can help (10 min/4-5x day, always use a cloth/pillowcase between the skin/cold pack) since they also act as an anti-inflammatory. Usually applying the cold back over the site of the surgery may be uncomfortable for older people that have this surgery (why I recommend over the buttock).

On a personal note, my father also had this type of surgery (however he is 75) and it is a long recovery, and discomfort is to be expected. Just remember that recovery is hard at any age, and especially as our bodies get older and heal slower. Love and patience are the key!

Edna Said:

How long does it take to heal after getting back surgery for a herniated disk?

We Answered:

I had surgery on my L-5. I was up walking around the next day. I was told to stay out of work for 4 weeks but went back in two. It depends on the kind of work you do. You need to be careful. You can definitely re-injure it.

Shannon Said:

how do epidurals work for scar tissue after back surgery for herniated disc?

We Answered:

I had a laminectomy and discectomy for herniated disc and my doctor didn't talk to me about epidurals. I have a scar, but I like it, it's cool. I don't think epidurals do anything for scar tissue. Try massaging it every day, lifting the skin away from the bone and rubbing it to get the tissue to be less scar like. And moisturize.

Violet Said:

I have a herniated disc in my back - L5-S1 - I think I'm ready for surgery. Will I be totally healed?

We Answered:

you may want to review this WEB-SITE...laserspineinstitute.com...als… the DISC has to be removed, you may want to talk to ...DR.CARLOS ARCE,MD,UNIVERSITY of FLORIDA,SHANDS HOSPITAL, NEURO-SURGEON(904-244--3950...Please don't let an ORTHOPEDIC remove the DISC;my wife had two(2)surgeries with DR.ARCE(1988 & 2001)five(5)discs removed,58 years old an a walking,talking miracle(still a nurse)

Marlene Said:

Boyfriend having herniated disc surgery, how can I care for him?

We Answered:

He will receive instructions before he leaves the hospital. You can look over the sources to help both of you to decide what questions that you want to ask.

Use the sources as general guides. His surgeon will be the one most familiar with your boyfriend's specific case.