Hi there, I have Degenerative Disc Disease, Back Spasms, Chronic Mechanical Back Pain, Herniated Discs – L5, L6, C5, S1, T10, T11, Sciadica & Fibromyalgia.

I am not able to have surgery - I would end up paralyzed or worse.  I tried several pain medications, and then I had a pyshiotherapist come into my home and teach me some stretches specific to my issues.  I do these on a daily basis and I also created a total seated body workout I can do without causing pain.  I use a walker to walk now and have found the best medication for me is a muscle relaxant combined with acetaminaphin aka Tylenol.  I was skeptical about it at first but when I took the first pill, within an hour I had relief.  Between doing my physio exercises, my total body seated workout, getting out for a walk with my walker every day, it seems to help.  I only have to take the muscle relaxant with Tylenol in it if I am going out to get groceries and when I am going to bed.  Don't sit, stand, lay down, etc., for long periods.  Change your position.  Don't give up, there is bound to be somthing that works.  I struggled with pain for over 6 years before I knew the answer.

can't find the stem cell surgery segment either. help, anyone

Hello

I have bad back pain and this surgery looks so simple

Please let me know where this doctor is and how to contact him,this would set me free of living with this pain

'Thanks A Sloter

hi, it's me rahama sani i saw your email which i reply, but it was later sent back to me. i accepted your friendship and i would love to no you better.

Hi Bridgetay!

Jimmies again, the doctor's and hospital in NJ that treated my first back injury was afraid to touch me because of my age, but this was in the 70's it's now 40 years later and your gett the same answers?  If the nuerosurgeon didn't push me to go to John Hopkins who knows.  Nine years ago when I was injured again I was a patient at Kessler Institute spine and brain injury hospital (Christopher Reeve's Hospital), they told me i would probably not drive again and be house bound, they even trained me to drive with my hands.  I do drive and for the most part (on good days) I am not home bound.  Point is, if you are uncomfortable with anything a MEDICAL person says...move on.  If insurance and money are the issue talk only to the Doctor about what you can work out; there are a few that still do the job to help people.  I didn't go back to MD because we had a brand new baby and other personal conflicts; The Doctor in charge of my case was Nelson H. Hendler ***********.

Jimmies

Hello again Bridgetay,

I'm so happy that the RF surgery worked for Yvonne.  That's what I had also after they tried the injections, but unfortunately it didn't do a thing for me.  You are so young to have this problem.  Can you research on the internet for a surgeon who may be in a city close to you?  They may have more ideas, and better facilities also, than a smaller town.  I wish you the best of luck.

Sunnie

I have DDD and had a Rf procedure done.Its were they burn the nerve endings.My was done for neck and shoulder area.It is suppose to last 1to 2yrs.So far no pain.I had mine done in the last part of 2008.

Yvonne

Thank you for all the information it gives me a lot to think about. My biggest problem is that the surgeon refuses to do any surgery right now because he says I am too young. I can't really get a second opinion because we don't really have anyone else around here for back surgery. They said for now they would start with my lumbar steroid injections in my nerve roots instead of where they were doing them. They said we would look into more options, but I guess I am just frustrated. I really want a more permanent fix that will allow me to work and to get off so many meds. The stem cell surgery looks like a good option because I wouln't have as much degeneration around the surgery site. It's really great to know there are other people having the same problems. I feel like my friends and family just don't get it. They act like I am just a whiner, but they have never had this much pain on a daily basis. It really gets depressing and frustrating. Maybe if they see more people who go through the same things they will be a little bit more empathetic. Thanks for the help.

Hi,I have ddd, diagnosed three years ago. I have not tried any of the treatments

that you speak of, treatment was not offered, so I really don't know what I am in

for. I have a good friend on this site, her name is Sunnie H. Now she can tell you

a great deal about it. I wish you the best.        Sludge

A newer surgery to treat pain and disability from lumbar degenerative disc disease is artificial disc replacement. The theory is that replacing the disc, instead of fusing the disc space together, maintains more of the normal motion in the lumbar spine, thereby reducing the chance that adjacent levels of the spine will break down due to increased stress. This procedure is still a new procedure in the US, so long-term efficacy, and potential risks and complications are still relatively unknown. Article written By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD