The episode you are looking for was Stop Your Bad Health Habits Right Now!

This is a direct link to the page about Beating Back Pain.

You can even watch this cutting edge back surgery and many others via our Procedure Cam. You can find a list procedures by going to the top of your screen and choosing PROCEDURE CAM.

Hi, I had back surgery over 30 years ago with a 100% recovery, I lived in NJ and was sent to John Hopkins in MD.  I now have degenerative disc disease along with fractures and damage to my cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.  I feel your damned if you do and damned if you don't.  I find my comfort zone in doing water therapy almost every day.  It's not easy, but it gets you out of the house and up and moving.  I go to a gym that has a lap pool (81F) and a therapy pool (91F) they have several aerobic style classes in the pools and pool excersice offers no impact on your body and increases your strenght.  Our local YMCA also has a class, but it was very limited and the instructors didn't seem as knowledgable.  God speed!

Hi Bridgetay,

I have Tarlov Cyst Disease and have had steriod injections in the nerve root twice now. I know this is a different disease than yours, but the nerve root pain is probably the same (terriable !!!). The injections helped some, more the second time. They do it in sets of three. So I am hopeing the third will help even more. Everone is different on how well this will work. It is temparay and depends on the person as how long the relief will be, if any. I hope I have helped with your questions some.

Cindy

I also have Degenerative Disk Disease in combination with Spinal Stenosis, multiple tears in L3, L4, and L5. I had an MRI 3 wks ago and now I have a bulge at L4/L5 and new bulge and new tear at L5/S1. I've done everything you have to help with pain. Right now, I'm on pain meds and a patch! It helps but doesn't eleviate pain 100%. My Dr told me about a surgical procedure you might want to check out. It's called an IDET. Intrathermal Disk Electro Therapy. I've ruled this out, because it's a 6 month recovery period and even then there's no guarantee it'll work. Insurance doesn't cover it either.

You're probably wondering, "Then why are you telling me about this?" Well, because it may be something that'll benefit you. See what your doctor says. The more information you have the better, even if it's not for you.

Good luck with everything. I'm thinking of you.

jennborde :)

HI,

My name is SunnieH and I have had disc problems since I was 22.  Not enough to stop me from working until I hit 62.  I am now 64.  I have had the steroid shots, and also the burning of the nerves.  It didn't help.  I also have a severe problem with my right sacral joint.  That seems to be the worst, and so far I have seen 5 doctors who say there is nothing that can be done.  I know if you keep searching you may find a doctor to do the stem cell surgery for the disc's, but really not sure if anything can be done for the sacral area.  The stem cell surgery may not be covered by insurance though.

I truly feel your pain.  Up for a short time, then have to sit or lie down.  Then get up an try it again. 

Sprylillady here on the Doc's site sent me some info on DDD.  I will try printing it out for you, but it may take 2 posts since we are limited to our words.

Sunnie

This is for you: http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease/lumbar-degenerative-disc-disease

Also a segment I read from the above website...

Surgery for degenerative disc disease

Patients unable to function because of the pain or who are frustrated with their activity limitations may consider lumbar spinal fusion surgery. Fusion surgery works because it stops the motion at a painful motion segment. A one-level fusion at the L5-S1 segment does not significantly change the mechanics in the back and is the most common form of fusion, as this is the most likely level to break down for degenerative disc disease.

Fusion of the L4-L5 level does remove some of the normal motion of the spine as this is a major motion segment (as opposed to L5-S1 which has really limited motion) Multi-level fusions are more problematic. A two-level fusion may be considered for patients with severe, disabling pain, but three-level fusions are not recommended because back movement is too diminished and altering the muscle composition can in and of itself cause pain (this has been termed fusion disease).

While it is a major surgery, fusion surgery can be an effective option for patients to enhance their activity level and overall quality of life. This is particularly true now that minimally invasive techniques are available to decrease post-operative discomfort, preserve more of the normal anatomy of the low back, and result in higher rates of fusion than previous techniques.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.