Terrible low back pain

[Ghoul]

I've been avoiding surgery especially at my age (60) as that carries a huge risk that I feel I don't want to take. Also I stayed away from opioids yet I got prescribed them after I had surgery for an Achilles tear earlier this year...and didn't touch them.

Back surgery's terrible reputation largely comes from conventional techniques like fusion, which all too often leads to a cycle of pain and further surgery.

Where disc replacement is possible, it's minimally invasive, short downtime, and retains the geometry and function of the spine like the disc its replacing.

 

[MindlessWork]

Back surgery's terrible reputation largely comes from conventional techniques like fusion, which all too often leads to a cycle of pain and further surgery.

Where disc replacement is possible, it's minimally invasive, short downtime, and retains the geometry and function of the spine like the disc its replacing.

I happened to find a link about that that a doctor I had gone to one time gave me and it does look promising a solution not just for lower back but for my neck so will be watching that as well.

 

[laclark89]

Take a breath and answer my first question. What country do you live in.

Permanent back pain is actually extremely. rare when there's no associated neuropathy (pain extending into the arms or legs).

Enless arthritis is build up already. Correct?

 

[Ghoul]

I happened to find a link about that that a doctor I had gone to one time gave me and it does look promising a solution not just for lower back but for my neck so will be watching that as well.

Every once in a while I meet someone's who also had disc replacement, and we usually end up high fiving and swapping stories about how great the outcome was,

Unfortunately, some wait too late and doctors don't warn patients, over many years, of the shrinking window of opportunity:


View: https://youtu.be/50bRUcOGxHA

 

[MindlessWork]

Every once in a while I meet someone's who also had disc replacement, and we usually end up high fiving and swapping stories about how great the outcome was,

Unfortunately, some wait too late and doctors don't warn patients, over many years, of the shrinking window of opportunity:


View: https://youtu.be/50bRUcOGxHA

I've seen that video but metal implants of any kind scare me, especially when in my back. Heard so many stories of knee replacements involving metal parts failing in terrible ways.

Not sure how well these metal discs will fare in an active person like me.

 

[laclark89]

Every once in a while I meet someone's who also had disc replacement, and we usually end up high fiving and swapping stories about how great the outcome was,

Unfortunately, some wait too late and doctors don't warn patients, over many years, of the shrinking window of opportunity:


View: https://youtu.be/50bRUcOGxHA

I dodged the same bullet. I also had a bad ass neurosurgeon who talked me out of replacement and fusion when multiple other specialist and a surgeon wanted to cut me open. He actually told me replacement would be a better option but it’s still newish and has its own risk of failure and fusion was still like the golden standard that he knew of pro fighters and nfl players still competing with fusions.

 

[Ghoul]

I dodged the same bullet. I also had a bad ass neurosurgeon who talked me out of replacement and fusion when multiple other specialist and a surgeon wanted to cut me open. He actually told me replacement would be a better option but it’s still newish and has its own risk of failure and fusion was still like the golden standard that he knew of pro fighters and nfl players still competing with fusions.

Replacement's been around for 30+ years, mostly in Europe, more recently in the US, and has better outcomes than fusion, hands down. Disc life is an absolute minimum of 10 years, but 70 is expected in most instances.

 

[MindlessWork]

I dodged the same bullet. I also had a bad ass neurosurgeon who talked me out of replacement and fusion when multiple other specialist and a surgeon wanted to cut me open. He actually told me replacement would be a better option but it’s still newish and has its own risk of failure and fusion was still like the golden standard that he knew of pro fighters and nfl players still competing with fusions.

I do hope that there be some new materials for disc replacements that are more biologically compatible than metal and more like the natural cartilage. Too many stories about metal particles coming off implants causing issues within the body.

 

[MindlessWork]

Replacement's been around for 30+ years, mostly in Europe, more recently in the US, and has better outcomes than fusion, hands down. Disc life is an absolute minimum of 10 years, but 70 is expected in most instances.

That's far more than the metal knee replacements as most of those tend to last only like 5 years especially in active people.

 

[Ghoul]

I do hope that there be some new materials for disc replacements that are more biologically compatible than metal and more like the natural cartilage.

The current generation are coated with special compounds to make them biocompatible and completely integrate with surrounding bone. Mine were totally integrated with vertebrae after 2 years, and the surgeon said they're perfectly set, you'll never need another follow up appointment again.

 

[Ghoul]

That's far more than the metal knee replacements as most of those tend to last only like 5 years especially in active people.

Consider they have far lower loads on them in comparison to knees or hips, and a much smaller range of motion. Mine are made of a cobalt alloy, extremely durable and all indicators are they'll last a lifetime+

 

[MindlessWork]

The current generation are coated with special compounds to make them biocompatible and completely integrate with surrounding bone. Mine were totally integrated with vertebrae after 2 years, and the surgeon said they're perfectly set, you'll never need another follow up appointment again.

I might have that discussion with my doctor in the coming year about options like this and I'd also review my insurance to see if it will cover this type of surgery. The clock is certainly ticking loudly for me so got to make that move soon well before I retire!

 

[laclark89]

The current generation are coated with special compounds to make them biocompatible and completely integrate with surrounding bone. Mine were totally integrated with vertebrae after 2 years, and the surgeon said they're perfectly set, you'll never need another follow up appointment again.

Yea people live just fine with lead bullets in them and crap lol.

I think I read they are even doing titanium heart or valve transplants.

But like I said about the arthritis u can basically expect to be in some pain or discomfort for the rest of ur life, or sooner or later. Best bet is just Strengthen the muscle around an injury. Mabe stem cells.

I’m only 36 and most of my serious injuries from the past already have noticeable arthritic changes.

 

[Ghoul]

Better than I can phrase it;

"The design of the disc includes a special coating that allows it to fuse with the surrounding bone tissue, promoting stability and preventing movement at the disc level.:

Key points about cervical discs designed to integrate with bone:

Material:

Most artificial discs are coated with hydroxyapatite to enhance bone growth.

Mechanism of integration:

The porous surface of the coating allows bone cells to grow into the implant, effectively "welding" it to the surrounding vertebrae. "

 

[bigMoJo]

No longer do deadlifts or heavy squats but rack pulls and belt squat with moderate weight..

I train in this fashion as well. I stay away from squats, not just because of the back, I also have two reconstructed ACL knees (5 total knee surgeries). As you know, there are ways to "train around" our "condition" and still achieve great results and quality of life.

I dodged the same bullet. I also had a bad ass neurosurgeon who talked me out of replacement and fusion when multiple other specialist and a surgeon wanted to cut me open.

I wouldn't do fusion either. First, they go from the front, through the abdomen during surgery... potential and likely incisional hernia. I already went through that with an appendectomy. The odds on fusion... get this... "60% will achieve 60% relief." (quoting surgeon). Not worth the risk.

Consider they have far lower loads on them in comparison to knees or hips, and a much smaller range of motion. Mine are made of a cobalt alloy, extremely durable and all indicators are they'll last a lifetime+

I admit, disc replacement is new to me. Sounds promising. At least they don't go in from the front for that... small incision in the back. I didn't realize there was a window though.

As bad as my back is, I believe from experience that proper attention will yield exponential relief. Besides the benefit from training, I use that "Teeter Hang Up," stretch, and medicate when needed. Once I understood the problem, found a good doctor, followed a good therapist's instruction, I was able to come a long way. I will maintain what I'm doing unless a doctor can tell me that disc replacment will guarantee I can play basketball again.

 

[Ghoul]

I train in this fashion as well. I stay away from squats, not just because of the back, I also have two reconstructed ACL knees (5 total knee surgeries). As you know, there are ways to "train around" our "condition" and still achieve great results and quality of life.

I wouldn't do fusion either. First, they go from the front, through the abdomen during surgery... potential and likely incisional hernia. I already went through that with an appendectomy. The odds on fusion... get this... "60% will achieve 60% relief." (quoting surgeon). Not worth the risk.

I admit, disc replacement is new to me. Sounds promising. At least they don't go in from the front for that... small incision in the back. I didn't realize there was a window though.

As bad as my back is, I believe from experience that proper attention will yield exponential relief. Besides the benefit from training, I use that "Teeter Hang Up," stretch, and medicate when needed. Once I understood the problem, found a good doctor, followed a good therapist's instruction, I was able to come a long way. I will maintain what I'm doing unless a doctor can tell me that disc replacment will guarantee I can play basketball again.

Mine went through the front, as they were cervical discs. A 1" incision in my neck. 40 minute operation. Desperate to escape fusion, I was willing to volunteer for the clinical trial. Though I knew that the very wealthy had been going to Switzerland for a decade before to have it done for $150,000 rather than get a fusion in the US.

I went over a long list of strenuous activities with the surgeon, finally he lost patience and ultimately said "these are infinitely more durable than natural discs. They were tested in equivalent conditions to carrying a cinder block on your head and moving it around, continuously, for 150 years. The rest of your spine will crumble before these fail. You will have no restrictions whatsoever."

 

[bigMoJo]

Mine went through the front, as they were cervical discs. A 1" incision in my neck. 40 minute operation. Desperate to escape fusion, I was willing to volunteer for the clinical trial. Though I knew that the very wealthy had been going to Switzerland for a decade before to have it done for $150,000 rather than get a fusion in the US.

I went over a long list of strenuous activities with the surgeon, finally he lost patience and ultimately said "these are infinitely more durable than natural discs. They were tested in equivalent conditions to carrying a cinder block on your head and moving it around, continuously, for 150 years. The rest of your spine will crumble before these fail. You will have no restrictions whatsoever."

I see. Curious... where exactly through the neck? Obviously, there's no abdominal tissue to penetrate. Of course cervical discs carry less load than lumbar. In my case, it's L5 and up. The entire f-ing load is on the L5. Gets me wondering where the incision for replacement is made for lower lumbar (i.e. L5).

 

[MindlessWork]

I see. Curious... where exactly through the neck? Obviously, there's no abdominal tissue to penetrate. Of course cervical discs carry less load than lumbar. In my case, it's L5 and up. The entire f-ing load is on the L5. Gets me wondering where the incision for replacement is made for lower lumbar (i.e. L5).

No wonder why the L5 is the worst place.

 

[iris]

No wonder why the L5 is the worst place.

You said disc degeneration.
Is it like spondylosis, rather than herniated or bulging discs?
Where I am, unless is a hernia, they wouldn't do anything, in terms of surgery.
Of course, I am talking about the national health service.
You guys in the States have much better options for health care.

 

[MindlessWork]

You said disc degeneration.
Is it like spondylosis, rather than herniated or bulging discs?
Where I am, unless is a hernia, they wouldn't do anything, in terms of surgery.
Of course, I am talking about the national health service.
You guys in the States have much better options for health care.

Basically some discs in my lower back are starting to fall apart AND it was found my back has an abnormal curvature.