Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 4 Location: Seattle, WA
Low Back Pain From Degenerative Disease Posted: 12-01-04 05:18am
I am a 54 female with degenerative disease
since 1997. Last july (2004) I fell and
got a compound fracture in l3. Since
then the pain in my back has gotten worse.
I have had three mris since 1997 and the
two recent ones in 2002 and 2004 showed l4
and l5 have deteriating discs along with
the fracture on l3 which is protruding the
disc. I have been through physical
therapy and the exercises they gave me
doesn't help. I have been to so many
therapies I can't count them on my fingers
from both hands. I have seen a surgeon
but am going in to get a second opinion
this coming friday dec. 3. The first
surgeon said I was a good candidate for
the new artificial disc that won't be
available until after the first of the
year. Has anyone had this new disc done
and what is the healing period in time
wise? I know of a woman that works in
construction and she had it done through
the university washington hospital as what
they call a test person, and she said it
was well worth the trouble and now she is
pain free. She had all the symptoms that
I am having now. It has really messed up
my life, home style and sex. I am taking
vicodin but it doesn't help all the time
and taking muscle relaxers for the severe
muscle spasms. Anyone have any
suggestions? Chiropractors won't help
with this situation and I have tried
accupuncture and the massage therapy feels
great but my insurance doesn't pay for
that so doing that three times a week adds
up. Please help!!!!!!
