See All
Preferences
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests

Good luck.View Thread



The majority of patients with severe symptomatic stenosis such as you may have at L4-5 do not require a fusion. Surgery which is typically indicated as a last resort after failure of non-operative interventions (therapy, medications, epidural injections, etc) usually involves a decompression. This procedure can often be done minimally invasively and as an out-patient procedure. The use of a Laser is most likely irrelevant in this case, though Endoscopic decompression might be appropriate depending on your specific condition. Regardless of technique, in general, you have to remember that surgical intervention for stenosis is more predictable for relief of your lower extremity pain and somewhat less predictable for relief of back pain. If a surgeon recommended you to have a fusion operation based on your specific diagnosis, it would be very reasonable for you to obtain a second opinion before proceeding.View Thread



Given your occupation as a CNA, it is possible that due to the functional requirements of your job which may include repetitive bending and lifting, you are at a higher risk for developing chronic low back pain. This does not mean that your job is causing you any structural demage, but it may mean that in the long term you may be better off finding an alternative occupation with reduced functional requirements.
I think your best next step is to see a spine specialist who may refer you to a good excersize based physical therapy program. Such a program can be helpful in teaching you an escersize routine for stretching, strengthening, general conditioning, and lifting and bending mechanics. Good luck, and keep us updated.View Thread

In your particular case, your surgeon will review the CT scan in the context of your left lower extremity symptoms and clinical exam. He or she will determine whether the location of the screw is clinically relevant to your leg pain. In other words, it is possible that despite sub-optimal screw position, the position of the screw does not explain your symptoms, and no intervention is indicated. In rare occasions, a mal-positioned screw may be the cause of nerve irritation and in these cases the surgeon may sometime consider removal or re-positioning of the screw. Please review the CT scan with your surgeon and I am sure he will provide you with a more specific answer pertinent to your case.
I wish you all the best, please feel free to update us.View Thread


1- Your surgeon looking at the actual images
2- Your surgeon interpreting the findings in the context of your history, symptoms, and clinical examination.
Please make sure to bring the actual images to your surgeon or pain management physician on your follow up visit.
Best of luckView Thread
See Related Pain Management Communities
Women's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Other Back Pain Information
More Related Exchanges
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.



