Back questions
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Back questions
my dh is having back problems. He went in last week and the dr put him on a steroids for a week and gave him a pain killer. The dr told him that if all wasn't well in a week that he would need and spinal m.R.I. The dr said that he felt like he had a slipt disk. That was causing the pain in his leg. Which it is alway numb and he said it felt like it was asleep all the time. The dr. told him it looked like surgery. my older sister said she wouldn't have it done. Her hubby had back surgery a year or so ago and he is in more pain now than before. but the dr said to relax and no heavy lifting and all that kind of stuff but within a few weeks her hubby was on a horse and hunting which to me would cause the back to hurt more. Is anyone familer with this give me pros and cons. We are both up in arms about this. Hubby wants the pain to stop but he doesn't want to have it done if its going to hurt worse. But the pain now is unbearable. please help
Thanks
See a chiropractor. I was in serious pain for over 6 months, and all the docs kept doing was telling me was take Motrin, rest, stretch, etc. I could barely function and was piggy-backing tylenol and motrin all day every day. I finally went to a chiro (resisted because we don't have coverage for that) and the change is amazing. It's at LEAST worth a consult with one, for nothing else than a second opinion, because back surgery is a major deal. Most people I know who had slipped disks chose not to go with the surgery because the risks are so heavy and most people don't find relief. ((((for both of you))))
With respect, Crystal, I disagree. Get the MRI if the back doesn't clear up, and then see a good orthopedic doctor. If your dh is not happy about the idea of surgery, get a second opinion from another orthopedic doctor. If your dh decides to go to a chiropractor, he should get a referral from his orthopedic doctor or his regular doctor, and should take with him his medical records of his back condition and instructions from the doctor on the kinds of treatment/procedures that should and *should not* be done. Having worked in medical malpractice law, I know of too many cases where there was a serious problem that was made worse by treatment by a chiropractor who did not have all the medical records, films, etc., and didn't know what the problem really was.
I had a ruptured disk in 1980, and had a long period of fairly severe pain, but it eventually went away. I had two more lengthy (month or more) of pain in 1983 and 1984, and my ortho doc at that time recommended surgery, which I wasn't in favor of. (The odds were only 50/50 of improvement from the surgery.) I went to another orthopedic doc I found through a nurse friend, who said he didn't think surgery was necessary as I wasn't in constant chronic pain, and sent me for physical therapy. That was in 1985, and I haven't had any problems with my back since except when I do something really stupid, and that's only a couple of days and goes away.
On the other hand, I have friends who have had back surgery and done marvelously. I also know people (including my brother) who had back surgery and did not get relief.
A lot depends on what is causing your problem. Your husband's symptoms sound like mine, with the leg pain and numbness. It is likely to be a lumbar disk (lower back) pressing on the sciatic nerve.
There are a number of different procedures being done now, including arthroscopic type surgery (the little tube through a small hole) to remove the protruding disk material) and still other procedures that have had success in certain types of cases.
I urge your husband to find a good orthopedic doctor, preferably one in the orthopedic division of a hospital, and especially in a large and/or teaching hospital. If there isn't one nearby, it is worth making a trip to the nearest city where there is such a facility, and to listen carefully to what the orthopedic doctor says.
Again, with respect, Crystal, if this is a "slipped" or ruptured disk, I have strong doubts that any chiropractic treatment can help.
And my deeepest sympathy to your dh. Having been there and lived with that, I know there is hardly anything worse than back pain. It seems like whatever you do goes right to the back and hurts like crazy. One thing that can help when he is sitting, in the car or in a chair (a straight-back chair, not a deep upholstered or recliner chair) is a lumbar roll. This is a roll of think foam, about 7-8 inches across, in a cover, and with straps to fasten it to the chair. It is meant to be positioned so that it supports the lower back. You can also take a thick bath towel, roll it up, and fasten it with rubber bands. When sleeping, he should try to sleep on his back with a pillow or two under his knees. When sitting, he should try to put a step-stool or thick phone book under one foot, and alternate feet every hour. All of this eases some of the strain on the muscles and can help ease the pain.
With respect to seeing a chiropractor, any reputable one will not perform ANY adjustments on someone with those symptoms without testing to RULE OUT herniated or ruptured disks. I am not dissing chiropractors, I used to go to a wonderful one, but chiropractic on someone with a ruptured disk can be devastating.
I've had 2 severely ruptured disks that required surgery. Am I 100% better? Not by any means. But, particularly following the first surgery, I am a LOT better. What most people are either too lazy, too stubborn, or too ignorant to realize, is that following back surgery, the recovery period is MOST CRITICAL. If you do everything your doctor tells to do or NOT to do, and then follow the prescribed exercises and physical therapy, you SHOULD experience relief. However, as in everything else in life, there is always a small percentage of people who will not be helped. I was a good patient after my first surgery, but I didn't listen as well after the second surgery, and I'm paying for it now.
Left untreated, either by surgery or other means, ruptured disks can cause permanent nerve damage. From your description, it sounds like your DH has a problem around L4/L5 or L5/S1. I have ruptured both of those disks. I have some permanent nerve damage from the first rupture @ L4/L5 in the form of permanent numbness in one foot and a hamstring and calf muscle that are no longer functioning 100%.
Xrays will not diagnose soft tissue injuries such as disk ruptures. An MRI is required for that. An MRI is a totally painless procedure. However, it could be problematic for anyone who is claustrophobic. In that case, you are usually given Valium or something similar to help you relax.
As Ginny mentioned, in recent years there have been incredible advances in back surgery. There is an arthroscopic type back surgery available now, and they are doing disk implants, etc.
The thing to do, as Ginny also mentioned, is to find a good orthopedic and go from there. It's possible that your DH may need to see a neuro doc if his disk is badly ruptured and he does need surgery.
Don't panic though. You need to know exacty what you are dealing with first. Try doing the things that Ginny suggested above also. That will help alleviate some of the pressure and pain in the meantime.
Your DH was put on steroids to bring down the inflammation. That alone will cause a lot of pain. I was on a Medrol dose pack immediately following both of my ruptures. The first time, we had to wait for the swelling to subside before surgery could even be done.
Something important to remember is when you have back problems, there will be certain things you just can't do and you should listen to a doctor who tells you that. You only have one back and it has to last you all of your life. After my second surgery, I was determined that I was going to continue doing everything I had done before, includng yard work, wallpapering, painting, lifting heavy boxes, etc. Take it from one who has learned the hard way - I have some serious spine issues now - see the proper medical professional and ask a lot of quesions. Get a second opinion if you're not comfortable with what you are told. But don't NOT do anything. He could have a serious problem, and you can't ignore it.
Good luck!
My DH has had 2 back surgeries due to ruptured disks.The 1st one when he was 29 and it went well for about 6yrs He coughed one morning and fell to the floor and couldnt move.Hes always had the numbness down the left leg(siatica)He had the 2nd surgery 6yrs ago and now has more damage to the nerve down into the foot he says is foot is zinging all the time.His back has never been better(knock on wood) but the nerve damage is a constant bother.He now goes for a massage weekly and it seems to help He is also on Gabapentin at night which helps him sleep better.Good luck theres nothing worse than back pain
Ginny, no apologies are needed. First, I was posting when I was exhausted, so my post didn't actually come out how I wanted it to, LOL!! Don't mind me, that's why I should stay away from the computer late at night. Now, I certainly bow to more experienced people on this topic, you and Karen give great advice. I agree with Karen that no good doctor will do ANY adjustments without making sure there are not ruptured or slipped disks. I only suggest getting examined because I know people (including my dad) who were mis-diagnosed, and urged to have back surgery when it wasn't actually necessary.
I definitely agree about people having back surgery when it isn't necessary. I know my orthopedic doc says he never does surgery for at least 6 months after the onset of back problems unless there is a trauma (accident) AND/OR the pain is severe, constant, and cannot be alleviated by medications. (Of course, one of the reasons I chose this doctor is because I knew he is well qualified to do back surgery but conservative about surgery in general.)
Crystal, you are right, there are many cases of people who have been misdiagnosed.
An MRI will definitively diagnose a rupture or herniation, and then it's pretty much dependent on the severity of it, and each individual's symptoms.
I think a point I was trying to make above, but didn't make clearly (and reading back over it, it sounds a bit ugly - sorry for that! LOL), was that back surgeries are not always unsuccessful. A lot of the outcome depends on the person doing what they are supposed to do in recuperation, and of course, exercising to strengthen their core and back muscles. Many people who have had back surgeries just are not willing to do the work to get the maximum recovery.
Speaking of oxymorons...reputable chiropractor?? That's one! 
Okay, I'm bad---going to time out now.
BTW, I agree with Ginny and Karen.
Ok, funny this topic is up! Dh had an MRI Monday for back pain. The dr called today and said it is a mild bulging dish and to continue the meds he gave him for at least 5 days. I don't know the name of them, but they are a anti-inflamitory. I don't know anything at all about bulging disks. Anyone with experience? With the meds take care of it? I am assuing that a bulging disk just means it is swollen/inflamed and the meds will correct it right?? The dr did say that if it gets worse or doesn't get better, he will be referred to someone.
Well, I'll be the odd man out. I've done some more looking into this today, and chiros CAN successfully treat bulging/slipped disks. Basically, it's just a more sever version of sublaxation, and some HMOs won't even consider allowing a patient to undergo surgery until they've seen a chiro for it. A chiropractor is an actual doctor, they go to school for more years than an MD (2-4 undergrad, 4 years of chiropractic school), and discrediting them is just as easy as discrediting a therapist of any sort. They provide therapy, adjustment, and treatment of the spine and neck, without medication OR surgery, so how is that not worth at least checking into?? Vicki, a bulging disk means the disk that pads the vertebrae has started to push out of place (sublaxation). It's all degrees of the same ailment, and I've already stated my opinion on it. I hope everyone with back problems is feeling better soon.
Crystal, I'm aware that chiropractors can and will treat herniated disks, but they won't (or shouldn't) until they've seen MRI results. Some of them use traction, which is pretty much the simplest thing you can use. And in certain cases, it works.
However, in the case of a rupture with free floating pieces (like I had), manipulation/adjustment poses a risk of putting more pressure on the nerve, if any of the broken pieces of disk get pushed into it.
I guess I am just really gun-shy about chiropractors since I've had 2 disks that were ruptured with free floating pieces. Before that, I used one for years, and got a lot of relief for neck, back and hip problems. Now, I'm afraid of being adjusted, mainly because I have 3 more herniated disks, DDD, arthritis in my neck and back and spinal stenosis. I am actually having some symptoms now of another rupture around S-1, and I am terrified. I see my doctor again in 10 days, so I'm just trying to hold on.
Everyone has their own opinion regarding chiropractors. I, for one, believe they can help many conditions a lot, IF you have a good one. I certainly would never just pick one out of the phone book. The only ones I've ever seen I found by personal recommendations.
Depending on Shann's DH's condition, if he has an MRI and can take the films/reports to a good chiropractor, there's a chance he could get relief.
And Pam, I guess we'll agree to disagree on this one! I don't find chiropractors any worse as a group than neurosurgeons or orthopedists or any other specialty in the medical profession. There are quacks everywhere, just as there are good ones everywhere as well.
Karen, I realize there is a certain point that it becomes dangerous because of free-floating pieces. I just felt a bit attacked for simply suggesting he at least have a consult with a chiro, and I hate that people act like they are voodoo docs. I have 3 compressed disks in my lumbar right now, and had some severe whiplash in my neck, so I've been doing traction and adjustments, and my x-rays have proven that it's working. I completely feel for people in your position, my dad hit a deer in his police cruiser, flipped it, tore off the lightbar, etc. Since then he's had compressed disks, and one ruptured, and has continual back problems. He can still work (even worked on a bicycle for a couple years after the accident) and lift weights, but he's always in pain.  Back problems suck big time.
I'm sorry if you felt attacked by me. I certainly didn't mean to come across as though I were attacking anyone. And I definitely don't think chiropractors are voodoo!
All I'm trying to say is, in some cases, chiropractic isn't a good idea. In others, it's a Godsend.
Funny too, a surveyor I work with was talking to me this morning about chiropractic, and I repeated my same fears to him. But I've had great results with chiropractic for things in the past.
Again, I'm sorry if I offended you, or anyone else.
hubby goes in tomorrow for his mri. She said they should have his results by Monday. Dh asked about a chiropractor and the Dr. almost shouted NO at him. Dr. said no chiropractor should even touch him until they find out whats going on. So say a prayer that all is going to be good.
Thanks All
Karen, you didn't... no need to apologize. Even still, we're all entitled to our opinions. Shann, it's not surprising that a MD said no chiro, mine did too, but a chiro will do Xrays and exams before ANY adjustments... it is something to consider. Doctors are human, and sometimes we trust them too much, IMO (remember my Effexor post?) it's always worth a consult if you are open to second opinions... especially with something so serious. I really hope your hubby feels better soon, I totally sympathize with his pain and frustration.
Crys, this "but a chiro will do Xrays and exams before ANY adjustments..." is not always true. There are bad everything in this world. Doctors to homeless people..
Educate yourself so you can double check what they are doing and ask questions when you don't understand. BUT never trust anyone blindly... And don't agree to anything you don't understand.. We all have the internet at our finger tips, there is no excuse to have anything done, take anything, with out knowing the possible side effects.,.
My great grandma has had almost every joint replaced and she gets along great at 95. Another lady I know went through spinal fusion at 37 and she is a mess. All depends on the quality of the doctor and the over all health of the patient. This could make things better for him, or it could make them worse. But coming from someone that is in constant pain, I can tell you that if you don't try anything and everything you can. It will only get worse because the damage untreated deteriorates, meaning more pain and more complications in the future..
Question, is he already seeing a surgeon or is this his primary physicians recommendations? When I was first diagnosed, the first treatments were physical therapy, and pain management. Surgery wasn't even discussed until I was in pain for over 6 months, which I can not have.. Insurance generally won't pay unless there is proof the pain won't lessen on it's own and that they problem can't be treated with anti inflammatories and rest..
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