Spinal Problems Archives

ruptured disc

I have had pain in my lower back for a long time. Recently it has caused major pain in my left leg. This has made it difficult to sit down,so I find myself taking pain medcine and standing alot. The orthepedic sergon I went to did a MRI. He says I have a RUPTURED DISC pinching the syodic nerve and wants to do back surgery to cut a part of the disc off that is pinching the nerve. What should I do???

Follow Ups:

• Re: ruptured disc Archive under spinal. Walt Stoll 09:21:23 8/17/99 (0)

In Reply to: ruptured disc posted by rodney allen on August 16, 1999 at 01:24:49:

Hi, Rodney.

No one but you can decide what is best for YOU. The best any physician can be is a helpful consultant. Remember:
"To a hammer, everything looks like a nail."

I had exactly the same problem you are describing but I had 5 defects (ruptures) on myelogram--all at the same time. I was told that my only option was surgery. Once I researched the rule of 3rds, I opted to wear a big back brace and take pain pills.

Fortunately for me, that was about the time I started to learn about holistic medicine. That was more than 20 years ago, I have never had surgery, and have had no pain or disability from my back for 20 years.

At least you need to know your options. Go to the archives link I have provided below and spend a few hours. THEN, if you still have questions, write again.

As you get well, I hope you will share your experiences with the BB participants so others will see that they DO have options. "We ARE our brothers' keeper."

Walt

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