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Chiropractor vs spine surgery

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 3/10/2019 9:20 PM (GMT -5)
Hey guys, I have had chronic pain in my back for almost 2 years now. I thought it would heal itself so I didn’t do anything at first. When it started getting worse I tried going to a chiropractor for about 6 months and that didn’t help. Finally I went to a dr and they gave me a cortisone shot which gave me no relief. I followed up with her and she set me up with a physical therapist (who diagnosed me wrong and also didn’t help). I went back to my dr and she set me up with a spine specialist. After getting an MRI I have L4, L5 disc herneation. She got me a nerve block injunction (because I have horrible sciatic pain and a numb leg frequently). That gave a good bit of relief for about two weeks. I’ve also been working with a new PT that knows what is wrong. Suddenly my pain has triple and it’s been over a week of excruciating pain. My spinal specialist wants me to see a surgeon to talk about my options. My parents are insisting that I need to see a different chiropractor before surgery....does anyone have advise on if this is a bad idea?? Thank you for your advice in advance!!
Posted 3/11/2019 12:17 AM (GMT -5)
HI Tjohnson92, since you've already said you had the MRI and diagnosed with herniated lumbar disc, and have such terrible pain an some numbness in your legs, if it was me..... I wouldn't hesitate a minute to see a neurosurgeon just to see what if anything could be done to relieve the pain and pressure off those nerve roots! Personally I also would definitely stay clear of any chiropractor because depending on the severity of the disc herniation chiropractic manipulation could really make things allot worse for you!!! But I just base this on my personal experiences, you have to decide that for yourself!!

Another option ( I dont know if it would even be a viable option or possibility for you) but I have an implanted pain pump that infuses extremel low dose morphine directly into my lower spine and it does extremely well in controlling my lower back and leg pain and sciatica! So that might be something to consider???

Welcome to the forum! I wish you well, and Good luck to you!

White Beard
Posted 3/11/2019 3:15 PM (GMT -5)
Please do not let a chiropractor touch you.
Posted 3/11/2019 6:47 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you both for your advice. White beard, there is a lot of good information in there I appreciate it! I don’t really want to go to a chiropractor again but my mother is very angry with me for not going and trying. I will try to use some of the information you provided to help sooth her.
Posted 3/11/2019 8:12 PM (GMT -5)
Hi TJohnson & welcome to Healing Well. I have to agree with WhiteBeard, you already know about the herniated disc situation, a chiropractor would not be my choice of treatment at this stage. While some chiro's may help someone having a muscle or strain at this point you would be wise to avoid this route again. The force of a manipulation could inflict further damage. Ask your primary care dr to refer you to the best neurosurgeon for a consult to see what treatment options are available to you. You can go online & look for board certified, fellowship trained neurosurgeons in your area. This would be my choice. My son saw one & he asked me to go with him to the appt. Both of us were quite impressed with him. Don't let the term surgeon throw you for a loop either, not everyone is a surgical candidate. You just need to be seen by the best.

Take care.
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