Back Pain Community

hi and welcome to the support group -


first - GET ANOTHER OPINION ASAP- from either an Orthopedic Spine Specialist or Neurosurgeon Spine Specialist - or better get one from each - this way you will know what you are up against. A new MRI or CT Scan will be required if it's been more than a year. You should also see your primary care physician - he/she can also refer you to a good spine specialist. But you should do this ASAP.


second - I would request all medical records from the hospital and from the surgeon - these are your records and you should not have any problems obtaining them. the medical records from the surgeon and the hospital should tell you what was used as this is mandatory. then you can find out further what needs to be done.


third - seeing a good pain management clinic will help - I prefer seeing a PHYSIATRIST Pain Management Physician - here's link describing what they do -


http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spine-specialists/what-a-physiatrist


A PHYSIATRIST Pain Management Clinic will go to the underlying problem of pains and work with the best treatment options - they can work with you on your spine pains as well as the nerve issues. There are 2 very good meds available for nerve damage pains - Neurontin (Gabapentin is generic) or Lyrica. they are both very good at reducing nerve pains.


you can click on my name or pic and read my story - I had a single fusion L5-S1 in 2/2008. My surgery was a success as I have fused 100% and bone actually started to grow by my 3rd month post op (surgeon stated I had fused 100% by my 6th week post op!!). even though my surgery was a success I have worse pains than before my surgery and also, my disc had ruptured and splintered with part of the splinters was pressing on the S1 nerve root on both left and right side. the damage was severe enough where the nerve roots did not heal. I have been taking Gabapentin now for about 3-4 yrs and believe me it really helps the nerve pains. If I miss a dose (I take 3600mg daily 1/2 in morn and 1/2 at nite) I will start to notice increased pains/numbness/tingling in my legs so this med really works well for me. there are others on this support group that take Lyrica and have the same benefit.


Please keep us posted as to what you find out - seeing the right spine specialists will help you and also obtaining the medical records - be sure to get any and all MRI's, CT Scans etc., as sometimes they do take some sort of pics during surgeries to make sure they are getting it in place.


take care - Joy

I am wondering if a urologist should be contacted. This specialty deals with the problems you have mentioned. My husband found the urologist has been helpful. Just wondering if you are taking medication for high blood pressure and/or other medications can be culprits. I might be completely off base here, but those are my two cents worth. Disregard if I am treading in muddy waters.

Hey Charl - good to see you back on WEBMD -


I think first he should see his/her primary care physician to be examined and if needed the doc will refer him to a specialist as there are some insurance companies that require the primary physician to write a referral if seeing a doctor of a medical specialty.


the primary physician and a spine specialist should be taken care of together or as close as possible as the main complaint seems to be focused on a previous back surgery.


and No you are not treading muddy waters as you know we always welcome everyones' 2 cents worth~~it's what makes us a stronger support group -


thanks - take care - Joy