back pain

[nancymlb]

I was diagnosed 2 years ago with grade I-II anterolisthesis at L5-S1 due to bilateral spondylolysis, associated with severe bilateral forminal stenosis and compression of both L5 nerve roots. One neurosurgeon recommended surgery and the second opinion said wait and try to lose weight and till pain is worse. I don't want surgery (my sister had it and it didn't work and on top of it she had a stroke).

At this point,symptoms are so escalating that I'm in constant pain even doing laundry. Sometimes I come home from work in tears because of the pain. I asked my doctor to let me try PT so I could learn how to live with the limitations and maybe manage to get the clothes out of the dryer in less pain. I take a limited amount of anti-inflammatories because of GERD. The biggest problem I'm having is now sitting and my legs feel weak and cramp all the time as well as the siatica. I'm only 57. Any advice would be appreciated. Nancy

 

[SpineAZ]

Nancy:

Surgery may indeed be a good option for you. Each year they improve on surgical procedures so perhaps go get a consultation with an Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and a Neurosurgeon to see what they can offer - and share with them what your sister's experience was - they may be able to help you understand how they can avoid that for you.