Fusion?

[jhharris22]

35 year old healthy male that had a herniated disc at L3/L4 level. After months of chiropractic treatment and physical therapy I had a lurabar laminectomy which went well.

Six months later, here I am again with the same herniated disk at L3/L4(7mm bulge). The neurosurgeon immediately said he would recommend a unilateral single fusion.

My pain is moderate at best (maybe a 3); however it is very uncomfortable to straighten up after sitting down and I can't move around too fast which hinders the life I want to have.

With the above said can anyo0ne shed light on whether or not a fusion is a good idea? Me and my neurosurgeon feel that this disc is just not going to heal itself as it has herniated twice. He said I could trim it again but would expect to see my right back in his office in a short time.


Thanks for any help.

 

[jwalk247]

I had a fusion 4 years ago and got about 70% relief. I honestly wouldn't have another back surgery unless I was in terrible pain. It was a painful and long recovery. I am now experiencing horrible burning in my foot, groin and behind. The doc feels that the bone didn't fuse properly and wants to go in and place an anchor into the "cage" in my disc space to keep it from moving and aggravating the nerves. Were you told this was a possibility? Again, everyone's experience is different - but just take it slow and make sure you know all the risks.