L-5-s-1

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SpineAZ

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If you have symptoms that are consistent with disc problems - then surgery may be a good option for you. What symptoms led you to see the doctor and what are you currently experiencing? You'll need to get detail on what exact type of surgery he/she is recommending.

For the most part back/neck surgery done when MRI's show specific problems and the patient has symptoms that correspond to the MRI findings....then the surgery can be very helpful. Back surgery is far less successful when done with no test results or symptoms that correspond with an area that can be fixed (i.e. someone has vague low back pain on occasion and then surgery is recommended for a discectomy...but there is no evidence of disc problems).
 
My doctor suggested i have a discetomy to relieve my back pain in the L-5 S-1 area.Does anybody know how long the recovery time is and the success rate of this procedure?
 
My problem is between l-5 and s-1 the disc is hitting a nerve root,at least that's what the mri says.Some days it does not hurt other days sever lower back pain and my right leg goes nurab or i should say it has areas that feel nurab,all it takes is one wrong move on my part.I tried the steroiRAB shots but only lasted a couple of months same as decompression,thanks for your reply
 
I had one in Oct. of 08, it had to be redone in May of 09 and I am no where near recovering...don't know if that is the norm or not ...there is no way I can go back to work right now and am looking at being off another month...very frustrating.
 
i'm not sure how to answer your question.The way i understand it they will cut part of the disc out between L-5-S-1 that is causing my problems.
 
Be sure to ask for a full clarification of what type of procedure they will do and how it will be done. There are a variety of techniques out there - including some that remove all the disc, some that just address part of the disc, some that involve fusion of the L5-S1 joint, etc.

If you are having a minimally invasive discectomy you may find you'll have a speedy recovery. That is because the incision will be small and the amount of surgical work will be minimal.
 
Thank you for taking the time to respond.my app is in the morning if you can think of any more questions that i should ask the doctor i can really use your help.
 
My doctor explained he would be cutting out the disc that is pushing on the nerve root. I realize that this is a general description, but I was unaware of any different types or strategies.
 
Sophie i'm so sorry to hear that my heart goes out to you.How long were you in bed after your first operation,and is the pain worst now than before you went under the knife?
 
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