Back Pain Questions Archive 2010 Part 1

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This is YOUR back pain questions and answers forum. Enjoy it, and use it to answer all your questions on back pain.

A: Hi Randy, The email you provided was wrong... I hope you see this...

Hi Randy, If she has a broken back, it is the L2 vertebrae, not disc. Is this correct? If so, this is probably a compression fracture, which is very common in elderly people, especially those with porous bones or a history of osteoporosis. As far as pain management, I suggest she speak to her doctor, since the cancer treatment may require special methods. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi there... is have suffered severe back spasms since the age of 8 yrs old. I have been to hospital several times but x rays etc show nothing. The only thing i now can think is that is psychosomatic due to being beaten on my back as a child. However, as i say nothing is physically wrong yet the pain is worse than giving birth, truly excruciating. All my doctor has done is prescribed dicoflex and diazapam. My spasms can be triggered at anytime, the last time washing up and i sneezed! I can go months free from this condition, but it can strike at anytime. Although the medication works, i do not like taking it as it makes me feel 'away with the fairies', if you know what i mean. Is there anything psychological that i can try??? Doctor also gave me exercises to do which made my symptoms worse. Sara

A: Hi Sara, I recommend knowledge therapy for you. You are the definition of an ideal candidate. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Adam, I have had back pain for over 30 years and it was sporadic annoyance as a child and once I hit 30, I couldn't sit for over a year the pain was so intolerable. I went to physical therapy religiously for almost 20 years for "stability" control of my back. I "Rolfed", accupuntured, gin shined, tried the alexander method, pilates, yoga, read Sarno, been in a writing class for over 3 years journaling and writing about my pain, prolotherapy, 2 epidurals, 3 nerve blocks which worked for a few months at a time for the sacrum and hip pain but not the back pain ... You name it and I have tried it. The modalities that seems to be the most helpful to date are the feldenkrais method and isolated stretching. That being said every day I still have pain, these modality lessen the degree of the pain for a period of time, and are both long term modalities. Some days the pain is intolerable and it takes me an hour to reduce the symptoms. I don't take medications because I am concerned with the side affects and I have low functioning liver, kidney and adrenals according to eastern medicine. Probably from all the advils I use to take for terrible period cramps for over 30 years. Not to mention how grogged out I get on medicine, which seems to run in my family.

I have been diagnosed with severe central stenosis at the 4/3 along with moderate foraminal stenosis and spondylolisthesis at the 4/3 the 4/5 also has moderate stenosis and severe degenerative disc disease. I have been to 4 neurosurgeons who have all echoed the same treatment: double fusion. I have avoided fusion for over 30 years and I really don't want to go now but I am concerned about the lost of bladder control or sexual function that may occur -over time or over night- with severe stenosis. Not to mention that the pain is beginning to bring me down into a depression. I am terrified of fusion and now terrified not to have it. Any suggestions? Jay

A: The email you provided was incorrect. I hope you see this...

Hi Jay, I would like to take a look at your MRI report before advising you. Please type it or send it at your convenience. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: sir my father of age 58 years a railway employee (driver) is suffering from a back pain in right leg which extends from his buttocks till about the knees (back portion) whenever he suddenly stands or sometimes simply stands after sitting, sir i want your suggestions about this conditions and also ur advice for treatment. please sir.... Deepak

A: Hi Deepak, Successful treatment relies completely on accurate diagnosis. The first step is to get him to a qualified doctor to perform an exam and hopefully include diagnostic imaging to see what is going on in his lower spine. When you have some information, please send it along and I will be happy to provide an opinion on treatment. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Comment: Awesome site. The best out there! Julia

A: Hi Julia, Thanks for the kind words, short and sweet! Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: i have terrible spasms that come and go. i also have rectocele and it aches very bad at the back part of the rectum. i get the spasms in the lower back and into my pelvis. also when i sit, it seems for a long time pressure across the bottom of my butt. i'm on narcotics for pain and try not to take them as much only when i get desperate. i'm 68 yrs female also have had 4 epidurals, several mris and ct scan. i went to several doctor and one week from now, i have another appt with another neurosurgeon. the last one i saw said well that rules out a herniated disc so you don't need me and sent me for the epidurals of which did not help at all. sorry for making this so long. please if you can help me. could this be muscles like a levator nerve ect? here is some info on my mri etc..of 5/09

w/o contrast lumbar spine multisequential t1t2 obtained w/ axial images from t12 thru s1 the largest lower most intervertebral disk space is refered to l5 s1 t12-l1 demonstrates diffuse bulging osteophyte disk complex with mild facet hypertrophy minimally effacing the anterior epidural space and producing mild spinal canal, butno significant neural foraminal stenosis l1-2 level same almost as above except and ligamentum flavum and mild neural forminal stenosis l2-3 dems broad based mod osteophyte disk complex and mild neural foraminal stenosis l4-s1 moderate facet arthropathy mild discogenic changes are seen at l2-3 and with mild fluid in the interverebral disk space at l4-5 the conus ends at t12-l1 and is unremarkable mild lumbar lordosis is demonstrated with narrowed intervertebral disk spaces from l2-3 thru l4-5...a ct scan 4/09 multi level disc disease with foraminal stenosis noted at all levels

I don't have spondylolisthesis no obvious disk herniation, however there is degeneration of all disk levels with bulging not only into the canal but into the foramina..the epdural shows narrow spinal canal and bilateral neural forminal stenosis was noted at t12-l1 and l1-l2 neural foramina..sacroiliac joints are ok. i'm type 2 diabetic had two knee replacements in late o8 and 2/09 total knee replacement..my emg, of which i will never do again, showed abnormal study due to electrophysiological evidence of a mild axonopathic peripheral neuropathy as seen with patients with dm. acute denervation signs found in the medial gastrocnemius muscles could be either neuropathy or a super imposed bilateral si lumbosacral radiculopathy. then i had the lumbar spine of which i told you about above. i'm on a 3 day patch and sometimes in between i have to take a small dose of morphine of which i try not to very often the dr and pharmacy said that i wouldn't get addicted to the morphine as long as i had severe pain as the pain absorbs the morphine, but i don't trust it. sorry for so long but i thought i might as well give you everything now.. what do you think? i went to a uro/gyn and they gave me therapy 2x a wk for muscles in butt and lower back but i quit finally didn't seem to help after 2 months. maybe i shouldn't have quit what about an osteopath? i'm desperate after one year of this... it seems after i did my knees i got worse help. Judith

A: Hi Judith, I see no structural reason for your symptoms, either, and credit your doctors for this opinion. That, in itself, is refreshing... I do not think the rectocele is anything more than coincidental, since it is not abnormal at your age. The diabetes may be responsible for some of the pain, as noted by the physician who performed the EMG. The other logical explanation is an ischemia syndrome, which makes perfect sense to me, but may not to you... If you feel this may be a partial or total cause, then I advise knowledge therapy as the correct therapy option. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Thank you for an informative web site! Over the years I have had continual back problems. In fact, when I was born in 1960 I had scoliosis and wore braces on my feet until I was two. I didn't learn of the scoliosis until processing OUT of the Army. I guess they wanted me :)

Years of a hard life in law enforcement on some pretty mean streets took a toll. In 1991 I wrestled with a 300+ pounder and lost. I ripped both sides of my groin and had bi-lateral hernia surgery.

My biggest issue, however, has been neck and shoulder pain. I have been seeing a Chiropractor for years and at first his adjustments helped although knowing my days were numbered. But last year we had 11 feet of snow and I shoveled and shoveled, plus I fought the "monster," a 10HP tractor driven snow blower that needed one fix after another and had to be pushed more than it's tractors pulled.

I finally blew C4-5, 5-6 and 7-8 were suspect. Surgery only made it worse. To date I am in significant neck and sacroiliac pain that was not present before the surgery. My hands and forearms are numb down through the forth and fifth finger on both hands, although the pre-surgical complaint was extreme left elbow pain. A Posiatrist diagnosed through exam and radiology that C7-8 and were left / created impinged. I personally believe that the Orthopedic Surgeon, who stated that the x-rays showed nothing in spite of differing opinions, screwed up the surgery.

Post-surgically I also have debilitating sacroillitus pain down the right leg causing extreme hip pain and numbness to my toes. No amount of aspirin, Tylenol, Vicodin, or Motrin alleviates the pain. Even a chiropractic adjustment is short lived.

MY QUESTION of you is this. I have noticed that when I press on my right hip where the nerve appears to be impinged or otherwise I definitely feel it in my neck at C7-8! Is it possible that the condition of the neck is causing "something" in the lower back?Bob

A: Hi Bob, C7-T1 yes? There is no C8 in the normal human anatomy, only a C8 nerve root. Yes, it is possible for issues in the cervical spine to enact lower body symptoms, especially severe spinal stenosis. However, this does not appear to correspond with your symptoms AT ALL. Have you ever had lumbar imaging performed? If so, what were the results? If not, this is my recommendation. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi, I'm Jay, 23. I have a lower back problem for about 10 months now primarily due to lifting and also sitting for a long period of time. I don't feel any numbness in my legs or any other areas of my body. my lower back pain occurs when i sit for a longer period or when I try to stretch. I had an xray last year and it showed no abnormalities.

Last december I finally consulted a doctor and he recommended me to have an MRI scan, so last week i finally had it and the result of the scan are the following:

-The lumbar spine shows straightening of the normal lordotic curve.-There is compression of the L4-5 intervertebral disk with diffuse disk bulge showing central to left moderately narrowed while the right neural foramen is mildly narrowed-The adjacent L3-4 and L5-S1 levels likewise show mild posterior central disk protrusion indenting the thecal sac. The corresponding neural foramina do not exhibit significant narrowing.

IMPRESSION:-L4-5 slight disk compression and diffuse bulge with central to left foraminal marked protrusion/extrusion producing moderate central canal and left foraminal stenosis and slight right foraminal stenosis.-L3-4 and L5-S1 mild posterior disk protrusions indenting the thecal sac.-Lumbar straightening may be due to muscle spasm.

My doctor recommended me to have an operation/surgery cos according to him this will eliminate the pain for life. According to him if the treatment will be based on therapy or medication alone there is a possibility that the pain may occur again. Having heard from him, what are the therapies that he is mentioning? I still like to keep my options open... Is surgery the only best solution to this problem? Thanks very much for the time. Jay

A: Hi Jay, You will have to ask your doctor what therapies they are referring to, as there are a great number of options. I could not disagree with your doctor any more if I tried. I do not see ANY significant structural reason for your pain and do not think the MRI results are anything more than coincidental to the symptoms. I am quite sure that pain is ischemic and conditioned. I definitely do not recommend surgery, regardless of whether you think the pain is structural or not. Surgery offers abysmal results and is the main reason for chronic and UNTREATABLE back pain postoperatively... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have had 5 surgeries over the the past 6 years. I have had 2 discectomies a bone spur removal, a fusion L5/S1 and then I had the hardware from my fusion removed. I have pain in my L-leg and foot along with numbness in 90% of the L-foot. I also have pain in my toes if I do not take my pain medicine. I have just recently had another MRI the said I have scare tissue forming around my nerve and a bulge in my L3/L4. What do you recommend for me to do to keep the the budge from herniating. My pain management doctor says to take my meds. At this time I am on Lyrica and Tramadol. I refuse to take sleeping pills and muscle relaxers. I have to go to work. This all started in 2004 when I worked in a cafeteria and had to do alot of lifting. What would you recommend I do? Terri

A: Hi Terri, Had you written to me before the first surgery, I am sure I would have had a alot to say. At this point, you are greatly limited, as the fusion is UNDOUBTEDLY causing the stress at the higher level and it WILL continue. This is why fusion is a barbaric and poorly conceived treatment, even when indicated (almost never, FYI.) I wish I had something better to tell, but all I can do is hope and pray for you that your fusion will not do what most do (set off a life long series of progressive surgeries...) I do send my best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: HI MY NAME IS SANDIP. I AM A GRADUATE BOY. RECENTLY I AM WORKING IN AS A COMPUTER OPERATOR IN AN PRIVATE FIRM. MY AGE IS 24. I HAVE BACKPAIN SINCE WHEN MY AGE IS 19. THEN I HAD GONE TO A ORTHOPADIC DOCTOR, WHERE HE HAD DONE MY BACK BONE X RAY. AND AFTER SEEING THE REPORT HE HAD SUGGESTED THAT I HAVE A SPONDYLOLYSIS IN MY BACKBONE OF L6 AND L5. THEN AFTER I HAD EATEN SOME MEDICINE FOR 6 MONTHS BUT IT HAD NOT NOT CURED. BUT AT LAST I HAD GONE TO A PHYSIOTHERAPIST WHERE HE HAD TAUGHT ME SOME YOGA. IN DOING THAT YOGA'S IN HAD CURED VERY MUCH. THEN AFTER 1 YEAR. I FELT THAT I HAD CURED BUT AGAIN AFTER 2 YEARS MY SAME PAIN STARTED AND I AM AGAIN SUFFERING FROM THAT BACKBONE PAIN. PLEASE SUGGEST ME WHAT TO DO AND HOW CAN I GET RID OF THAT DISEASE. Sandip

A: Hi Sandip, Being that you did not mention a spinal injury, I will assume that your spondylolysis, like most, is genetic. In these cases, the symptoms rarely come from the condition, although the defect is sometimes used as a scapegoat to explain the pain. You do not have a disease or an injury, just a slightly different bone structure in the pars interarticularis. There is no reason to suspect this as the source of your pain, since in the vast majority of diagnosed patients, it is innocent and asymptomatic. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I blew out my L-5 disc in 93, had surgery which helped and had minor problems since then. Now I have a chunk of my L-3 disc laying between my L-4 vertebra and my nerves. A first round of steroids helped and I felt better. My doctor said I could go on with life so I walked 18 holes of golf and now I am in agony. I have been hurting for weeks and nothing is working as far as meds. I have done back exercises and rehab stuff but I am still hurting horribly every day. I am supposed to have surgery this wed where they want to put in some screws and stuff. I am very afraid of this surgery but so desperate for relief that I am going to do it. I need an answer quick if you have an alternative to this. I just don't see how I can fix this without them physically taking the broken chunk out. Mac

A: Hi Mac, I will not try to convince you not to get surgery, but I can say that I absolutely DO NOT recommend fusion for disc issues. If you read my articles on spinal fusion, you will surely know why... I can not provide you with alternatives without having additional diagnostic information. If you would like to send you MRI report, I will be happy to take a look. I can tell you that disc issues as you describe are rarely the actual source of pain. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: hello! My name is Alla, I am a middle age professional. I have been suffering back pain since August 2009 (about 6 mos now). The pain came gradually, there was no impact or incident. My MRI has shown obvious herniated disc L5 that pinched the sciatic nerve and gives me hard time to sit/lay down/etc. I have been recommended to undergo physical therapy, which I have, with no good results, in my opinion. The pain is there and if I don't use pain killers I can't sleep, sit, work. I have had 3 independent orthopedics opinions. One rushed to surgery, 2 others said to try all other options (therapy, injections, etc. before going under the knife). I am exhausted of that pain and wish sometimes that I scheduled that surgery asap. But I have read about the risks of surgeries and hesitate to do that. My life is miserable, i am in constant pain, I think the painkillers will stop working soon, what will i do then ?How do i interview the orthopaedic surgeon?, how do i know is is very good at surgeries ? I do I make the most right decision ?thank you for any suggestion/advice, Alla.

A: Hi Alla, It is impossible that a herniated disc pinches the sciatic nerve, since that nerve does not even meet the spine. What occurs is a herniated disc can potentially impinge on one of the 5 spinal nerve roots which eventually go on to form the sciatic nerve. However, this is very rare and often misdiagnosed. If you would like to send your MRI report, I will be happy to provide my opinion on your disc issue. As far as answering your existing questions... I can tell you that you should do independent research on any surgeon you are considering. Run their name through Google and search the medical boards and government agencies for any history of litigation or disciplinary actions. Regardless of whether a surgeon is good at what they do or not does not change the fact that surgery is a poor choice for treating back pain and rarely cures the problem. Often, it makes it far worse and does permanent damage to the spinal structures. I always advise patients to avoid surgery unless there is absolutely no other option and even then, only comply in extremely rare cases. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: please help me, my father has mild spondylodegenerative changes with mild disc bulge at D11-12 with no compression please advise us, Akram

A: Hi Akram, From the information provided, there is nothing to advise, since the condition described is completely normal and assympotmatic... No reason to expect pain from this diagnosis. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi there! My name is Tara and I am writing on behalf of my daughter, who is 16 and has been diagnosed with DDD. We are starting PT for the 2nd time, 1st time didn't help much...But I am just trying to get some information to make some informed decisions. Anything that you could relay to me on this matter would be great! Thank you! Tara

A: Hi Tara, Sure, DDD is normal and universal. That is a start. There is nothing to treat and nothing to cure. This might explain why treatment was not so satisfying the first time. DDD is the single greatest back pain scapegoat known to our species and is blamed for pain, although almost never (actually never in my own experience of tens of thousands of patients) causes it. I hope this may get you off the wrong path. Just for arguments sake... Even if DDD were an issue (which it is not), how is physical therapy going to treat it? The diagnosis is based on a lose of disc height and size due to dehydration. Exercises will not do anything to change this. You should ask your doctor this and get ready for a tale tale...Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have two herniated discs the L4 and L5 how would i be able to cure these back pains? Rene

A: Hi Rene, Most herniated discs are not the source of any pain, so there is usually nothing to all to cure. If you would like to send you MRI report, I will be happy to provide an opinion on your specific case. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi, I am 26 weeks pregnant and developed what felt like a muscle strain in my upper back (left side). It went away after a few days. I then spent two 4 hour stretches (with one break each way) in a car over the course of two days and sat at a basketball game. When I got back home the pain seemed to come back. It got worse and a few days later, it was in my shoulder and chest. I had an OB appt and they sent me to the ER, where they ruled out anything heart related and a PE. Their diagnosis was Chest wall strain. That was two days ago. I don't have pain when I am sitting - just when I stand or try and lie down. I can't sleep on either side right now because of the pain, and I have gotten about 3 hours sleep the last two nights. I am a little panicky that it's something else. My husband did find what felt like a knot in my upper back and when he pressed on it it felt great. I am just wondering if I should be more worried and go back to the ER or if there is anything I can do to help heal it. I am bordering on exhausted and don't want to run myself down, as I have other medical issues concerning my pregnancy. Any advise would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! Stephanie

A: Hi Stephanie, It sounds like a muscle issue to me and may well be related to the stress of the pregnancy, especially if you are worried with other health concerns. If your tests came back ok, then I would chalk it up to the increased demands on your body and mind and not get too nervous about it, since this will likely escalate the symptomology. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I'm contacting you regarding back pain that my daughter has been experiencing for the past 9 months. Prior to the back pain she was an active, outgoing, high school student. After a never ending search for someone that can come up with a cause and cure for her back pain we came across Dr. Sarno and TMS. While my daughter has never experienced any traumatic events in her life, she has a very type A personality and has always been an overachiever. Her attitude and personality have definitely suffered due to the pain she has been experiencing. I have kept some detailed records of doctors visits, tests and various drugs that she's been on over the past 9 months. Please see that information below. I plan to purchase Dr. Sarno's Healing Back Pain book today, however if you know of a Doctor in the St. Louis, MO area that could help or if you have any other information that could help we would forever be in your debt. Kim

A: Hi Kim, I do not know of any TMS care providers in your area. However, I also do not feel that professional care for TMS is needed in almost every case. Give your daughter the chance to work on the book and the treatment on her own. I am sure she will respond well without the help of a doctor. In fact, with all the medical and complementary care she has already endured, I am sure she would like a break from it all, since the more you do, the less it seems to help her. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: hi i have a herniated disk in 6 & 7.. got it now for 3 months and i have my good and bad days... i've been to pt but got up one day after it all swollen.. did i do something to much for that.. what can i do to take this away and get back to my life?.. i feel like a lazy lump now...sorry to say.. i've always been very active and want to get back in the swing of things.is there something else i can do to speedy this up and get out of pain? i have the pain in my upper back still and near my elbow, not as much of the tingling has gone away... what can i do? please help me... i just want to get up int he morning pain free... Susan

A: Hi Susan, I assume you mean at C6/C7, yes? I would like to take a look at the MRI report before advising you. Please also detail all the exact symptoms, in terms in location and expression. This will help me to know exactly what you are dealing with. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hi there I was diagnosed two months ago after having an MRI of my lumbar spine with "Root compression at L5 and S1, disk dessication and annulus fibrosis. (sp?) I have severe sciatica on my left side all the way down to my toes with tingling,itching of feet,calf muscle spasm. My pain is worse when I lay down and sit down for a long period of time then try and walk again it just kills me. I am not one to take alot of pain killers so I try and deal with it best I can my Doc does have me on naproxen 1 bid and elavil 1 25 mg at night (which dont last all night). They are wanting to send me to PT and see if that helps , but they do have me setup to talk to a neuro consult. I am just wondering what are they going to do during PT to help me (exercises,massage?) I am young only 38 and I dont want to live with this for the rest of my life. I was a groomer for 5 years and recently closed my shop cause I just couldn't do it anymore. Thanks, Tanya

A: Hi Tanya, You must have at least parts of your diagnosis incorrect, since annulus fibrosus is the medical term for the disc wall, not a painful condition. Disc desiccation is universal, as I am sure you have read on my site, so this is also a nonissue. This is just FYI... During PT, the therapist will likely use exercises and stretching, as well as possible other modalities, such as TENS, massage, hydrotherapy and even dietary alteration. Every therapist has their own approach. I send you all my best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Followup: Hi there, Here is exactly what my doctor wrote down for me L5-S1, root compression and disc dessication L5-S1 + hypertrophy of annulus fibrosis on left side.

A: Hi Tanya, Yes, Hypertrophy is the diagnosis, not annulus fibrosus. Your doctor is simply saying you have a enlarged outer disc wall on the left, also called a bulging disc... Doctors should really use terms patients can fully understand. It is one of my many issues with them. Best, S.A.R.

Q: my father diagnosed lumbar spondylotic & degenerative disc disease with diffuse bulge with overriding posterocentral & right paracentral extrusion of L3-L4. he is 66 yrs old. sir i want to know what problem is this n what is the treatment for that. Dr. C

A: Hi Doctor, The diagnosis entails arthritis and disc desiccation in one or more lumbar spinal levels. This is normal and universal, especially for a 66 year old. There is a herniated disc at L3/4 which has extruded, although from the limited info you have provided, there is no indication that this extruded material is doing anything to cause pain. I do not see anything inherently symptomatic from the details provided. If the actual MRI report has more info, this may revise my opinion. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: My son had 11 hour spinal fusion surgery for Kyphosis december 07..(at age 17) has been through physical therapy,occupational therapy for the nerve damage. this surgery has changed his life significantly he can not do a lot of things a normal 17 yr old can do. he is now 19. having another surgery due to hooks unhooking. so he has to go thru another surgery for revision of hardware upper thoracic spine with bone graft replace hooks and bend down rod. His doctor wants to put him on celebrex but i have read it has many class action law suits and i don't want this to be a permanent lifetime med (doc says he would have to take because he takes too much motrin etc)Im afraid of the future stomach issues.Liver and kidney issues..... I am trying to find natural remedies for his pain. I hate to him taking prescription meds for the rest of his life. i have printed out many things. but am wondering if you could guide me to a good site. I am willing to pay for anything that will work. but there are so many sites,,,so many different pricing I don't know where to begin. any help would be life changing !! thank you, Lisa

A: Hi Lisa, I am not sure I understand your question. Are you looking for a referral to a site that sells meds or natural pain relievers? If so, I do not provide this service. You might tell him to consider acupuncture as an alternative pain management system. I send my best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: I have a 12yr old daughter and this past August she started having severe lower back/ tailbone pain. Well now it has become worse. She can not sit, laydown or stand for very long. The pain is right around her tailbone area. She has never fell or injured her back in anyway so if you could please let me know what could be causing this. Thank You, Jimmie

A: Hi Jimmie, I sincerely recommend that you take your daughter to a qualified doctor for an exam. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: My elder brother (27yr) faced a RTA on 22nd December 2009. He was operated on 23rd Dec. Now he is in Paraplegia condition. My family is very anxious to know whether he can walk again or not. After 10 days of his operation he is referred to Indian Spinal Injuries Center, Delhi for rehabilitation through Physiotherapy. Please suggest what to do for his full recovery.I'll be grateful if you reply. Atanu

A: Hi Atanu, I do not know the reason for his condition. I can tell you that many back surgeries are unsuccessful, but few lead to permanent paralysis. This matter is beyond my scope and should be handled by the doctors treating your brother, since they are completely informed of his actual condition. I send you and him my best and I will hope and pray for his recovery. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Good day! I just turned 26 and in June of 2009 I underwent a2 level fusion with the ALIF procedure. I was never told of the fusion rate that was only 70 % with this type of surgery and was told that I would be able to go back to my normal activities which included playing with my children, working and riding horses, working in the job as a vet assistant. My husband had to move 6 weeks after surgery due to his career as a flyer in the Airforce, after our move I had to change to a different doctor to take over and was told that the results of this surgery are not in my favor and that I will never be able to go back to my life as once was. I am no longer allowed to play with my children which are 6 years old and a 1 year old little girl. I am deeply hurt because I am only 26 years old and all of my quality of life has been taken from me. I don't know what to do at this point and I am not sure how to feel or to make any of which has been done right. I am not a candidate for removal of the equipment or am I able to fix what has been done due to the procedure would kill me if they go back in through the front. So where does this leave me is what I am left asking myself. I have been told that a law suit would most likely rule in my favor because they are so hard to win. I am lost needless to say! Scared is another word for what I feel. Sincerely, Annemarie

A: Hi Annemarie, Yes, your story is a common one. What you may not know is that the 70% success rate is deemed only based on the fusion actually holding successfully. It has nothing to do with the cure rate or any decrease in symptoms. This rate is closer to a single digit percentage... Fusion is almost always the worst possible choice and should be removed from the treatment options, except in the most extreme of cases. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: i had back surgery over two years ago. Fused my back i have titanium steel. My question is...is there anything i can do to correct this matter. I am always hour for hour in excruciating pain. Even though i am taking meds pain will go away for a while. I'm sick and tired and overwhelmed with. What can i do?Thank You! Norma

A: Hi Norma, As I am sure you have already read on my site, I am a severe critic of spinal fusion, since it rarely cures anything and almost always creates more pain immediately or eventually. Fusion is in itself an unenlightened approach to surgery and surgery itself is a poor treatment for back pain. It is difficult to advise post-fusion patients, since the nature of their condition goes against the organic design of the spine... I do send you my best and hope you can spread the word about the dangers of fusion to patients considering the torture, uh, I mean procedure... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

Q: Hello my name is Daniel I'm a 20 year old college basketball athlete and I've been having this constant pain in my right buttox/lower back and it really hurts when i m sitting and then I stand up it also hurts to stand up straight and touch my toes. Its been hurting for about 3 weeks it started after I took a 2 week break from basketball then went back to playing. Also it isn't that painful while playing basketball but when I'm done it really painful. Can you please tell me what's wrong and how to get rid of this pain. Daniel

A: Hi Daniel, I can not diagnose you from your email. I can advise you to get a comprehensive exam from your doctor and if you receive imaging results, I will be happy to provide my opinion on treatment. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki

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