My Nagging BackI am 45 years old and I have been suffering with lower back pain now for 15+ years. My back has "went out" several times throughout the years. Once, approximately 7 years ago, it was so bad I literally could not stand up for almost 2 weeks. I did get to the doctor, eventually, when I could get to the car and was driven by my wife. I was given the usual HydroCodone, Skelaxon, Anti-Inflammatories, blah, blah blah.I was back to what I thought was normal, in about a week. Living with pain again. Functional, but painful. I went to the Chiropractor, who was boasting about this new procedure, Spinal Decompression Therapy. He examined me and diagnosed me with having a bulging L2, L4 and L5 and Degenerative Disc Disease. I am sure I am butchering the spelling of all the medical terms, but hopefully you get the picture. I am half way through a 30 year career in Law Enforcement and am not sure if I will make it. Why? Well, with surgery can come complications. Maybe loss of some mobility. Not to mention the 25 pound belt we wear around our waist on a daily basis. Spinal Decompression therapy will cost between $4000 and $8000. My Insurance company will not cover it, saying it is elective, like Lasik Surgery for eyes. I don't see the comparison personally. If I have back surgery, they will cover it. Hmmmm, $8000 for decompression Therapy or $30,000+ for back surgery. I was told I was a good candidate for the Spinal Decompression Therapy, but my insurance company wants to wait til my back explodes, I have great pain, open me up, miss work for 3 months and hopefully I can go back. Not 6 weeks of non-invasive therapy and miss no work. Thanks for listening to me vent! - Bob in Orlando.
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