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Which type of Doctor do I need?

hello-as for the chiro place thinking they can put the "curve" back in your neck, i personally don't think that's possible. i do believe that i would RUN as fast as i could away from there, and go to see a neurosurgeon. massages may jar something loose, as will "adjustments". if you get a small piece of bone break off from your cervical bones, you wil have a really bad problem! i had a doc that kept wanting to do facet blocks in my neck, and something told me to not let him touch me. i had a bone spur squishing the spinal fluid, in turn, pushing on my spinal cord. i was being electrocuted! please, DON'T LET THEM TOUCH YOUR NECK ANYMORE! if bone does come loose, as the neurosurgeon who did my surgery said, i could be a quadraplegic (sp) in less than 1/2 a SECOND! so be really careful. as for the SS ordeal, you might want to get started on that. you will be turned down, most likely, the first couple of times. just keep appealing. unfortunately, i have to start all over. good luck, and keep us posted!

jeanne

I agree with the previous poster. Never ever let a chiropractor touch your neck.

I'm sorry to hear about your cervical problems. However, portions of your post are disturbing to me.

First, no one can tell you anything about the context of your discs from an X-ray. Disc material is too soft to appear on an X-ray. Someone has given you bad information.

Next, no one can "put a curve" into your spine through manipulation, massage, "adjustments," or any other type of chiropractic intervention. This is simply not anatomically possible. Further, you risk permanent paralysis by allowing someone to manipulate your spine. Going to a chiropractor with a known spine injury or congenital defect is foolish and dangerous. Remember, they are not physicians.

Finally, there are basic differences between the type of treatment you will receive from a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon. You might first consider visiting a neurologist in order to have a true diagnosis. You will require at least an MRI, if not also an EMG, myelogram or Cat-scan. Only then will you truly understand your condition. The future of spine surgery will be disc replacement without the need for traditional fusion. That may be something you should explore with the neurologist.

In the meantime, there is nothing wrong with being medicated by your internist or general practitioner. After four failed lumbar surgeries, two pain clinics and PT, I decided to have my internist control all of my pain medications. Besides, most surgeons will be reluctant to prescribe pain relievers for more than a very brief time.

I have disc disease also for about 10 years, I also have been to every Dr. around from Hunting ton ,WVa to Cleveland clinic, had 4 surgerys, none worked,from L1 toS1, and still don't have a day that I don't have severe pain& my med is no longer working , because I can't get My Dr. to change it, He says I can't get immune to it, with only 7-8 years on it .

Listen to these people and: STAY AWAY FROM CHIROPRACTORS!!!! Especially if they say they can put curvature back in your neck! They can't!!! They could do some real damage or even leave you paralyzed! I, too have DDD,RA, and Fibromyalgia, and I also am like you with absolutely NO curvature in my neck. My neck fused that way all by itself. You need pain management, to begin with. Then I'd say an anesthesiologist who does injections. Some pain management clinics do both injections and treat with medication. I know it's probably not what you want to hear, but that's my advice. Nobody wants to have to take medications for life but you may have to to function. You may need surgery but everyone here will tell you that is the absolute last resort. Also, as Charles said, you can't see soft tissue in an X-ray. You would need an MRI and/or a Mylogram.

Good Luck!!!

Rick

But you could ALSO have Fibromyalgia. It is more common than people think. I have it and I'm a guy! My Rheumatologist is my favorite of all my doctors.

Rick

Thanks so much everyone! I had a very rough night last night and today. It took all I had to NOT go to the ER. After a flexeril, two Tylenol PMs, I was able to sleep a few hours. I made an appt with a neurologist for next Wed and went to a general doctor today. She gave me lortabs to hold me over and told me to take my naproxen and one flexeril at night. She strongly urged me to seek neurological care and perhaps pain management along with that. Thank GOD for the lortabs...I took one and able to care for my 2 year old today. It seems they only last about 4 hours though. Whatever works!!! I do have a bone spur - I sure hope I do not have a herniated disc now.

I had an MRI done in 2006 that does show I have the DDD or cervical spondylosis....but I feel that it has progressed so surely a new one is needed.

I am having a hard time coping. It is depressing. I have been taking Zoloft and that helps.

I vary from some of the other posters here in my view on chiros. I would NEVER let one adjust my neck. I had a nurse friend who had a stroke as a result of a neck adjustment, and it took her three years to recover fully. I have read medical articles that explained how this happens so I don't believe it is an isolated incident.

However, I have seen one for low back pain after a work injury. I saw an MD first and did the drugs, and PT, etc. that he ordered and got no better. Then I went to a chiro that was recommended by a relative. She did very mild adjustments to my low back (no back cracking) and within a couple of visits, the pain was gone, within a couple of weeks the stiffness was gone. This was an acute injury, after I had seen my MD, not for chronic pain. I feel that once you have determined you have degenerative disc problems you are past chiro care and should be seeing an MD or a DO. That was many years ago prior to my developing DDD. I would not see a chiro now.

My chiro told me straight up that there is nothing a chiro can do to fix herniated discs, and to stay away from any chiro who said he could fix them. It sounds like you are at the point where it is time to see an MD or DO who manages back pain. An xray will not diagnose damaged discs, you need a CT or MRI scan.

I would opt for a neurologist or a pain management specialist to manage pain non-surgically. A neurosurgeon would be my choice for an evaluation as to whether surgery would be helpful. Always get at least two opinions before having nonemergency surgery.

Take care, Annette

It's been my experience that surgeons suggest surgery even though there may be other recourse. I was told I HAD to have surgery on my neck and on my lumbar spine a year later by the same Orthopedist. He just wanted to pad his wallet. Both times I told him I'd get back to him and went to my anesthesiologist for injections. I DID let him scope my knee though, a year later. LOL Maybe I felt like I'd "robbed" him of the big money, therefore letting him scope my knee. LOL

Rick

I'm in basically the same boat-chronic pain trying to take care of a kiddo. Do not hesitate to get Supplimental/SSI!! It took me a while to get it, but it has truly helped out. I was denied the first time, but I persisted and refiled, and was approved the second time. You don't need a lawyer to get you approved, either. It's really not that bad, just hang in there. If you truly can back up your claim as far as your level of degeneration, and level of disability, they have to approve you. It took a combination of my primary care physician, & my pain management doctor to back up my claim.

I have degenerative disc disease, ankylosing spondylosis, fibromyalgia, and scoliosis. My worst spots are in my L5-S1, T7 thru T9, and C4-C5 I also get nasty migraines, and was seeing neurologist for them, but never saw her for my back pain. Personally I've been afraid of seeing a chiropractor. One good "pop" the wrong way, and I could be in major trouble. I just see my pain management Dr and my PCP for now. When it's time to step up my treatments, I'll be referred to a neurologist.

I have been steered clear of the surgery end of fixing this problem. Too many risk factors, and not a great enough chance of success. There will come a time when I have to have it-just not yet. I keep my pain lessened with hydrocodone and Zanaflex, and sometimes I am able to just use an OTC product when the pain is not as bad. I'm scheduled to repeat the steroid injections I had last year to get the pain back under control.

I know it's not easy dealing with the pain and numbness girl. There's some days I can barely walk when my nerves get pinched down. Just keep hanging in there, get the SSI to help with the bills, and keep your chin up!!

I am a former RN with many conditions similar to yours. I have gone thru more treatments then I have time to post. I am a firm believer against surgery, as I have had 2 spinal and 1 knee, all resulting in making my conditions worse. I found my best resource was my family physician. He has me on a combination of narcotics and has now for 12yrs. Of course he changes my meds at least every 1- 2yrs. to reduce tolerance. The key of course is to find such a doctor, no easy chore. I have found this simple approach works best for me. I am done with specialists who rarely are willing to treat you, just with meds. It offers them no way to make money, via insane non productive treatments. As stated above truly helpful doctors can be hard to find, but they are out there. ALWAYS DOCUMENT- every diagnosis, treatment, surgeries, procedures, former positive physicians, etc. This helps greatly in backing you up, for what is always otherwise considered drug seeking behavior. My point is, any caring physician can be lifesaving as long as you can prove your conditions. I have always kept copies of all my medical conditions and past procedures, in essence my medical file. I wish you only the best in your search.

1. You saw nothing. X-rays do not show soft tissue, such as disk material or tumors. Only an MRI, Cat-scan and/or myelogram will help diagnose your problem. Unfortunately, chiropractors cannot order and are not trained to interpret the imaging tests necessary to diagnose your problem. They also cannot prescribe medication.

2. Chiropractors create permanent paralysis with people like you (with prior spine injuries) all of the time. They are NOT doctors (physicians). They did not attend medical school, were not interns and never came close to a fellowship program. Why on earth would you (with an existing spinal problem) trust your health to anyone but an MD? Don't you deserve a real doctor? If you have strained muscles or tendons, then happily visit a chiropractor. But with a history of spine injury (congenital or not), going to a chiropractor was asking for trouble.

3. Do not give up on SSDI. My degenerative disk disease began at age 17. By age 38, I had undergone my 4th spine surgery (all unsuccessful). At 51, I had to retire. Although I was part of a state university system, I was granted full (disability) retirement, providing a generous pension and medical insurance for life. If necessary, hire a lawyer who specializes in disability cases.

4. Before going under the knife, go to a good pain management program, or pain clinic. There are dozens of non-invasive or minimally-invasive treatment options that do not involve surgery. Pain clinic s are often run by anesthesiologists, who are better trained to relieve pain that other specialists or internists. When all else fails, you can go to a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon.

5. Spine surgery is 80% effective in improved function, but only 50% effective for improved pain. It should remain a last resort option.

Hi, I have some of the same problems. Get your doctor to refer you to a pain management specialist , neurosurgeon. If you know some one in the medical field (OR tech) ask them. The operating room nurses and techs know what doctors to use. I got lucky, My husband is a or tech. Check at a large medical center in your area and also use the "net" to check with your state Professional regulation licensing board for complaints on doctors. Get to a neurologist asap. They can help. Lisa

Be careful with the tyl Pm. It can affect your liver as will the pain meds. Dont take them at the same time or day. Your kidneys can be affected by the nsaids. I found this out the hard way. they can cause the natural oxidation of vitamins (C) to over do it and cause kidney stones. be careful with over the counters. they cause alot of trouble. Lisa

Dear godisgood, You are very right to stay away from the rheumatologist! I have been going through a similar situation since early 1999,and I'm only 39.I like you,have been to many doctors.Through my years of pain,I finally decided to stop reading my medical records,it REALLY makes you more upset than you need to be and stress makes it hurt worse!I've had 3 back surgeries now and still have 3 ruptured disks,c-5,6,and7 and a torn rotator cuff,arthritis in every joint of my body,spondylosis,spondylothesis,and somehow I have developed scoliosis(that was after my 1st back surgery).I have 3 doctors now,the best decision that I've made! I have my family doctor,my pain management dr.,and the BEST orthopedic dr./surgeon in the state of NC. I fied for SSD myself with the help of my congressman.It took less than 2 yrs.,it was stressful,but the government have to make sure you are disabled.There are alot of people out there who try to decieve them and thats why.The main thing is having your family doctor back you up.A word of warning~be careful when chosing a pain dr.~yes we need narcotics,but we don't need to be over medicated!

You may want to look for a dr who specializes in pain management to get your medications from. My pain mgmt dr is much more understanding of how i am feeling than any of the regular mds were. And he is not opposed to letting me try different things. Flexerall is pretty weak, Zanaflex is designed for the back muscles and may not leave you as drugged out feeling as Soma can.

My experience comes from being in 6 car accidents in a 20 year span of time, with my last one being in Dec of 07. I have been one prescription pain killers and muscle relaxers for most of the past 7 years. I have degeneration in my neck and lower back and ribs that keep popping out so I have to have a chiropractor handy. NO chiropractor should ever adjust you without first viewing your x-rays. I dont know about where you live, but in CA they go thru med school first than an additional chiropractic training, so the guy who said they arent physicians isnt exactly correct. Chiropractic, message, accupunture and other alternative medical treatments are all for the individual to decide on. Being a tax accountant, I couldnt make it thru tax season without a few messages and adjustments.

Now someone did mention injections. There are a few things to consider with that. I have had cortizone shots and have talked to others who have had them too, some good some bad. Most people feel worse after the shots and some, like myself, have allergic-like reactions to it. Best way to discribe it is that cortizone makes me stoned, and the last time I had a shot my body literally burned it out of my system then next day. Lidocane can also be injected into the muscles and has less side affects and longer lasting affects. Be sure to ask if you will need to be asleep for the injections as that may change your mind.

Dont be afraid of pain killers, Im only 37 and with the amount of arthritis that has developed throughout my spine I wouldnt be functioning if it werent for the meds. I have had to learn dosing so that I can function at work, but at least I can still work. If I were trying to rely on OTC meds I dont think I would be working. Also, look into some of the meds for fibromyalgia, some of them can be quite helpful if you need a good nights sleep. And definately stick with the antidepressant, I am on my third one in a year and I still have not found something that works so if yours is working...keep on it!

Good luck

WOW! Dear, I will pray for you! Just reading the problems you have makes mine seem like a walk in the park. I guess I am one lucky SOB cause both my minor back surgerios are nothing compaired to what you are going through. I hesitated the first time I hade it 5 years ago but this second time I was ready to have it done the minute I had pain. Things went spectacular for me the first time and I was back to work in just 9 days. Light duty. This time, not so well I am 5 week now and still not 100% on my feet. My MD was right when he said they are all different, kinda like women and having babies, each one is different. Not like riding a bike! GL

1. It is DANGEROUS for a person in your condition to allow a chiropractor to manipulate or massage your spine. I've seen many people in physician waiting rooms who had prior spinal problems and were permanently damaged by a chiropractor's manipulations.

2. You ask if you should go to a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon. My answer is YES. I'm suggesting that you go to BOTH. Neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons sometimes have different approaches. Neurosurgeons are sometimes more experienced with disc replacement surgery. This is the spine surgery of the future. Orthopedic surgeons are often more experienced with traditional spinal fusion. The type of surgery that might be best for you depends upon your specific condition. Get an opinion from both of them. Then, based upon their recommendations, you will be in a better position to determine for yourself which approach is better. I did this myself ten years ago.

3. Whatever you decide, use only a SPINE SURGEON. A spine surgeon is someone who devotes their entire practice to surgery of the spine. A neurosurgeon could also do brain surgery, repair torn nerves from accident victims or treat diseases like peripheral neuropathy. An orthopedic surgeon could also repair broken bones, fractures of the cranium or treat bone cancer. But, both specialties have physicians who are spine surgeons, restricting their entire practice to diseases and damage of the spine. These spine surgeons are by far the most experienced for your situation.

One other caveat. If you decide to use an orthopedic surgeon, try to find one who has completed a fellowship in spine surgery. These highly motivated and specially trained surgeons are at the leading edge of spine surgery and are trained by the very best surgeons in the country.

Good luck

You need a pain doctor a.k.a a pain management doctor they treat only your pain in conjunction with your primary care doctor or whatever doctor you choose to have deal with the other aspects of your condition. The pain doctor concentrates solely upon the pain level and making it managable for day to day living. I have chiari malformation and a neurosurgeon a primary care do my pain doc and so far my pain has been reduced and managed even after 3 brain surgeries and removal of parts of my cervical collar. find a pain doc get a refferal from your primary care doc.

I only wish I would have known about this website 2 years ago. Although I can't give advice to "godisgood30052", I can relate to not being able to fully take care of a toddler. I am a 32-year-old female who started having lower back problems after having my tubes tied in March of 2006. My lower back just felt as if it were on fire when I was menstruating. I NEVER complain and keep my doctor visits to my yearly physicals. I also have 2 boys--the oldest, almost 16 (do the math, I was just 16 when he was born and I had no drugs, no epidural, natural birth) and the youngest will be 3 in January. Again, no pain meds, no epidural, natural birth. My labor with my 2nd son was intense and concentrated in my lower back, which is exactly what it feels like when I am in pain. I should also add that I was in a bad car accident while in college--probably 10 years ago. My injuries required physical therapy on my back. I started complaining RIGHT after the tubiligation. My periods became EXCRUCIATING!!! I would hurl in pain for days. Tried OTC medicines to no avail and finally started complaining to my doctor. She prescribed something that I can't remember the name of now and it didn't work. At this time I was self-employed as a "Leader" in Direct Sales and the pain affected me so bad that when I went to do my 'shows' (work), I had to sit instead of stand for my 20-25 minute presentations (when I was menstruating). After complaining for months about my lower back, my doctor FINALLY switched the med to Tylenol w/ Codeine. It worked for maybe 2 months. She finally referred me to a specialist who deals with gynecological issues. They suggested that I have a Novasure Ablation to stop my periods. Thinking that "doctors know best", I agreed with the knowledge that I would NEVER be able to give birth to another child. I was ok with that because I had my two boys. Well, low and behold, the surgery DID NOT work, my lower back pain became worse and worse. Playing with, caring for and even changing my son's diapers became a nightmare. I complained, complained, complained. Sometimes I would be in so much pain that I would lie in the fetal position in bed and just cry. I FINALLY was prescribed Hydrocodone 500. Yes, it worked for a couple of months if took 2 at a time, but the pain NEVER left. In November of last year, I was prescribed Paxil (now I think that it had ALOT to do with my frustration with my doctor not "fixing me"). I left my position in Direct Sales after 7 years because I couldn't deal with the pain anymore. FINALLY in June of this year, I had X-rays. They showed nothing. Still more complaining. I had physical therapy + electrical stimulation, manipulation and my son's father is a chiropractor. He was kind enough to give me multiple adjustments. All my doctor talked about at my appointments was addiction. In August she finally sent me for an MRI which showed the beginning of arthritis, narrowing of some disks and a degenerative disk. Are those 2 the same? (I actually feel rather silly asking that question because I should have taken more control of my health). I simply trusted that she was doing her job because I have been a patient since I was 14 years old. My GUT tells me though, that she does not want to prescribe ANY pain meds. Finally at the end of August this year, she referred me to a Pain Clinic after prescribing 15 mg of MS Contin. The MS Contin does the same as the Hydrocodone 500--makes me functionable for a couple of hours and then I am back in the same pain. Last Wednesday, I had my first injection at the Pain Clinic. It was called a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection. I felt no pain that day, but as I sit here and type, my back hurts like you know what. Can anyone on this message board help me? Should I think about changing doctors? I have an appointment with my regular doctor THIS Wednesday and a follow-up with the Pain Clinic on the 27th of this month. I will pray for everyone

Dear MyBoysMyLife,

Your life sounds familiar to mine I had a back injury 35 year ago in the Marine Corp and have been haunted by it since then with many types of treatments injections and yes (3) surgeries later and yes I am still in pain. I have been to (3) pain management physicians and all they want to do is write scripts and send you on your way. Til finally my wife found me a physician that came highly recommended to her from one of the attorneys she works for. I went for an evaluation and he told me my problem was a failed spinal fusion and he thought he could help me and get me back to about 75 to 80% which I thought was great so I said to him and to my wife lets go for it. What he did helped me alot. He came very close to 75% but I still have pain which I realize with the amount of time and the amount of surgeries compoundedwith scar tissue I have to be happy with what I have now compared to what I had before. And trust me before was hell now it is tolerble with medication. The type of surgeon you need is an orthopedic spine surgeon.

Hi! I read your note. That was me, except mine was the lower spine. I also have Degenerative Disc disease. My biggest mistake was going to a neurologist but then what did I know. He did 2 surgeries (which I did not need) pain was worse each time. He did not "fix" the problem. After seeing him after the 2nd surgery when I was still in agonizing pain he said to go see his pain management doctor. I did and he said I'd have to be on morphine for the rest of my life. That was not an option. It did nothing for the pain and had too many side effects. I then sought a 2nd & 3rd opinion. I went to see an orthopedic doctor who specialized in the spine (at the Hospital for Special Surgery) and besides doing X-rays of my back (no one ever did that before) he also used the MRI that the first doctor used and pointed out clearly what and where the problem was. I needed fusion surgery (L4&L5). I am finally "ME" once more. So please visit the right doctor for the problem. It is the bones of the spine (upper & lower) that are affected when the discs herniate, bulge or disinigrate. J.L.

hi,i have a simular question or would like opinions, i was having back pain for a while with sciatca down my L leg,i was at work one day,picked up some 1' bonders from the floor and twisted to put them on the desk, and the pain in my lower back made me scream, i was sent to the ER in an ambulance, the pain was in my lower back. they did a cat scan which states,"sclerosis involving the pedicle,spinal lamina at L3,L4 and L5, a small sclerotic focus is seen within the L3, differential could be a small bone island versus metastasis. a whole body bone scan is recommended to exclude metastasis." They gave me vicoprofen and valium,which helped but if i dont take it i cant stand up straight, and whn i do take it,i can walk,but like an old man,slomped over,the funny thing is,i can reach down to the ground,its getting up thats a problem,or reaching up,causes severe pain, they want me to follw up with a spine clinic,so who writes the prescr for the body scan? neuro? ortho?or my reg m.d.?and is there a stronger medicine that would work better to give me more movement. any info would be greatly appreciated, what i dont get is it happened at work yet theres no trauma in the ct scan,so what happened?i dont get it and the pain wont stop.

hi-make sure there was an incident report written up! most likely, you'll need more tests if the swelling is down some. the pain management might be a good step, too. make the appointment with the spine clinic, since it happened at work, they are supposed to pay for it. get a copy of the incident report, and take that, and any x-rays, MRI's, CT's, anything that they did! also, get a copy of the hospital report, or from any doctors you have seen. sounds like you may need stronger meds, too. that's about all i can help you with. someone else might have other opinions. just make sure the incident report was written up, and if not, PRESS FOR IT! if not, (also), they are covering up something!

jeanne

Dear Friend,

I feel your pain, I have been searching the web for answers also, I have to make a decision by Dec. 1st on what I want to do as far as surgery, I hurt my back on the job so I'm dealing with workers comp, and what a nightmare it is, but I ran across a surgery center in Tampa called the Laser Spine Institute, I found their site to be very informative, it gives you a view of your symptons what type of surgery that will help and will save alot of time, I will be checking with workers comp and see if they will approve the place for me, I was impressed with what I read and if they say it's a go I will try them.

hi jackson-also check out the jewett clinic. they are based in orlando, a doctor there i've seen about 5 or 6 times, they are really compassionate people there, even the nurses. they are world known. i don't know much about the laser spine institute, and you can also check out the jewett online. they've been around for a very, very long time! if you have to travel, i think i'd go someplace that has been around a lot longer than the laser spine place. just my opinion. if you want to know the doctors name i saw, email me at: rainspirit57@hotmail.com i'll be glad to explain it to you.

jeanne

In 2000 I was diagnosed with stenosis in my cervical and lumbar spine.That was after having an MRI and Ct Scan.I was referred to an Orthopedic surgeon and he refered me to a Neuro surgeon.He ran me through a bunch of tests and sent me to a pain clinic where I underwent a series of injections in my neck all to try and relieve the pain.When none of this helped they decided to do surgery on C5-6-7 a discoptomy I believe it was called.The 1 thing I was told by all the Drs.I saw was DO NOT go to a chiropractor.I had the surgery in Oct.2001 and the pain returned by Jan.2002.I have in the last 5 years been back to the pain clinic for more nerve blocks and had another MRI Now for the last 3 years I have been taking MS Contin 30mg 3 x daily and I returned to see the dr at the pain clinic last week.He has suggested that I stay on the medication and has made an appointment with the neuro surgeon to see about having an operation on my lumbar spine. I don't know if I want to do that as I am 58 years old and am a diabetic plus I have Hep.C Right now I am at a loss as I don't have any guarentee that more surgery will relieve the pain and I could still end up taking the pain meds anyways.

This is not an emergency surgery. Really think about it and research the kid of results your surgeon is getting on patients with your problem.

You may be better off just treating your pain with oral meds and a multimodality pain management program.

Take care, Annette

The surgery that you described as "discoptomy" is actually called a discectomy. It involves removal of a damaged (herniated) disc, sometimes also including the surrounding lamina. I've had four of them. I had to retire at age 51 because I was unable to work even half a day (sedentary university administration occupation). I have had degenerative disc disease since age 17.

You should be aware that spine surgery is only 50% successful for pain relief (it is 80% successful for improved function). So, your surgery had only a 1 in 2 chance for success, in terms of pain relief. I would imagine that your surgeon did not provide those odds to you. If you have more surgery to treat the pain, you will again have a 50% chance of success. All surgery entails not only morbidity but also creates fibrosis (scar tissue). The more surgery you have the more scar tissue you create. I have so much fibrosis from spine surgery that my last myelogram resembled a roadmap of New Jersey. If you can't stand the pain a moment longer, go ahead and have the operation. But, your chance for long-term success is not good and you might end up with a great deal more fibrosis, creating even more inflammation.

A person with a history of degenerative disc disease or spine surgery should NEVER have chiropractic manipulation. I spoke with many patients in physician waiting rooms who were permanently damaged by chiropractors. Chiropractors are not medical doctors. They did not graduate from a medical school, complete a residency or a fellowship. The person best equipped to help you is a neurologist, neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon. In fact, I would only go to a spine surgeon (one of the previously-mentioned specialists who restricts his or her entire practice to the spine).

Before going under the knife again, you might wish to consider going through another pain management center. Perhaps your first pain clinics did not offer all of the following treatments for someone with your condition: traction, brace, TENS, acupuncture, biofeedback, physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, injections of cortisone/anesthetic, rhyzotomy, spinal cord stimulator, intrathecal infusion pump, off-label medications (anti-depressant, anti-convulsant), combination of long-acting pain medications with breakthrough meds, counseling, hypnosis and meditation. All pain clinics are different. Some only push injections. Yet, there are many other viable treatments for chronic pain. For example, I can reduce my pain by up to 20% with only biofeedback. If you have not tried all of these treatments, then there is more for you to try before surgery.

I hope this helps.

Hi all, 1st off...thank goodness I'm not the only one out there who has chronic pain and relying on meds. I have DDD, spondylosis, and was involved in a MVA. I am seeing a pain management specialist, and they have done several things. I've had several epidurals, facet blocks, disc decompression, disc burning, and am on several meds. I drive a school bus and am so used to the narcotics that it doesn't effect me anymore. The next step is to get a spinal stimulation surgery where they sew electrodes onto my spinal column. This is to send electrical impulses to my brain to "block" the pain receptors. I had the temporary/experimental one for several days and hated it because it wasn't "sewn" onto my spine, so in fact it "floated" in my spinal column. Well, let me tell you, everytime I sneezed, coughed, moved, or just breathed it would send weird little shocks up and down my spine. I'm not sure if I want to get this done, but will try anything in order to get off my meds.

I really recommend seeing a pain specialist. The neurosurgeon I saw told me if I were to get the disc SX, I might not be able to drive a bus again (yes I'm a little "crazy" for doing it,but I LOVE IT). This is unfortunately not a financial option.

Do lots of homework and I say "good luck to you". I'll keep you in my prayers along with all the other people in pain on this website.

Have a great holiday season everyone.

Amy

I am 56 and have had pathological degenerative disc disease since I was 17. After four failed spine surgeries, two pain management programs and the need to retire at age 51, I've learned a great deal about spine damage.

First, a small correction. You cannot see discs on an X-ray. I do not know who told you about viewing your discs in your X-ray, but soft tissue (such as disc material and tumors) do not visualize on X-rays. In order to "see" your discs, you need an MRI, Cat-scan, disc gram or myelogram.

Second, it is dangerous to go to a chiropractor with degenerative disc disease, particularly if your treatment there includes any form of manipulation. Chiropractors are not medical doctors. Their diagnostic ability is significantly limited. I have spoken with many patients who were damaged by chiropractors, some with permanent paralysis. Anyone who does not have the initials "MD" after their name is less qualified, talented and experienced in treating your condition.

I recommend that you see a spine surgeon. Spine surgeons are Neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons that restrict their entire practice to treatments of the spine. Spine surgeons can often be found at or near teaching hospitals, particularly those that include a fellowship program. There is no physician better able to help your condition than a spine surgeon. This does not necessarily mean that you will require surgery. It means that you will be diagnosed by the very best specialist.

Good luck.