Cervical/Spine Bilateral/Multilevel Discectomy – Back Surgery
Discs are the structures that serve as shock absorbers between the vertebrae of the spinal column. Single level spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the lower spinal column. Lumbar discs may herniate creating pressure against one or more spinal nerves causing severe pain, numbness or weakness in the lower back, legs and feet. Chronic pain can develop from this condition.
What to Expect
Minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy and discectomy is an operation performed on the lower spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots. The surgeon reaches the lumbar spine through a small incision in the low back. After the muscles of the spine are spread, the nerve root is exposed by removing part of the bony covering (lamina) which covers the nerve root. This is called a laminectomy. If necessary a portion of the intervertebral disc is then removed taking the pressure off of the nerve root.
Next Steps
If you are ready to discuss your surgery needs with our board certified surgeons, request a consultation today. During your consultation your patient care adviser will discuss:
- Your medical history
- Pre and post-operative care
- Potential risks and complications
Our Surgical Centre was the first Canadian facility to offer back surgery in the ambulatory environment and continues to be a leader in this field of surgery. New technology at the facility enables FCHC’s surgeons to perform a laminectomy endoscopically. Read about our success stories.
53 Comments
Hello,
While I have been waiting four months for a neuromuscular neurologist’s appointment in Victoria, I was able to get a diagnosis from a US neurologist via phone. I sent the US neurologist all my medical records and tests and she spent 8 hours, including 2.5 hours on the phone with me on my case. I now need a Canadian neurologist to confirm the diagnosis and determine what treatment can help me as I am now in a wheelchair and require full time care.
Is this a service you offer? I was told by a Victoria neurologist that I need to see a neuromuscular neurologist. Thank you.
When I was still young, I had been brought to a hospital for back surgery. I had an accident when still at the school. We thought that it will never come back to me, the pain. But, today I am feeling something at my back. I think this is the result of my accident and surgery before.
Hi,
I hope that someone can shed some light. I am currently not working due to ongoing pain. I collapsed back in February of this year and could not move. As a result a referral to a surgeon in Kingston was made. I was assesed by his student 2 times on his 3rd entry to the room , the student informed me that the Dr. is very selective on who he operates on. Shortly after the doctor came into the room and introduced himself. He checked a couple of my reflexes and then took me to another room. There he showed me a greyed out sagital view of my lumbar and said ” you have a normal spine for someone your age”, I am 43 by the way.He stated “I bet that 50% of your fellow workers have a back like yours.” In a nut shell I left feeling decieved and frustrated.
In desperation I have done some inquiry in out of country surgery with a no cost image consultation. Their findings
Lumbar Spine
In the Lumbar Spine their findings correlate with the imaging performed at Northumberland Hills Hospital, however….
Thoracic Spine
Spinal cord compression due to multiple bulges.
My symptoms presently:
-headaches
-range of motion affected in the neck
-neck pain at times intense numbness, stinging and tingling spreading into shoulders, down arms and into hands
-off and on numb pain affecting grip strength in hands more so left side
-vertical crushing middle back pain, intense numbness, stinging and tingling
-rib cage pain (crushing) front and back at times affecting breathing
-at times intense lumbar pain affecting range of motion, pain traveling across upper buttocks into abdomen, leg fold
-horizontal abdominal pain (dull surge pain)
-rectum pressure traveling in between rectum and testicles , at times intense lasting several days at a time
-urinary retention
-hip and upper leg fold pain (intense stinging, sensitivity and numbness) travelling to pubic bone area
-upper thigh pain (dull surge pain) travelling down to knees, more so right side.
-fairly consistent outside (bi-laterally) shin pain (dull sting) traveling across top of feet with occasional stinging tingling on the bottom of the feet
-more recently occasional back of the knees and calves dull stinging pain traveling to ankles affecting foot range of motion at times.
-cold wet feeling in shins traveling into feet
Treatments:
-past and present Physiotherapy (which currently, I am paying)
-acupuncture
-chiropractic
-massage therapy
Medications:
-Apo-Tramadol/Acet 37.5/ 325mg 1 tablet 3 times a day
-Pms-Baclofen 10mg 1tablet 4 times a day
-Pms-Gabapentin 300mg 3 capsules 3 times a day
-Arthrotec 75 75mg 1 tablet 2 times a day
I can’t wait indefinately, I believe that surgery might be my only avenue into regaining a certain quality of life…
I am willing to pay for my surgical expenses. Has anyone looked into Canadian Private Care?
After an MRI done in September, 2012, I was diagnosed with multiple Tarlov Cysts. I have had detailed blood blood work, neck, lumbar and sacral x-rays and also a CT Scan done in May, 2012. While there is degenerative disks in the neck and lumbar area, they do not account for the kind of pain I am in. My primary doctor believes my problem is the Tarlov cysts. My referral to a neurosurgeon in Victoria was recently turned down. I feel I have nowhere to turn now. I am on narcotic pain medication which is really creating issues with my stomach. I have excruciating pain in the lumbar/sacral area, groin area, problems now with bladder and bowels, numbness and pins and needles in buttocks and radiating down he right leg into my foot.
I would appreciate a reply as soon as possible about the possibility of seeing a neurosurgeon at you clinic. My pain can no longer wait.
I’m inquiring on behalf of my mom, whom is in desperate need of a laminectomy. She has been seen by a surgeon in kamloops, but we have no idea when she will be booked for surgery & because of the pain we have decided to look into private options. I have heard Dr. chan is one of the best neurosurgeons in the province & we were wondering if we could get some more information!
Ruptured Disc – In 2005 I gave birth to my first child by way of C-Section – 4 mths later I couldn’t take care of her I was in so much pain from a herniated disc at L 4/5. I had suffered from herniated disc for years off and on and Dr.’s say that the C-Section and my loss of abdominals after the C-Section lead way to my disc rupturing!!! I was in so much sciatic pain, I couldn’t stand, walk, sit; let alone take care of my then 4 mth old child – my mother in law stepped in and took full time care of my new daughter while I tried to cope with the pain and go to and from Dr. appts etc…From October to December of 2005 I was to and from Dr. trying to cope. In December of 2005 my family Dr. called Specialist and told him that I needed to get in ASAP instead of waiting 3 mths to see him. The next day I had my CT scan on Disc, took the disc to the Specialist where he viewed the results….My herniated disc RUPTURED and I needed surgery. Public Health Care had me waiting 7mths to 1 year for surgery???? I found False Creek Surgical Center, cashed in my RSP and had my surgery done and completed successfully in 7 days. On January 6, 2006 I had my Discectomy and I was immediately pain free and have been every since. I believe in private healthcare if the public system fails to be timely!!! Thank you Dr. Chan and the False Creek Surgical Center
I posted a comment about needing a neurosurgeon referral regarding major injury to my right ankle. I cannot afford for fee services, as I am just returning to p/t work after 2 years on SunLife Disability – I lost my left eye due to some surgical procedures to that eye. I have been given a referral to a neursurgeon in New Westminster, Dr. N. Heran, and I would like your opinion of his surgical and “people’ skills. I understand that this may be inappropriate in this forum, however if someone could email me directly I would very much appreciate it.
Hi there, boy oh boy ! can I ever relate ! well… I HAVEN’T had any opertations… yet ! my dad had 2 and still has pain , but now it’s in his hip down his leg. My story is, in 1991, I was rear-ended 2x’s in 3 months… L4, 5 bulging… Muscular/skeletal trama. But I kept moving and stayed in shape/fit. 4 yrs. later after so many chiropractors,accupucturists,swimming,physio, being put into tradtion. I became very depressed. Went back to original surgeon only to be told , I was inoperable ?? Calisified ? I walked out feeling quite defeated. this was about 1998. during all this time, I refused to take anything other than extra pain tylenol and Naproxen. My poor tummy :O( Ironically I ended up taking drugs.. not the legal kind for 10 months, cause of pain. not proud of it… but I have to admit, it took the pain right away. So, I haven’t touched that stuff since. still only on the Naproxen , now on Lyrica.. Lyrica makes me really dizzy and sleepy, so I can’t have a life during the day if I want to go out !! end of April I got hit on my passenger side… pretty hard. Hit and Run… don’t ask about ICBC !! I didn’t get the plate # !!! just before that, I had a CT scan and exrays, very narrowing of the spine. So I’m told this is spinal stenosis. that’s what my dad has/had. I’m petrified to have surgery, as approx. 80% of people I speak to, and believe me, I DO stop people on the street and politely,sincerely ask them about the cane/or limp they have. Truly, more times , than not it’s back problems ! Surgery WAS done. and the pain HAS lessened. but they still have pain and new pain elsewhere. that’s my fear.. between and betwicks. I will phone and come in to see your facilities, talk about the laser operation.
Another thing I wanted to talk about is: I lost 62lbs. quit smoking… then got hit recently… now gained 22lbs. back. working on loosing more weight but want to talk about laser suction ? fairly new. Question, if someone wants this procedure, should they have back surgery ? and if so, which comes first, and how long in between ?? it would be my tummy ,hip/thighs/bum… maybe.. depends on price of course… and if I can have that much done. because of pain. I’m limited to excercise. I do yoga & TRX very good,google it. and swim,walk, walking hurts after a short time. So I can’t lose the fat I ‘ve just recently lost ! now quickly coming back. funny how our cells remember so well LOL… grrrr. The last accident only exasperated my pain, now more prominent on the right. I have nerve damage in left foot for about 20yrs. sciatica for yrs. it’s something I’ve learnt to live with. Wow, didn’t think I would go on and on… obvious that I’m getting tired of dealing with the pain now… My heart goes out to all of you who suffer with the pain. I ‘ve found myself putting my legs up on the wall with my bum against the wall lying down… is the most wonderful position for me. Wish I could sleep like that !! It’s a yoga position !! try it ! I meditate to relax as well… don”t forget to breath… blessings ~
I have mild DDD throughout my lumbar spine and my L5-S1 herniated disc is healed but I still have numbness in my foot and severe back pain the same as when I had the herniation that wasn’t seen on my second MRI. They neglected to do the T2 weighted views during the MRI. I wonder if that could hide the herniation? Anyway no discogram, abnormal EMG showing disc compression but no surgery here in Toronto. At times like this I wish I had surgery when I had a herniated disc. I can’t work and can barely walk. I wish we had this place where I live. Oh yes I;m broke and can’t travel anywhere to get my back looked at. I’m tired of injections and meds don’t help. Help.
Apparently, as per my GP, CAT scans offer better results than MRIs for back problems (necks are different). For information on back issues I recommend Hamilton Hall’s book. He is an orthopedic surgeon and offers an easy read dealing with typical back problems and how to deal with them.
MRI provides the best images for the neck and spine….orthopedic surgeons and nerosurgeons in BC will not even see you unless you have had one
I am a 52 year old man. Back 2004 I sliped and fell from ice that was never cleaned. At that time I fell so hard that it knocked me uncocious, I cracked my L5 and broke a finger. after all the findings i was put on light duty at work.I was treated very poorly from my employer due to me being tendatios I went back doing what I was origanaly doing with the old job for finhe top producer in a sale position. I was no longer brining 2,000,000 in revenue, so I decided to leave and started with another organization. The only way I could funtion was on heavy pain meds {oxycodo job for finne very high dose}. I did all the physio that they could do and none of it worked. So 5 years against my doctors recomendations I went back doing what I was doing with my old job fo fininial gain. I saw my surgeon in 2007 and he told me to quit my job and go on insurance benifets and recomended a back fusion, it took me 2 years before I Here is where it really starts. I had the surgery ans then was sent home after 9 days. I had a nurse come in twice a day to change the dressing and take blood presure and so on. Ater 5 days she relized that I had a fever and no bowel movements. Was again admited to the hospital with them giving me antibiotics for 5 days and then again was released with still no bowel movements. Again the health care was coming in everyday to change my dressing take my BP and temp, after the the second day at home she saw that I was ballooning up, I never did tellanyone that I did not pee for 5 days. My health care worker call 911 and rushedd mr to hospital, by this time I was seeing things that were not there. I did not kmow who I was or where I was. The team of doctors finaly relized I had a severe sepsis infection. My body was shutting down at this point where I clinicly died twice within 2 days. This very disturbing to my family because I did not know who the were, the sepsis was killing me. My body thought i was dead so in shut my kidneysby this time my hall days of being back in the hospital, by this time i was hallunating so bad I thought everyone was tring to kill me. The had to put me on for 4 months for my kidneys come back. I could go further into this coments but it gets even worse, due to all that has happened 8 days turned into 4 months in the hospital. I will never be the same, I have been told now that I have PTSD. Just to put in a nutshell my life hase been ruied due to this fusion operation
Hi everyone, I am 33 years old, and married with 2 boys, 13 and 8 years old.. I work in the medical field, i work for 2 great doctors.. But i am off work yet agian, i was off this past june25 until sept 20, i went back , for 3 days a week, for 5 hrs a day.. Well i have had my back pain now for over 2 years now. I have no clue what i did…But like the doctors say at work, it could be something so small.. Anyhow, mine started out 2 years back, and it was bugging me, then one day i was getting up to get ready for work, but i couldnt move at all… I couldnt even get my kids up and take them to school.. So my doctor sent me for a xray, and it showed i had spinsbifida, mild buldging disc, and ddd. The pain continued, no advil, no back (robaxcet) didnt work at all. In all this time too, there were many days i couldnt move, i coulndt dress my self, i was and still am extremly exhausted, i barely get anysleep, because my pain in bad,, So 3 months later the doc gave me another xray, well it showed arthritis in all my facet joints of my spine, a tear in my spine the disc, had became worse and a couple other things.. So i went to see a specialist. and he had tried 2 nerve blocks on my right side.. i had no relief at all.. so then i tried physio, well no relief agian.. I am off work now, probley for good, im seeing another doc for pain clinic. I was told by my doctor(i worked for him) that im going to have this for the rest of my life, and that sucks..im 33 years old..i now take oxycocet 325 4 times a days which is barely helping so he told me to take a couple more if needed, also i take flexrill which is a muscle relaxent, and it helps a little..i barely get any sleep, i have no engery at all, im forgetful now, i never want to do anything, because im so sore…..im frustrated and moody because im sick of getting no answers, oh and the pain clinic doc said i had fibromyaga, which there is really nothing to take for that.. My pain in in my back, hips and down my legs.. SO EVERYONE I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND YOUR PAIN AND FRUSTRATION, THIS IS AWFUL..i believe alot people think that back pain is nothing, but it isnt… Best wishes to everyone
Hi Nichole,
Sorry to hear about your situation. Curious to know if you have tried acupuncture? I too have back issues that are caused by canal stenosis and likely arthritis starting in the hip and spine and have been suffereing a few years now. I’ve just turned 50 but haven’t been able to function normally for a few years now. I just booked surgery yesterday but that won’t be taking place until next year … the waiting list is long. Acupuncture is keeping my pain at bay it seems for now … has helped me tremendously since Dec. Because I am extremely fearful of doctors it has taken me years to get to this point and even consider surgery. Been through 20 years of chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression program x 2, physiotherapy, traction and now doing the acupuncture. It’s just a thought … but maybe worth trying!?! Good luck!!!
I can relate I had back surgery in 2006 was OK for 6 months, now I am the same as you in very bad shape, but recently I have been looking into the states the lazier spine in statute i have been told that they are about 10 years ahead in back surgeries but I don’t know that to be true or not I am still researching. I am in really bad pain if I walk more than half a block I get a feeling like some one hit me in the back with an axe and I go down fall and some times this falling lasts for a few months before I can walk again. I have been told so many things my doctor has told me that this Province is like a third world country. I am also W,C,B.person that has had over 42 appeals and have had to hire a lawyer to try to get a full pension, I think because of w.c.b. no surgeon will see me. will keep you posted.
Hi,
I had an operation on my back (L4-L5) about 10 years ago. Now the pain is back and affected my daily life again. I need to see someone who reviews my pervious MRI scans and give me some advice on what should I do next.
Regards,
I”ve had back pain for the last 30 yrs, at first was told it was just in my head, after considering that the may be the problem because the pain never got better. After many years of suffering I finally got a mri which happened to reveal 2 pinched nerves at L4 and L5. Now they tell me there is nothing can be done to help with the pain. I am at my wits end, I am tried of taking pain meds that really don’t work anymore and my doc won’t give me anythingt stronger ( morphine sulfate) is what I take.
Is there anybody out there that can help PLEASE.
Looking for information on options available for treatment of L5-S1 “very large right disk herniation. There is extruded disc material. The base of the disc herniation measures 18mm. It is 10mm in AP dimension as well. There is complete obliteration of the right lateral recess and compression of the right S1 nerve root.” Is surgery necessary for this? If so, what surgical options are available in Canada? If not, what non-surgical treatments are available and appropriate for this condition?
Hello,
My husband had been in the hospital recently with lower back pain that he felt paralyzed he has shooting pain in the lower back and in both legs and the hospital jacked him on morphine and sent him home, they say a chiropractic made it worse when they tried to put it back into place which normally works. His left leg barely has a reflex when tested and he has trouble peeing his bladder must be dead full before he can feel the need to pee. He was sent for an X-Ray recently and only one of the discs in the lower back shows a lesion and the doctor says it looks like it is deteriorating. He might not get in a CT scan for two months even though the doctor put urgent on it since he still has very little reflex in his left leg when tested. He is only on anti-inflammatory meds and no other pain killers at the moment. He walks better now but still cannot feel the sensation to pee normally and right now wears a back belt and a thermal back belt but cannot sit for long periods of time, as he goes numb on his behind. Can you help and what is the cost at your clinic for the surgery. Thanks
I had the same problem as your husband. One night I realised I couldn’t pee anymore. I have what is known (unfortunately, not very well known) as Cauda Equina syndrome. I have had to use a catheter for the past 25 years and will have to for the rest of my life. It also affects the bowels. You HAVE to get someone to listen to you. I am not sure how you manage this but don’t let anhyone send him home again with just more pain meds. That is what happened to me, noone realised how serious it was and even after being admitted to hospital it was two or three days before they operated by which time it was too late the damage had been done. I was left with saddle numbness, and the loss of bladder function and bowel problems.
Try calling an ambulance and telling them at the hospital he cannot pee at all on his own. That might well get someone listening. Maybe a little unethical but what the hell, they are just ignoring his very real problem.
Good luck
I had pain in my lower back, over the years, but never thought much about it. Past December 2010 shooting pains down my right leg.So bad i went to the hospital. Tests were taken shot me full of morphine to help reduce the pain.they scheduled me for an MRI the next day.. The results are as follows….a mild broad posterior disc bulge,mild central canal sienosis,degenerative disc disease,L2-3 to L 5-S1 most prominent at L4-L-5 with moderate central canal stenosis.Most prominent on the right side at L3-L4 impinging upon the exiting right L3 nerve root. My Dr. is giving me OXYCOCET5&325MG IMOVANE 5 MG. I have fallen may times I walk with a cane, the pain effects my libedo, very little feeling in my right leg, my waist is full of pain. Waiting for 3 weeks to see a specialist refered by my Dr.I am 63 and pre-retired. My pain started 5 years ago at work and has progressed into great pain. Reading all your experiences it looks like i am screwed!
Just read about your problems I was wondering what the docs are doing for you. I have the bottom three dics that are bulging and right now they have put me on oxycodone and gabapentin which of course make you feel like a zombie and the pain is still as bad . Next they want to go and give me a Lumbar Epidural injection in my back and the next thing is a radio frequency lesioning these are both needles in my back and then they don’t know if work hopefully I hear back from you.
Thanks Elise Seitz
Hello;I had a discectomy and laminectomy Feb 1991.I learned from an MRI that the peice of disc interfering with the nerve is still pushing on the nerve,L5 S1…On Sept,2001 I herniated L4-L5 and have been waiting for surgery since then.The moment surgeons hear about my failed 1991 operation ,they won’t fix mistakes.I saw on the Doctors that they had a pipe that went into the body just above the side of the hip bone .This pipe had a camera and a long chisel devise was placed into the side of the disc,disc removed.Then a block,like a leggo block was placed into the disc area and stem cells were added.Surgery was done in 20 minutes on tv and the person went home in 3 days to resume normal living.Does anyone there or in Canada do this surgery?Can You help me.My Doctor is Dr Whatley in Emo Ontario.807 482 2323..Any assistance woould be greatly appreciated as I am now bedridden…Todd
Hi my name is Nicole, I had a car accident 15mths ago which left me with lower back pain, buttock pain, neck pain, a drop foot and a limp. Walking, sitting, standing and bending aggrevate the pain. I have tried many meds @ the beginning and nothing has worked. In order to get rid of my pain and to be able to function on a daily basis I need to rest. I have done 5mths of physio, chiropractic sessions, accupuncture, lazer and shocks. There has helped my whiplash but the rest still remains. In oct.2010 something shifted???causing pelvic pain and bladder problems causing more difficulty with my walking and stability. I wish I could tell you what the injuries are but I can’t all I have is symptoms. The Dr.’s that I have seen have washed me off from day one and said that I would have to accept to live with my situation. I am only 37yrs old. I have a very difficult time to accept that there’s nothing that can be done. I did get mri’s of the lumbar, thorasic and brain. It showed that I had a minimal degerated disk but the Dr. said everyone has that. My Chiro believes it was a blow to the pelvic which also damaged my SI Joint but noyone has done any test to confirm that. The drop foot is unknow and what causes me to limp and unstable is also unknown. Can anyone relate and is this really permanent?
Hi Nicole, My husband Phil was a pressman until he fell onto a press from a catwalk that gave away. H e thinks he did damage to his SI joint when his hip caught the fall. Has been on gabapentin for 3 years, and a plethora of other pain meds for his lumbar area. He cannot walk much distance before experiencing excruciating butt pain. He too would like a test to confirm damage to the SI. Is there such a test?
hi! my is pretty much new i have back problem, never had before in last three week it happen 3rd time. i am ok i don’t have pain if i lay down, but i am in work that involve in lot of different kind of physical work.
My ? is what can i do to prevent going very bad. it is mostly middle to lower and right side.
thank you
I am a 73 yr. old female who, (although I have had osteo and rheumatoid arthritis for approximately 6 years)up until 7 months ago was working full time as a real estate salesperson, and golfing, cycling and traveling in my spare time. I have had mild lower back pain for many years but severe back pain was diagnosed after my last cycling trip in May 2011 as a spinal stenosis. I was referred to a neurosurgeon and an MRI shows a severe foraminal stenosis at L3/4 on the left side and bilateral recess stenosis at L4/5 as well as osteophytes and degenerative disc disease due to the arthritis. I have been waiting for a surgery appointment for laminar foraminotomy for many months. The pain in my left buttocks and anterior thigh is increasingly painful and I already have left thigh muscle atrophy, tingling in my lower leg and great difficulty walking and standing for more than a few minutes. My concern is that I am taking powerful pain medication while waiting for the surgery and can no longer work full time let alone continue the physical activity that I am used to. What is the waiting list at your clinic for this type of surgery and what is the cost?
Many thanks,
Donna Richardson
Hello Donna,
We currently do not have a waiting list. A surgical patient advisor will be contacting you very soon with more information.
Hi! I am a 53 year old lady with serious back issues! I have fractured my T-7 and T-8 3X. I got hit by a car in my wheelchair, when I was crossing the street. This was four years ago. Then about 2 years ago I fell coming out of my bathroom and did it again! Then last September I got hit once more by a car in my w/chair. Again compression fractures of T-7 & T-8. I went to physio and worked out in the pool when I felt up to it. I also have Carcinoid Cancer, so this year past, has been very difficult. Last year I had an MRI of my spine. They found multiple problems. There are mild disc bulges in my back from C4 to T-1. In my T- spine there were several problems. Multiple hyper-intense T1 & T-2 seen in the vertebral bodies at multiple levels of my thoracic spine They commented that they were probably hemangiomas. They did not know my recent carcinoid diagnosis.. I have yet to find my primary related to that dx. The MRI also showed minor thoracic wedging at T-7 and T-8. Mild loss of height at T-5 and T-6, T-6 and T-7 and T-8. It was also noted that I had multiple Schmorl’s Nodes present in the end plates from T-6 – T-7 to L1 – L-12. There is a mild disc bulge seen at L-1 to L-2. There is also a Tarlov’s Cyst in the right neural foramen at the T- 7 and T-8. It is likely present and the left of T-7 amd T-8. As well as T-8 and T-9. My pain is with me 24/7 it feels like there is a iron hot burning my back in the mid-thoracic area. It is driving me crazy. I was on heavy duty narcotics, but my GP was told there was no clinical reason for me to on them! I was on hyrdo-morphine. Now I am just on Gabapentin and it is not working. I feel so frustrated and don’t know what to do next. Nothing stops the pain and I can’t stand sitting, or having anything close to my skin in that area. My quality of life has truly been impacted. I do not know what to do next!! I appreciate your comments. JC
i am a 30 year old male thats suffering from severe back and led pain for past 8 months. can barely walk and get around. i had a mri done (paid for myself) and showed l4 l5 and l5 s1 disc herniation and dehydration along with other abnormalties. i am getting pushed around by the health system of bc and NEED help. this pain is dehabilitating and it cant go on. my life is being impacted in a very bad way do to this pain.
Hello Justin, our Neurology patient advisor will get in contact with you. We have a Neurosurgeon and a Physiatrist that both deal in chronic back pain.
My sympathies are with you. I don’t have any back problems myself but my wife is down with hers. After 4 yrs. of trying to get her back pro blem looked at (lower lombar area 4-5). We got into see a neorsurgeon, recommended a lower back laminectomy. Major surgery 8in. scar down the lower back. The operation worked free of pain for4 months then started up again. Appox, 5 yrs later we consulted with another neorsurgeon, as the lst Dr. had retired, That Dr. gave sum hope, He figured a 95% success, he tells us he can repair things like that even using clamps, bold, nuts or screws. We went ahead with absolutly no success from the time my wife woke up after the operation. still in pain. His remarks on last consultion, he couldn’t do anymore for us, did suggested we find a good pain specalist (now that another story). We asked him who he could recommend, his only answer was he doesn’t know it wasn’t h is field. That was the last time we talked to him. 3 yrs later we made contact with a Dr. that laid it on the line, which we really appreciated. We could have have had the operation but due to complication that and success rate, we agreed to opt out. We would highly recommend this man, based on his though accessment of our situation, My wife at this time has medication of morphine and ty
i am expeiriencing severe pain in my back, particularily on the right side. The mri shows mild disc degeneration and W.C.B feels it is of natural causes rather that the type of work that I do. My complaint isnt about the discs or anything to do with the bones. I have seen two nuerosurgeons; One clearly expressed the muscles were hypertrophied on the the lower right side (it very obvious visually), and suggested that my work is responsible for this abomination of musclce structure on the right side of my body, and I should be covered and retrained by W.C.B. What kind of specialists should i be seeing with regards to this type of muscle “rupture”? I recently seen a W.C.B appointed neurosurgeon, who states what the 1st one did, as far as my discs and spine are concerned. My problem is not related to the spine, discs, ect and opposes W.C.B coverage as a result of his findings.My muscle structure on the right side is wrecked but neither one of them has any any explanation for this, and the 2nd dr. fails to even mention this. What type of doctor should I be seeing? Is there a type of specialist that deals with the muscles or is it just a nuerosurgeon?
Hello Kelvin, we have both have a Neurosurgeon and Interventional Spine Specialist. I have forwarded your contact information to our Spine Pain department; an advisor will email you very soon.
I have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis ann would like some info on minimal invasive surgery
I have beentold i have a spinal fracture from a lifting accident.
Iam in alot of pain inlower back
have beenprescribedActonel but have severespasms of pain. Would appreciate your suggestions
I’m a 40 yr old woman who is becoming more and more immobile rapidly due to severe upper back pain. I take 800 mg or Tridural a day and still feel pain. I dont like the tired feeling it gives me or the expense of it. Is there a pain med that does not make you feel tired?
Also, does your surgery help upper back problems?
My life is going down hill very fast because of upper back pain. The last 5 years it has been severe and prescription medication is now needed on a daily basis. Several car accidents since I was 15 yrs old (none my fault), I think is the reason for the damage. All were settled years ago.
I just want to feel normal again and will do anything to improve this pain. I’m on disability now and had to sell my house and business a few years back because of pain. I’m only 40. The future seems very scary for me. I was always a very active and hardworking person. Now, I take pain pills just to be able to hold myself upright and sleep a lot because of them. I’m a total burden on the system!
Can I ever get back to being a normal functioning person again with surgery or treatment? I have seen a neurologist who said he does not recommend operating at this time. He suggested traction therapy and more pain meds. I was so disappointed. I really thought there had to be some newer technology that could help me.
The neurologist said in his report after seeing me and reviewing my MRI scan from last year, “Some soft features of potential radiculopathy, cervical spine demonstrates foraminal narrowing at the left side of c6-7 with the right side at c5-6 there is loss of normal lordosis secondary to the degeneration.”
I am just about to try the traction therapy now. Can your type of surgery help me? I would really love to get off all meds. I want to work again too.Please tell me what I can do to help myself. Please help!
Lisa
I fell on my tale bone May 2009,Had c.t scan done following Nov,showed problems with my lower back,was told to keep working.Still in pain,that Dec,2009 I had the the pain go down left leg and foot as well as pain in back.I had a m.r.i.showing a baldging disk and a herniated disk.I did not get to see a surgeon until Sept,2010.Surgery was booked for Oct,2010.I was told the surgery would fix all my lower back problems.After the surgery my left leg and foot still had shooting pain down them,leg and foot still numb after the surgery also.The pain I had before the surgery was gone after surgery,came back three weeks later.Still have a numb leg and foot as well as pain everywhere again.My knees now give me pain because I’ve had problems with my back for close to two years now,end of May 2011.Another m.r.i.is booked for Feb,2011.I’ve been off work again for three months now,and no sign of returning yet.Maybe I should of looked around for different surgeons! I was told and have read about new way of this kind of surgery being a small incission on your back.Mine was bigger then I thought it would be needing 15 small staples.I might have nerve damage now to my foot and leg from my bad surgery and waiting for the right help.Think twice about back surgery.
To Mr/Mrs S Armstrong. My wife and I have had an extended experience with Dr. & Neorsurgions. We know what you are going through. My wife has had 2 Operations,with no sucess. Gone the gamet on pain specilists, lazor treatments, accupuncture, now on pain killers Morphine, tylonal and what ever. Pease feel free to email us at the above address. Must be a reason I got to this site tonite, I never been on it and never tried to locate it. Wishing you all the best.
fell down and injured spine which gave me frozen shoulders and unable to walk anymore also cannot move arms and hands are knotted up have severe pain in all areas including neck back and shouders and hands and fingers cannot even wipe my own buttocks cannot feed self anymore have been in hospital for 8 months and feel depressed most of the time because of loss of mobility able to do stuff for myself i am an elderly woman who is still young at heart and am not over the hill yet i want some advice on what to do for pain pain management and pain medications that you would recommend and what you would recommend for my depression and self help also thank you i am in St Joseph’s hospital in thunder bay ontario thank you sinerelty
I have been told,I, HAVE A PINCHED NERVE IN THE TOP, OF MY, LEFT SHOULDER BLADE. THIS HAPPENED TWO MONTHS AGO. I had lost the feeing in my left arm. ( it has come back…. `BUT, I still have alot of, muscle knot, the side of
a golf ball.( some times, I have trouble breathing, standing, ( or ) just, walking, due to terrible pain)!
WHAT CAN YOU RECOMMEND.. “ I have already seen a ,“ CHROPRACTOR, 3 times, but, it still keeps coming back.
I, also do regular, “YOGA STRETCHED every day, so, I DON`T GET STIFF JOINTS, ELSE WHERE, IN MY BODY“!
I am a 67 year old man with I consider severe spinal issues. In 1984 I underwent four (4) cervical surgeries fusing C3,C4, and C5. Since those procedures that area has been great. Now according to x-rays/CT scans I have severe curvature from side to side in the rest of my spine ( I have shrunk approximately 4″). In the past year or so I have severe pain in the lumbar area and am attempting to live on addictive pain relievers which I’m obviously getting ‘used’ too. eg. 50 msg Fentanyl Epidermal patches, Gabapentin and nothing is working. Apparently my family MD. has had ‘a’ referral into a Spine Clinic in Vancouver since Oct. 06/09 and I have had nothing back as to when or where for a consult. My question(s) to you are your services covered under our BC medical Plan with Extended Health Benefits, and if so is there any chance for a consult in the near future with you as it seems the condition is worsening almost daily and it is starting to take a very strong effect on my emotional being as I am limited to pretty much of being unable doing the simplest of tasks. Thank you
I’m a 53 old woman & have been suffering with lift SI Joint pain, severe & chronic low back due to L-4 S-5 Degenerative Disk Disease, Spondilosis? & Arthritis.
This all started when I had 3 injuries at age 28 while in the military during the mid 80′s. The VA just keeps giving me pills.
I have Medicare, but I live in the USA, Kansas very close to Kansas City.
Does anyone have a suggestion as to where I can go for help?
Look for a atlas orthogonal chiropractor who will gently align your head on your neck. This almost always provides relief for low back and sacroiliac pain.
Also called Grostic upper cervical chiro, upper cervical technique.
see Nucca.org, or upcspine.com
I suffer from degenerative disc – L4-L5. Have already lost 50 % of disc space. I have had 3 surgeries in 2006, 7 and 9 – laminotomy, laminectomy, disc ablation (?), percutaneous discectomy….but to no effect. Have had no fusion though. WHAT IF ANYTHING CAN YOU SUGGEST?
I am now in California but a Canadian, went to Loma Linda hospital and saw Dr Hsu, neurosurgeon, about my spine..I have degenerative disease and arthritis of the spine…he advised that I have a neurostimulator inserted in my spine….do you do that procedure and how much would it cost , how long is the waiting period to have it done…
I have scoliosis and bumbs on my back with a small leasion at the base of the spine
I take 2 30mg morphine, and a number of other muscle relaxants, my Ocnocologist is from the Tom Baker Cancer center.
I livr in Pain every dy and every minut, I have bone Cancer and it took my right leg after fifteen yrs of remission, I am told the cancer is gone but i was not expecting the after math of the damage to my walking could do so much damage and disposition to my way of coping with pain.
I later fell out of remission and I am in the first stages of leukimia and was told I would last at least 7 yrs or more
just a year ago i was home less and no vehicle, But I managed to keep working, and fell into a mode of not wanting to do anything anymore,
I need advice and direction on Pain Control
I’m a 54 yrs old with severe back problems, I’ll try to explain what it is my T-12 look like a triangle, I fell about 12 yrs ago and now the pains has started about a couple years ago and I do mean severe pains. I’m not taking any medications due to the fact that I can”t find a doctor to prescribe them. I’m not a drug addict ,( far from that.) I smoke marijuana cause it ease the pains a bit.Also my C-4 to C-7 is also damage with pains that’s gaves me serious migraine headaches and shoulders gets severely painful.So I’m at a point that I do not know what to do anymore. Maybe you people could have some advice. I live in Kitchener,Ontario.My phone # : 1-226-750-0722. I do not know if you can help if not well thanks for listening.
Regards:
Mr. Camille Cormier
CEVCAL SPINE there is narrowing and degenerative disease of the C4- C5 disc space . There is some narrowing of the C3- C4 disc space. There is narrowing of the C4-C5 intervertebral foraman on the left. There is minor narrowing of the right-sided C3-C4 AND C4-C5 intervertebral foramina . Had back surgery done on lower back by doctor SUTHERLAND 1120 YATES ST. [250] 384 8154 , THIS LOWERBACK SURGERY WAS DONE SOME TIME IN THE [MID 1996 ??]
nI went to LSI having provided them with all records required & went ahead with surgery reccomended for spinal stenosis at level L4/L5 .My pain is 10 times worse before I had the procedure done.I went back &they were unwilling to discuss or do anything about my situation,only to tell me that it might be caused by another area at cost of 30,000$.Iwanted them to ceck the inital site since the pain was worse than it had ever been before.All I got was a very irrate Doctor who was annoyed that I questioned him.The Dr. was Dr. Prada. The whole experience was a total nightmare.I would encourage anyone considering LSI to get several other opinions prior to falling into their money making scheme.I myself am a Dr.This is the worst experience I have ever had in my life.The Dr’s are not qualified neurosurgeons nor does anyone care if your outcome is not what was promised & there is no follow up or post op care if there are any problems.I seriously would encourage you want to stay away from LSI.There is no recourse unlessyou want to proceed with a lawsuit or be treated by incompetent individuals who are not qualified in nuerology .My experience was a nightmare & I am currently seeing a neurologisit who is doing further testing &am optimistic I will get some answers. & have reasonable explanations regardless of what they maybe.
Dr. H. Tupholme
I had number 1 back surgery in Nov. 05… with great success… full function and feeling came back in my leg and foot. however, 07 started out different , the numbness came back.. landed me in surgery number 2 Feb. 07… I was left with the numbness in leg and foot.. it affects the quality and function ability of my life..very frustrated.. they doctor who did this surgery has left the area. we NO longer have a doctor who works on backs.. I am only 49 and worried what the future brings.. I now have to have Knee surgery this month..totally a mess i am..
Please tell me more about your experience, my back is to the point where I’m considering jumping off a bridge or out of a plane without a parachute.
I’m sooo sorry u r suffering soo badly I have lived 21 years with back pain.. different degrees at different times and i have been right where u r.. if u need someone to talk to vent with.. please feel free… I just had my first mri in 21 years… was 18 when I got hurt so of course noone took me seriously…I finally have someone trying to help
I know how how it feels to feel alone in this struggle.. I have this nasty lil joint that pops outta place and i’ve found myself looking out the window knowing that I wouldnt be alive in a year because the pain was not something i could see myself surviving…so if u need someone to talk to who really knows how bad it gets write me .. please take care Tammy