Backpainology.com
The name David Evans and the subject of back pain have gone hand in hand for almost 2 years. I have had 2 microdiscetomy surgeries and yet continue to have an 8mm bulging disc. This page provides links to a number of back pain / spine websites that I have found useful.
MRI Results from July 2007 – see attachment. Bulge plus scar tissue at L5 S1. Vertabrae shows signs of ageing. All other discs in great condition.
XRay Results - Indicate micro instability of the L5 vertabrae. Moves out of alignment with other vertebrae when in fetal position or in extension.
Physical Symptoms
Left leg below knee, buttock, hip, pain – 6/10 while standing and walking. There is a little less pain while sitting.
Ok lying down and ok sleeping. Pain wears off by lying down – usually takes several hours
Atrophy in left leg
There is minor / modest weakness in left leg / foot.
Surgeon Recommendations:
Surgeons agree that there is micro instability of the L5 vertabrae that is the cause of the repeated reherniations and the lack of success of the microdiscectomies.
Surgeons agree that the abnormal movement of the L5 vertabrae needs to be addressed.
Surgeon #1 recommended anterior fusion using rigid screws
Surgeon #2 recommended I read the results of the Dynesys dynamic neutralization system clinical trials report. Dynesys is approved in the US as an adjunct to fusion and is in clinical trials as a stand alone solution. Dynesys without fusion is apparently available in Europe and has been for 17 years. He believes that this device potentially represents a superior solution to fusion surgery. Surgeon 2 would then recommend disc replacement rather than fusion
Low Back Pain Chronology
2004 Hurt back surfing. Back pain and stiffness; no leg pain
2005 Hurt back bowling – saw chiropractor. No leg pain
April 2005 Hurt back playing hockey – saw chiropractor. Back pain, No leg pain.
July 2005 MRI. Bulging Disk. Back pain but no leg pain. Pain went away.
July to Dec 2005 Saw Chiropractor off and on for modest back pain. No leg pain.
February 2006 Heard pop in back playing hockey. Within one week virtually unable to walk or stand
March 2006 Unable to walk or stand. Major leg weakness. Pain 7/10 – 9/10. Pain 80% in buttock, hip, outside of left leg below knee and foot / big toe
April 2006 Microdiscectomy #1
April 2006 Initially successful. Discomfort when sitting returned within 2 weeks.
May 2006 Some pain returning.
June 2006 MRI : Bulging or herniated Disk and Scar Tissue.
July 2006 Physical Therapy. Some pain reduction. Plus epidural injections
Aug-Dec 2006 Physical Therapy. Level of pain is up and down.
January 2007 Unable to stand or walk. Pain 7/10-9/10. Pain 80% in buttock, hip, outside of left leg below knee and foot / big toe
February 2007 Microdiscectomy #2: surgeon found disc fragments on, around, under nerve. Successful – almost pain free from March to June
July 2007 Pain returns following first business trip / air flights
July 2007 MRI performed
July 2007 Epidural Injection : 50% pain reduction
August 2007 Epidural Injection : 20% pain reduction
Sept 2007 Bulging Disc and Scar Tissue per MRI at L5 S1 level (see report attached)
Oct 2007 All pain has returned from pre epidural plus more. Overall deterioration from July to October. Pain was 2/10 now 5/10.
Pain now at a 6 or 7 when standing or walking
XRays performed. Indicate micro instability of the L5 vertabrae. Moves out of alignment with other vertebrae when in fetal position or in extension.
backpain article
After considerable thought and discussion, I have opted for spine fusion to please please please bring my leg and back pain to an end once and foreall.