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4 replies [Last post]
August 26, 2010 - 5:01am
Reformed1
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Joined: 04/21/2010
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Cold Laser Therapy - Any experience with this?

I started seeing my chiropractor again now that my fusion is stable. She has always been able to solve some very elusive issues with my back, neck, shoulders, etc., so I was happy to see her again and hear her perspective.

I also started with massage therapy (she has a very technically advanced therapist who I greatly admire). I then went over my whole sordid history with my back surgeries and shared what the consensus seems to be among doctors -- that my pain seems to emanate from scar tissue adhering to the L5 nerve root, and possibly from my S-I joint as well.

She made some minor adjustments to my back, all the while being respectful and careful around my fusion area.

She also suggested that she has had good success using Cold Laser treatment on other patients who had "failed surgeries".

I had never heard of this, but I did find an informative article on this very site:

http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-management/cold-laser-therapy...

I'm wondering if anyone has had success with this in breaking up or otherwise resolving pain that is related to scar tissue. If you are like me, you are willing to try just about anything to stop this pain, especially since my fusion seems to have been elegantly executed and this is just a very unfortunate side-effect.

Thanks,
Dave

_____________

9/2008 - L5/S1 Discectomy - Removed a section of disk the size of a man's thumb. Worked beautifully!
5/2009 - L5/S1 Repeat Discectomy - Had reherniated it riding my bike. Pain never resolved
1/2010 - TLIF at L5/S1 - fusion is stable, but pain is still unresolved ever since second discectomy
9/22/10 - Finally found a Physiatrist who has taken over my complete care. Looking forward to this next chapter of improved pain management.

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August 26, 2010 - 7:27am
#1
sleeprgirl
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Hey Dave..

Have you had your 3rd endoscopic procedure yet?

Cold Laser txs sound like a potential option as well. It is something I would not be opposed trying, however, I want to see the final results from the endoscopic procedures before trying the laser. If I did get relief from the pain, I want to know definitively which therapy worked...for future reference.

You and I seem to be in similar situations...hopefully we can get some relief with these new procedures.

Have a great day, Dave!!

Lisa

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August 26, 2010 - 8:06pm
#2
tarheelgirl
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Joined: 12/03/2008
Posts: 476
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I've never heard of this

I've never heard of this before, but I am like you and would try just about anything (safely) to help with the pain. This is interesting. Keep us updated if you decide to go thru with this.

_____________

Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

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August 28, 2010 - 6:36am
#3
Reformed1
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User offline. Last seen 44 weeks 3 days ago. Offline
Joined: 04/21/2010
Posts: 257
Points: 518
My next Lysis procedure is 9/13

My last of round of Epidural Lysis is on 9/13. I agree with you, Lisa, that it would be best to control the variables so that you know which treatment helped. I'm running out of time, though, because my short term disability benefits run out in early November and so I am doing an all-out Blitz on this issue. I'm trying to feel well enough so that I can get back to work fulltime. Later on, I'll reduce some of the treatments and see if I can still sustain how I feel.

I will be starting the Cold Laser treatment next Wednesday. I believe that it is completely safe and non-invasive. My Chiropractor is very conservative and she is also certified in Acupuncture, Acupressure, and some other therapies that I probably can't even pronounce, but I have to say that she is very sharp and she gets results. I trust her implicitly -- more than my NS, that's for sure!

Good luck Lisa and also to you, Tarheelgirl (that's a reference to UNC, right? Great school!). Btw, I appreciate your bible verse. I believe in it very much!

Take Care. I hope you have a great day.

Dave

_____________

9/2008 - L5/S1 Discectomy - Removed a section of disk the size of a man's thumb. Worked beautifully!
5/2009 - L5/S1 Repeat Discectomy - Had reherniated it riding my bike. Pain never resolved
1/2010 - TLIF at L5/S1 - fusion is stable, but pain is still unresolved ever since second discectomy
9/22/10 - Finally found a Physiatrist who has taken over my complete care. Looking forward to this next chapter of improved pain management.

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August 27, 2010 - 4:16pm
#4
tarheelgirl
User offline. Last seen 33 weeks 4 days ago. Offline
Joined: 12/03/2008
Posts: 476
Points: 958
UNC Tarheels!!!!

You got that right! Love em! I graduated nursing school from there! Go heels! And, that is one of my favorite Bible verses. I have so many...but it's one of my fav's. Best wishes with the new therapy and please let us know about it!

_____________

Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

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