More Search Tools: Doctors Videos
Sciatica, Leg Pain, Radiculopathy
Welcome to Spine-health’s Sciatica, Leg Pain and Radiculopathy patient community. You can also read doctor approved Sciatica and Leg Pain Articles and watch Sciatica Videos.
1 reply [Last post]
February 7, 2012 - 2:59pm
velcarl
User offline. Last seen 15 weeks 3 days ago. Offline
Joined: 02/07/2012
Posts: 2
Points: 4
lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis

I have had lower back problems for years. As I age it has become much worse to the point it has affected my everyday life. I have been under doctors' care for a number of years and about 9 months year ago started with a pain management doctor. He recommended injections of steroids into my lower back. They have done this four times with limited success. On Monday they are going to do another area I believe L3-4 to see if that helps.
I am not hopeful it will help. If it does not I don't know what course of action to pursue. Any advice would be appreciated. Velcarl

Top
February 7, 2012 - 5:13pm
#1
desb63
User offline. Last seen 6 weeks 6 days ago. Offline
Joined: 12/20/2011
Posts: 96
Points: 194
sounds like mine

Hi Velcarl,I do hope you get relief this time,you seem to have gone through various treatments,I found these injections did not last very long and some done no good at all.finally I had surgery at L5/S1 for spondylolisthesis and bone removal from around nerves with fusion nov 2011,this has been great for my lower back the pain has been dramatically reduced,on the downside my leg has not recovered from the compressed nerves I had although this may take time it seems.

My spine problems were a defect from birth many people have without knowing this caused the L5 to slip over the S1 and compress,also the bones had not formed properly so this may be different from yours.

No one can advise surgery it is something you may need to consider with your specialist,it will depend on how you are coping as things are.

It was a hard decision to make and after surgery wished I hadn't had it,that soon changed to being the best thing I have done in ages,ok there are issues still with my leg but at least I have some relief worthwhile.
I should also point out I was told by my previous pain doc no more could be done and surgery could make me worse, I finally asked my GP for a referral to a spinal/orthopaedic specialist who agreed more could be done and he was right.

All the best Des

Top
Jump to: