Artificial Discs vs. Spinal Fusion for Pain Relief - Patients' Advice: Part II

I am 5 months post surgery. I have the plate and screws. C3-4, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7 were fused using my own bone from the iliac crest of my left hip. Yes, I had 4 disc fused!! I suffered pain in my neck and shoulders for about 4 years thinking it was my Fibromyalgia causing the pain. It was not until I lost feeling on most of my right side including; face, arm, hand, fingers, and upper thigh, that I sought help. I had no choice in having surgery or whether or not to use my own bone. I am very lucky/blessed that I did not do permanent damage to my nerves. I regained feeling as soon as I woke up from surgery and have 100% fusion in ALL 4 disc. I will always have pain due to the Fibromyalgia, but I am healing nicely, so far. My complaints at this point are: neck stiffness, shoulder pain, a feeling of heaviness of my head after a days work at the computer, and if I talk or sing too much, my throat gets tight and my voice is weak. My advice is....don't wait as long as I did if you need this surgery, granted, it should be the last resort, but I should have done it 3 years before I did. BTW...I quit smoking 1.5 weeks before surgery and am still smoke free! God bless.

From: Dana - Georgia, USA

I was 31 years old when I injured my lower back pulling and lifting patients at work. The low back and leg pain I was experiencing was indescribable. I could not sit, stand up straight or lie down longer than a few minutes. I had to get my roommate to roll me over off the floor or bed. I lost strength in my left foot and toes. All I could do was stand hunched over something taking pain meds until my laminectomy/discectomy, L4- 5. The surgery in 2002 immediately relieved me of my leg pain and I was back at work 5 weeks post op. I have had nothing but problems since. I have reherniated at the surgery level and below at L5-S1 at least 3 times since, doing nothing! I had to give up wearing heels, running, skiing, hockey, etc. after my injury. I have done everything I was told to do but now that I have reherniated again causing right leg pain, numbness and weakness, they are talking about disc replacement surgery. I have permanent nerve damage in my left foot and toes which cause me to lose balance and fall but the doctors don't seem to care. It is very hard living with chronic pain. Friends and family have a difficult time understanding your pain and your mood swings. It's no fun. I'm at a loss. I can say this much to those considering surgery--- if your pain is not debilitating, avoid having surgery of any kind.

From: Susan – California, USA

I have had back pain for over 13 years now and seen so many specialists I've lost count. The acute phases of pain have been getting longer and closer together and I have recently been off work for four months. However, with handfuls of pain killers four times daily I am managing a vaguely normal life. I am 29 year old and used to be an international oarswoman. However, I stopped due to increasing back pain. Afer all these years I have finally had an MRI which has revealed a growth off one vertebrae digging into a disc. The one above is prolapsed and the one above that is herniated. Even I could see from the MRI that something was not at all right. My lower back is a real mess. I have little feeling in my left leg and fall over a lot due to nerve damage. I'm on the list for a discogram but it'll be up to six months. I'm now on the list for a fusion too but not sure if they will be able to sort out all three discs. I'm very worried about the outcome of surgery. Having led such an active life I feel now, at 29 that I am walking like a pensioner and my life is greatly affected by my extreme pain. I am also considering artificial discs.

From: Rachel - Manchester, UK

I have had back pain for eighteen years, after having a broken tailbone that wouldn't heal removed. From then on I tried everything to relieve my pain. I had bulging discs in my neck, and actually relieved it through a good conservative chiropractor, who never cracked anything in my back. He gave me traction, increasing very little on a once a week schedule.

Then my lower back started hurting,at L4,L5,S1. I lost a good 5 years of my life through a family doctor, who had me on a lot of pain medicine (oxycontin, percocet, darvocet,and muscle relaxers). I went to a neurosurgeon in Toledo, who just yelled at me about all of the pain medicines, and said yes my L4,L5,S1 were ruptured but he would not operate on me due to my drug abuse!

My family got so desperate, they went online and found a doctor in California. I was so high that I went along with it. This doctor claimed to have this instrumental way called a BAK Implant for a fusion. When I came home my family took all of my pain meds away. I detoxed at home for six weeks. I was sick. It was the wrong way to do detox (I could have died.)

This was five years ago. If I would have to do it over under my own volition, I would never do it again. I am in severe pain every day (10+). I’ve called my surgeon in California and I get no response. No doctor in Toledo will touch me now. I have resigned myself to a life of pain at 45 years old.

From: Sheri – Ohio, USA

I had a fusion L2 - S1 with metal rods and screws four years ago. Because I had advanced DDD and my discs were so fragile, the L1 herniated. Do not get a fusion if your other discs can not handle the stress.

From: Dorothy

I had a c6-7 fusion in 1985 using bone from what I was told was calf's bone. It worked great! In 2000 I again had a fusion on C5-6, again the results were good except this time they used bone from my hip! Very painful, worse than the neck for recovery time. 2006 I had c4-5 fused and had a metal wafer put in and a titanium plate put on the anterior vertebrae. I have found it much more difficult to recover from pain wise and am hoping for more relief with time. I also have some trouble swallowing as a result of the plate and its irritation with the esophagus. The surgery works; arthritis just doesn't stop.

From: 3 Fusions – Canada

I am a 55 y.o. female, 3 years post surgery for a c4/5 fusion. Quite literally I woke up one morning and had terrible neck and arm pain and 60% loss of movement in my right arm. There was no question about surgery, have it or risk losing total mobility. Medication (cortisone dose pack x 2) didn’t do much. I was not given the choice for disc replacement, however, being a neuroscience grad student, I would not have chosen it since there are no long term results in on it yet. After 3 years I have total relief from symptoms which I had within 2 months of surgery. I have a slight decrease in mobility (my chin does not rest on my chest, but almost) that is all. I am happy I had the surgery. I didn’t expect such good results knowing the complexity of the spine and having heard unhappy stories. I, however, am a happy ending (to date). I recommend the surgery as long as you research the neurosurgeon (I stress this) and are confident that this is indeed absolutely essential. I won’t be going on any roller coasters anymore but hey, life is a big enough roller coaster for me.

From: Dina – Ohio, USA

I am a 30-year old mom with two small boys. I developed severe low back pain in October 2002 due to a herniated L5/S1 disc. There was no nerve compression so I was placed on a physical therapy program to alleviate my pain. The pain never went away so I was referred to a pain management center where I spent 2 years trying every “conservative” treatment to relieve my pain. My pain gradually got worse and spread to the bottom of my left foot. I couldn’t stand for more than 5 minutes, sit for more than 10 minutes or do any real exercise without severe pain. I tried chiropractics, SI joint injections, nerve blocks, cortisone injections, epidural injections, intradiscal steroid injections, cryotherapy, and IDET without relief for more than 2 years. Upon doing a discogram, my L5/S1 showed multiple tears. Prior to having my fusion surgery, I had a bone density exam and was diagnosed with osteopenia. I now take 50,000 IU Vitamin D a week, 1500 mg calcium per day and I also have to take a bone-building drug called Forteo to rebuild my bone density. On August 8, 2006, I had an anterior/posterior L5/S1 fusion. I am now 4 weeks post-op and am happy to report ZERO left leg pain. I do have back pain but that is expected after a back surgery. I am feeling good enough to be dangerous. It is difficult for me to sit still. I am not able to do vacuuming, sweeping, mopping or lifting more than 5 pounds so housework is out. I do walk every day but other than that I have to keep still and remember to use good posture. I am very happy with my results and cannot wait until I can be “normal” again.

From: Loretta – Minnesota, USA

About 7 weeks ago I had a spinal fusion after visiting 4 spine doctors. I decided to go with a minimally invasive TLIF procedure to help the pain from my Spondylolisthesis and L5-S1. I really regret having the operation now since I have had more pain in my legs than before the operation and some slight bladder issues. I went from being a avid cyclist riding up to 6 hours a day to being able only to ride 30 minute at a clip and then I started having a tough time sitting and dealing with the college life. I wish I had gone through other pain management approaches other than physical therapy alone for a year and a half. Now I have to live with my decision and I am 21 and in terrible pain. Please get counseling, do the conservative approach for as long as possible. I thought my life was bad before, but now I don't know what I will do.

From: KD

I am 22 years of age and had a car accident 14 months ago that has left me with a disc protrusion in my c5 - c6. I have seen four doctors who have mixed opinions. I have been told I shouldn’t have surgery but be limited for the rest of my life and never be able to row elite level rowing again. Or another surgeon said I have three options: keep going as is, have a fusion, or have a disc replacement, for which I am the perfect candidate. I am very scared to have surgery in my neck and fear becoming paralyzed. I am really uncertain as what to do as I hear good stories and bad which is out doing the good! Just really don’t know what to do and because I am so young ehat if something really bad happens! This injury has stuffed up my life. I can’t row snymore which is my passion, and my life, sports, and career/job are all active and physical.

From: Charmaine - Western Australia

I am 35 years old and I had a lumbar fusion at L4/L5 and L5/S1 in August of 2005. I am still very weak and my activities are limited by my pain. I've been out of work since July 15 (a year ago) and I'm not going to be released to return until November 06 or May 07. I have 4 carbon fiber cages, 2 harrington rods and 6-3 inch pedicle screws. (I had a laminectomy at L4/L5 in 1984 when I was 14.) My neurosurgeon is an ngel, however my orthopedic surgeon released me after 2 days in the hospital and allowed me to go home to an empty house. I fell from a 5 foot deck 5 days post-op. I still fall due to weakness and nerve damage in my legs. If I had it to do over again, I SIMPLY WOULDN'T.

From: Sunshine – Washington, USA

I had a Laminectomy of the L4/L5 in Aug 2004. Then a Posterior Interbody 2 Level Fusion of L4/L5, L5/S1 in Oct 2005. I felt wonderful - in fact amazingly better than I have in years. That is, until last month. It is now 6 months post-op and the pain is back, literally. Both of my legs and all over the back. It gets worse the longer I sit or the longer I stand, so basically I am up and down all day. I have refused any medication at this time just hoping it is part of the healing. Have an appt with my Surgeon next week, just hoping it gets better than worse.

From: Sue – Pennsylvania, USA

My husband received an artifical disc on January 31, 2006. Post-op he had relief from the leg and foot pain he had been suffering from for the previous 1 1/2 years. After he came home, he kept up the walking and began PT as directed by his doc. After beginning PT, he began to get some of the symptoms that brought him to the surgical route. He has since received 2 pain shots and has discontinued PT and is feeling better. I am still optimistic, but guarded. Although he does not have a real physical job, he has not been able to return to it and I am afraid that he will not be able to return to a "normal" job...

From: Gsolom – Oklahoma, USA

I had my neck fusion in 2004 at the C4-5 level. Also have the titanium plate with screws. Pain was so bad before the surgery I know that I would do it again. Having said that - I'm sorry to say that my pain is still here and worse than before the surgery.

Doctors have been okay with me. I am finally under the care of a pain center. I have fentanyl patch, neurontin, an anti-depressent. I am sure that I will have to get more relief (some more narcotics or injections). My pain is so bad each day that it has disabled me from any normal activity. I am going through physical therapy which I don't like. Aqua therapy seems to help. I try exercising, but it is difficult.

My advice for what it is worth... try every option you can before a fusion. Even though I would do it again, I would try more options and be more creative before being cut on. I would like to hear what luck people have had with acupuncture.

From: Greg T. – Georgia, USA

I am a 26 year old female who had a posterior lumbar interbody fusion with pedicle screws and rods at L4-5 and L5-S1 3 weeks ago. My MRI showed barely anything was wrong, just some degeneration. My discogram was strongly positive at the two levels, though. After injuring myself at work 9 years ago I haven't felt as good as I feel now. I had undergone IDET, nucleoplasty, epidurals, facet blocks, rhizotomies, SI joint injections, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, etc trying to AVOID having a fusion. I wish I had the fusion years ago. Jjust about all of my back and hip pain is gone with the exception of some expected incisional pain as well as muscle pain. Probably from lack of use over the past decade! I'm already walking at least 10x more than I would've been able to before surgery, and I'm walking "correctly". As I said, I wish I had this surgery years ago, but I suppose it's good to know that I tried every other possible option out there. I weighed the possibility of artificial discs as well, but they are not approved by the FDA yet for more than one level. I just wanted to put my good experience out there because before my surgery I seemed to only find negativity regarding fusions wherever I searched!

From: Kate

I had my first back surgery in 99, a laminectomy by a Neuro. My second and more extensive surgery was in 2000 by an Ortho in which I received a titanium rod and screws at L2-L4, along with a fusion in this area. I found out in December 2005 that I have a ruptured disc that is bulging under the rod. My pain management doc has done the epidural twice and steroid but says can’t do anything else for me and wants me to return to my Ortho. I was very active but now on Oxycodone, muscle relaxers and sleeping pills cuz these meds wake me after a few hours of sleep. The depression is horrible and the pain is getting unbearable. If my Ortho says another surgery, I am going to have to say yes I will have it. The fusion did work for a few years so I have to take my chances again hoping this will be the last time. If you need a fusion, remember this...everyone heals differently and make sure you have a good doctor. Good luck and try and stay pain free.

From: Margie - Maryland, USA

I am 7 weeks post surgery where I received a spinal fusion. 13 months after an injury received at work and over 5000 euro worth of medical treatments from Chiropractors and physios to acupuncturists and Osteopaths, I was referred to, in my opinion, the best Orthopedic Surgeon that Europe has to offer. I discovered that I had a ruptured disc, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis in the lumbar region. He offered an epidural as my first option before jumping into surgery. When that was not effective, purely due to the severity of the injury, we decided that surgery was the only way forward. Now, 7 weeks post op, I am more active and have less pain than in the 4 months preceding the surgery. I have been fitted with a brace which I am to wear for 4 months, and have been involved in an intensive rehab programme with the physiotherapist for the last two weeks. Whilst the recovery period is lengthly, I know that my quality of life has already improved, and will continue to improve every day. The scars are very neat and will eventually fade. For anyone considering this surgery, I honestly recommend it. It is the best thing I could have done and I will never look back.

From: Pro-fusion - Ireland

I am 5 days post op . I recieved the CerviCore Artificial Disk instead of the fusion. I knew from the moment I awoke from surgery that the pain that had been with me for so long from the herniation and the nerve compression was gone. I am so glad I went ahead and got the disk. It has given me a new lease on life. The best advice I can offer is to really research and have all the confidence in your surgeon. For my operation I chose a Neurosurgeon and I am so glad that I did. Do yourself a favor and try the disk. If all else fails you will only end up with a fusion anyway! So give it a shot. It changed my
life...

From: Christy Calhoun – Florida, USA

I had a ruptured L5-S1 disc in May 2003. Had a discectomy, which helped some but not completely. My surgeon wanted to do a fusion, but couldn't due to my weight. So I then had gastric bypass in June 2004. Now that my weight loss is stable I had an anterior spinal fusion of L5-S1, and had "cages" put in to replace my disc, on March 10, 2006. As far as pain, I had just as much if not less pain before my fusion. Today I have to say that I don't see a difference, especially for the better like I had hoped. They say time will tell but it has already been 3 years since my first surgery.

From: James – Wisconsin, USA

I've just found information on an investigation about DePuy's Charite Artificial Disc. Apparently there have been reports that the artificial disc can migrate from its original location or the plates can grind against each other, causing tearing and disc fragments to be released into the body. It also said that there may be a defect in the center of rotation that can cause instability of the spine.

The information on the investigation said that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have preliminarily determined it will not cover implantation of the Charite Artificial Disc. You can read about that at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewdraftdecisionmemo.asp?id=170.
If you or someone you know has had one of these discs implanted, you should check out http://www.hbsslaw.com/DePuy_Investigation.htm for more info.

From: MissFlex

I am post surgery from Jan-06 C-456 fusion. All my pain is gone that I had before surgery - could not feel my left hand, tingling down left arm, major shoulder pain. My surgery was well worth the trouble. I now have surgery pain left, which is normal. Very satisfied with my results. I prayed a lot and got positive results. Try praying - it might help you because it helped me.

From: Bilie – New York, USA

After two car accidents, I had terrible lower back pain. I tried physical therapy, epidurals, cortisone injections, nothing worked. It was at the point where I couldn't even roll over in bed. I had two Charite artificial discs implanted at L4-L5 and L5-S1 on Feb. 1, 2005. The discs are a godsend. There's a little achey pain occasionally, but completely manageable, and I have full mobility. Recovery was relatively quick too... four months later I was trekking around Asia. Supposedly fusion takes longer to recover, is more painful, and does impact mobility. Three cheers for artificial discs!

From: Dan – California, USA

I am 2-weeks post op from spinal fusion surgery for a mild spondylolisthesis of L5/S1 and am absolutely thrilled with my decision to have the surgery. I tried all conventional therapies first, and they significantly improved my back pain. However, they did nothing to relieve the sciatica pain in my left leg and foot. My right leg and foot were never painful, but they were always numb. Since my surgery I have had no sciatica related pain or numbness. I have the usual, expected post-op discomfort, but it is nothing compared to the months of agony prior to the surgery. Before surgery I was only able to be on my feet for a few minutes at most. I am already walking up to a mile a day and I know I will not be able to resume full activities for quite some time. But at least I know there WILL be a time when I will be able to go back to doing what I enjoy most -- birdwatching. I am extremely grateful to have found a wonderful, caring, experienced orthopedic surgeon here in Denver and would be more than happy to recommend him.

From: Alison Hilf - Colorado, USA

I am 3 weeks post surgery to have L5-S1 fusion. The day after my surgery I was pain free for the first time in 5 months. So I deem the operation to be highly successful and would recommend my doctor to anyone. As far as what the future will bring who knows but I do know this. The only pain I have had since the operation was due to my stupidity. I am in a brace and was instructed not to sit for more than 40 minutes at a time and I was talked into going to a movie which lasted 2 hours and paid heavily for it for two days with pain in my ankle. Doctors can be blamed for a lot but we all do it - when we feel slightly better we do things we should not do - doctors should not be blamed for this.

From: John - Florida, USA

Had 2 discectomies at L5/S1, first in 1989 second in May 2005 which left me with a fully dropped left foot and a partially dropped right foot. A third prolapse occurred in Nov 2005 and was offered ADR once I lost two stone, which I have now done. Consultant now says that problems with Charite discs in the long term have forced a change of disc replacement product, which in the UK I am not eligible for as the protocol excludes patients who have undergone previous surgery. My only options are to either wait in pain and hope I do not lose any more function in my right foot whilst awaiting the clinical trials of the new product to conclude, or take the option of fusion. Both options are scary but I think on balance I will go for the fusion rather than risk the complete loss of function in my feet and legs. Although some of the anecdotal evidence on this board leave me a little uncomfortable with my decision, I don't see another option.

From: thejazz – England, UK

I had C5 fusion and disc removal damaged in car accident. Was in terrible pain, migranes and left side. Finally had fusion, first year was fantastic, 2nd year gradually symptoms redeveloping. CT shows slippage, narrowing and spurs at same site. Don’t know what to do. Now can’t exercise, changed jobs just after surgery, now find it very hard to do desk job. Is surgery just a temporary solution? Doc has put me on additional meds now that help some but my outlook isn’t bright. I guess I will be back in the same boat looking at more surgery or more medication. How can slippage, narrowing and spurs develop so quickly? You would think I would have enjoyed a few years from the surgery.

From: Chella - Tennessee, USA

I am 3 weeks post op for Charite ADR at two levels, L4-L5 and L5-S1 and I must say that I made the right decision. I had moderate-severe lumbar pain for ~12 years that gradually got worse over that period of time. I was on a 50 mg/hr Fentanyl patch and 5-325 Percocet for breakthrough pain to manage my pain for about the last year and a half or so. Currently, I do not take anything for pain, not even OTC. The only problem that I had was that I had to battle my previous insurance company. I had the good fortune to be able to switch carriers and got the surgery. This surgery may not be for everyone, but I will tell you that I have seen tremendous results already. Living with the kind of back pain that requires surgery is hard, and I know that there is not much support out there for patients. Most of the time you are either seen as a weakling or a drug seeker. It is hard to say how I will feel long term, but this is the first thing that I have ever done for my back that immediately afterward I felt total relief from the symptoms that I have been suffering through for years.

From: Curt – Maryland, USA

I had a T-4 to L-5 spinal fusion when I was 29 - I had 78 degree scoliosis which was progressing 1 1/2 degrees per month (surgery was an absolute). I have had two problems, first is the pain in my lower back (which i have discovered is flatback), and post operative damage (in my case i had a DVT in the right leg from my ankle which is where they inserted the blood return needle to my right knee) which resulted in a PE to the right lung which I passed at home (worst three days of my life). I have a few things I would to comment on: first, if you have the surgery and you end up disabled, like myself, you will lose everything. I lost my home, car, job, mobility, everything. Second, the medical field has a very different idea of "success" than a patient. To a doctor, if the fusion takes with a reasonable amount of correction then it's successful. Make sure you understand that your age will have a lot of impact on how you recover.

From: David Miller – New York, USA

I had my first spinal fusion when I was only 12 years old and in the 8th grade, less than one year later I was told I needed another one because in the process of trying to save as much of my spinal movement as he could, my doctor did not extend the rods far enough, which caused my scoliosis to worsen. Both surgeries went text book- on the first one I didn't even need blood back up!

I am optimistic about my surgery because I was very self conscious of my back and the visible twisting of my rib cage prior to surgery. However, I can't help but wonder if something will eventually go wrong considering I had the surgery at such a young age, I actually have a back the same length of an 8th graders (and i am 5'8!).

**PLEASE: IF YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE THIS TYPE, OR ANY TYPE OF SURGERY, LOOK INTO MORE THAN JUST A COUPLE DOCTORS! MAKE SURE YOU ARE FULLY COMFORTABLE WITH THE CHOSEN DOCTOR, YOUR BACK AND LIFE ARE IN HIS HANDS!

From: Jennifer K - Florida, USA

In 1999 I had a cervical fusion at C-5/C-6. I still have discomfort in my right arm... so I am not 100 percent certain it worked. I wish I had been offered the option of disc replacement.

I'm now suffering chronic pain in my lumbar, I have DDD and my MRI shows at L5-S1 an annular tear with hypertensity zone and I have pain all the way from my lower back/butt to my ankle/foot.

Doctors don't feel I should get a surgery yet..... I'm doing meds and P.T. and injections. Nothing is helping. Its been 17 months of chronic pain... I am so ready to not hurt... I'd probably go for a replacement surgery if they would do one!!!! I don't see this getting any better.

From: Suffering Suzie - Oregon, USA

I had the Charite ADR (L5\S1) placed on Nov 1st of this year. I'm a 30 year old male. I had a Laminectomy in this area about a year and a half ago due to a large herniation. I returned to work as a Firefighter 11 weeks later. After being at work for several months I had a return of both lower back and leg pain. To make this short, it was said that the disk was rapidly deteriorating and collapsing on itself. After PT and several MRI's with no positive outcomes, my choices had changed - Fusion or ADR, depending if I was a candidate. I qualified for the Charite ADR. I couldn't wait. Nov 1st I had it put in. I stayed in the hospital for 2 days and felt incredible, with the exception of the abdominal incision. I sat for 6 weeks doing nothing but wearing a support brace. The RESULTS WERE INCREDIBLE. I am now entering my third week of PT which involves Aquatics and more. Since I've been in Therapy I have upper and lower, back aches, intermittent leg pain, but not pain everyday. X-rays show that the prosthetic is still in place and healing perfect. I'm told that these symptoms are secondary to the muscles trying to adapt and perform their normal functions, and should resolve with time. I am the FIRST to have the artificial disk placed in my state, so this site has been really helpful to me.

From: Mike – Rhode Island, USA

I had my spinal fusion two years ago. I had one of the best orthopedic surgeons. It is a very long recovery. My fusion was L5-S1 with rods and screws and a BMP bone graft from the right hip. I started having pain three years ago. With no warning, I was unable to get up from the chair I was sitting on. That was it. I was in a different zone – how did this happen? I was in very good shape, a long distance runner and a weight lifter. I tried to do all the right stuff to make my body stronger. I tried to enjoy the beautiful body given to us to live in and keep going until I reached my limit so that I could say that I had always tried to go a little bit further. Life is not the same anymore. There is pain and more pain. If it is not the fusion area, then it is next to that area – maybe the SI joint or maybe the right leg – so that I am always wondering what it is now. I am getting new symptoms every day – I am driving my husband up the wall. The irony is that he is one of the ortho surgeons who tries to help all of us, but sometimes it is not enough. My wish for everyone is a pain-free world because it is no fun living with the agony of pain. I know that from my journey.

Stay focused – stay positive – keep believing.

From: Nur – New York, USA

I had fusion done in November of 2000. My left side of my body was numb. I couldn’t move my arm, my leg lost its movement, and my neck had chronic pain. I had fusion in C3-C4. I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and arthritis in my upper and lower back. It's been 5 years and I'm still in chronic pain. I want to come off the heavy medications. The reason I haven’t had surgery again is because I haven’t heard of many success stories. I had a second opinion that kind of made me not want surgery right now. I was told that they would crack my ribs and collapse a lung just to get to the mid part of my back where the pain is. I have pain all down my back and legs, both of my hands are swollen with pain. I need some encouragement. The only thing that keeps me with a sound mind is my faith in God. I'm only 40 but my life style is limited in every area.

From: Crudup – North Carolina, USA

I Had my L-5 S-1 fusion, decompression and reconstruction, 6 weeks ago. I am so happy that I had it done. I have no leg or back pain. I would recommend my doctor to anyone. I believe that you have to trust your doctor. Make sure the doctor explains everything to you and answers all of your questions. Make sure your doctor and his staff spends as much time as you need them to spend with you. I had the anterior and posterior fusion. The scars are hardly noticeable. I am wearing a TLSO brace and I am very mobile - as much as the brace allows. I had constant pain for a year in my legs and buttocks and it didn't allow me to do much. I never knew how I was going to feel each day when I woke up. I am very happy with my decision to have the surgery and my doctor and his staff.

From: Cris – Minnesota, USA

I am 25 years old and have degeneration in L4 and L5. I have been in pain over a year. I have gotten epidurals and therapy, which have not helped. My doctor wants to fuse my spine. I have read so much about the pros and cons. I am worried about what I will be like 15 years down the road if I have this. Will I still be in pain after the surgery or will I be better? I do not know
whether to do the surgery or deal with the pain that I am having. I want to go back to a normal life, but do not want to risk getting worse.

From: Jess

I am a 30year old female and I just had a lumbar laminectomy 10 days ago. So far- I'm really pleased!! The pain in my low back and the HORRIBLE pain that shot down my leg to the ankle is gone! Used to be that I cried bveryday--the pain was unbearable in just a sitting position! I had to pull off the road many times in a 15 min. ride to releive the leg pain! My pain started 1 year ago- no known reason and got worse by the day. I went to a chiropractor for 6 months on and off who kept saying the pain would get better. Finally; desperate I - myself scheduled an MRI. To everyones surprise but mine I had 2 VERY LARGE herniated disks. I had the 3 epidural spine injections to try to relieve the pain-- when that failed along with chiropratic and physical therapy I decided to have the surgery.. I was very scared (I'm only 30 and have 2 young children) that keep me so busy-- thats why I had to do it-my quality of life was going down so quick! I've always been very active and energetic-until the pain started so it really threw me for a loop. I'm SO glad I had this done-- I feel 100% better and now I can enjoy my life with my kids again!! I would personally try everything before surgery-- but if nothing works GO FOR THE SURGERY!! Your quality of life will be so much better!!

From: Jodie - West Virginia, USA

I have had chronic back pain for 10 years since tearing muscles in my low back - I was running to catch a plane and my hanging clothes bag slipped off my shoulder and I threw it back over my shoulder and it tore the muscles around L4 and L5. I also have DDD and impairment on two levels. My orthopedic doc says I need fusion but states I will not be pain free. I do not know what to do. I still can work part time but have pain every day. I fear that surgery will do no good since I have two levels of degeneration.

From : cj - Georgia, USA

I had a rare cervical fusion in 1997. Fractured and dislocated c1. If I knew my life would be filled with debilitating pain I wouldn't have done the surgery. Fused occipital to c3. Now I have adjacent level disease and nerve problems progress everyday. I am still alive and not paralyzed. But there’s a price that you pay, and most of the time not seen or believed. Without a doctor and medical insurance I am tossed aside to suffer every minute of everyday. I have attended a pain clinic, and even tried the red tape of the government for help. There should be a law that states documented pain patients should be treated regardless of lack of insurance and access to a physician. My words of advice are make sure they make you feel comfortable with the long term effects of your injury. No one ever told I would live to be in pain... make sure you know the facts, and always remember you know your body more than any doctor. TRUST YOUR GUT....

From: Jessica - Florida, USA

I am three days post op from having endoscopic spine surgery. I have suffered 11 years from neck pain and dealt with it mostly by denial. I stayed active despite the pain and this method of coping came to its natural end. Too much activity exacerbated the problem. Spinal fusions seemed a step away from relief and not toward. My general practitioner who tried for years to get me to take narcotics finally succeeded and now treats me like a junkie. I am a responsible mother of two, I own a small business, I volunteer, and I keep a spotless house. I never take more medication than he prescribes and try to get by on less. Bottom line, the post operative pain is significantly better than the agony i endured for all those years. I'll make a small effort to educate my gp and then maybe find one that is a little more pain savvy. I chose Microspine to do my surgery because they are the leader in endoscopic spinal surgery and nobody does as much spinal surgery or have as many surgical procedures. The dr's there are not waiting for medicine to catch up with our pain, they are meeting it at the source. They also seem to understand that when the pain goes away, the need for pain pills does too.

From: Mamamaura - Florida, USA

It has been less than two weeks since getting the Charite ADR. I am finally able to sit & stand, without the terrible pain that was in my low back & shooting down my leg. My Chiropractor recommended my surgeon. I suggest that you get a highly-recommended surgeon. This surgery requires a lot of X-Rays during the procedure, and a lot of step-by-step decisions, such as the size & placement of the ADR. I am a 45 yr. female. I have Osteoporosis in my hips, but not in my spine. You won't qualify for this procedure, if you have Ost. in your spine. My history includes ten years of pain, with some pain injections over the years. You might have a struggle, getting approval from the insurance company. I was told that Aetna was the only company approving one-level replacement. Be ready to protest that this surgery is NOT experimental, because it has been approved by the FDA. Make sure that your surgeon was trained for this procedure. Also, I learned that soon after surgery, it is best to use a technique in standing up & sitting down (which is the biggest struggle) of putting some distance between your feet. The easier balance will reduce the pain, while you are healing. I am just thrilled that I am recovering so well in less than two weeks!

From: Bernadette – Texas, USA

I had 2 back surgeries and first they removed the disk L5 and did a fusion and put screws and titatium plates. My disk was very bad. I was falling; I could not walk. My second they removed the screws and the plates and did more fusion. After that I am in chronic pain all the time. My mobility is limited. It's a nightmare, also a pain in the (***) to get pain medication because they think that I am getting hooked. Not easy to deal with the fact that you are disabled and face a lifetime of pain and having to deal with insensitive Doctors.

From: Nery – New York, USA

I am 6 months post Anterior cervical discectomy with Fusion. I was doing very well until 6 weeks ago. I noticed burning aching nerve sensations in my thighs. My calves also started aching. Within weeks, the sensations moved up my back and into my arms, legs and neck. I have had revoked potential tests and blood tests, to rule out any neurological diseases. Everything came back normal. The doctors are stumped. I guess if I had it to do over again, I am not sure I would have done it. Has to somehow be related to the surgery I would assume.

From: Kathleen Taran – New York, USA

Due to Scoliosis, I was fused from T4 to L4 at the age of 15. Now, 2 kids and 26 years later, at 41 years of age I am just beginning to experience the long term effects of the early Harrington Rod fusion surgeries for Scoliosis. I consider myself very lucky to have gone so long without much if any trouble at all. My bone health is always something I've kept an eye on. Regular exercise (nothing with heel strike) and weight training has helped to keep my bone density level high. Regular pain management, control and anticipation is something I've become very good at over the years. As an adult, I thank God every day that I had such great surgeons. I am now experiencing stenosis in L5 below my fusion (yikes! this hurts). It's an interesting new pain, that I must say is difficult to control without some medication. Medication is an entirely diff. subject. I will consider having disc replacement surgery ONLY when/if I absolutely have to. And only after I have done some serious homework in finding a surgeon who specializes ONLY in spinal surgeries for correction and treatment of scoliosis. Many people put more time in researching the purchase of a new car than finding "the right" Dr.. Choose your Dr. wisely. They are just people like the rest of us. Some are great at their jobs, some are good, and some… Best of health to us all.

From: Christine – Indiana, USA

I am also new to this site as I did not know it existed. I have had several fusions of the L5 S1 without metal fixation. My first one was done in September 2003 and I had 2 wound infections caused by dissolving stitches several weeks after the first operation. I made my decision like many of you who suffer pain through the legs and buttocks, which had almost rendered me disabled from the numbness. I have had tests done recently and have found that I now have 2 fractures in both sides of my graft. I had my last operation in August 2004 and it has now been 1 year and I stll have severe pain for which I take Tramal 100mg and Valium to ease the pain. I am now considering metal fixation to correct the graft and relieve the pain. But my question is how long I should wait to see if my graft repairs itself. I don’t know how much longer I can take the pain.

From: Andrew Bond - Australia

I had PLIF on L5-S1 Feb. 2005. I was doing great come April and May, all pain and numbness were gone! My Ortho is head of Spinal Reconstruction dept and came highly recommended. After nine years of pain, numbness, and PT I had the surgery (after a second opinion from a neurosurgeon at a different hospital). Now I have pain and numbness in different part of my foot plus terrible muscle spasms and pain worse than before my surgery! My PT has said that the L4-L5 area is hypermobile. My surgeon will not see me until my scheduled mid-September appt. so I am going to see another surgeon that is, according to other people, more compassionate, spends time explaining things and is even more experienced and has a better reputation than my current surgeon. I don't want to keep having fusions. By the sound of all the responses below the problems just keep going up one more level. I'm thinking of ADR in the one above if it turns out to be ruptured because I have had problems with that disc in the past. Actually I was surprised it was L5-S1 causing the pain and being operated on! I am so tired of pain meds and muscle relaxers!

From: Cynthia – Michigan, USA

I had posterior lumbar interbody fusion to L4/5, with a cage, three weeks ago to remove a worn-out disk that was causing severe stenosis and pain in my buttocks and legs. Like many below I had no option other than have the op. I am in my thirties and could no longer walk further than 30 metres without having to stop. Within 3 days of surgery I could walk up and down the hospital corridor. Each day I walk further and am now up to a mile. So far so good. I feel I have a very stiff back. This is more than compensated by the fact that all my original pain is gone. I am increasingly mobile and looking to build up my strength. I do have a muscle problem in my left leg (very tight hamstring and calf).I am now looking for a good physical therapy programme that will develop my stamina and enable me to get back to work and back to fell walking. At this moment I can thoroughly recommend the procedure.

From: Mike – North Yorkshire, UK

I am a 31 Year old wife and mother of two. I functioned as a normal member of society until March of 1998. Suddenly I woke up one morning with pain in my low back and down both legs into my feet. I have hurt everyday since. I had seen numerous doctors and been through many tests until I was directed to my the pain management doctor I have now. I kept telling the doctors that I knew it was my spine. They all told me that my MRI looked fine and then sent me along to the next specialist stating they could not help. Finally I was sent to a pain specialist in Richmond. He searched evey avenue until he found the cause of my pain. He did something called a discogram and found that I have a tear in the disc between L2 and L3 and also a very large tear between L5 and S1. I knew that it was my spine but none of the doctors I saw wanted to listen even though my 57 year old mother has had eight back and neck surgeries since age 27 and was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. My doctor has had me on pain medication for five years; I also take anxiety medication due to the stress of constantly living in pain and seeing no light at the end of the tunnel. Now that my doctor has found the problem I will be having the Charite disc replacement surgery.

From: Amy - Virginia, USA

I have had 2 back surgeries. The second surgery was a fusion L4 to L5 to S1. I had a 5 mm shift in those areas which could only be found with 2 MRIs back to back. The first MRI was with my spine in correct position and the second was with it out of position. No one believed I had this problem. That’s why I had 2 surgeries. I would do a fusion all over again. The problem I am having now is that the 3rd lumbar is already having severe stenosis and instability only after a year. I had spinal instability since 1989 and struggled with wrong diagnosis from so many doctors. I am ready for another fusion now in L3 and also may have one in c5-6 and c7-8. My spine surgeon is having a very hard time with wanting to do the surgery. He says he’s afraid my spine at L2 will end up the same way so he is fighting me on this. I don’t smoke or drink and I was fine after 2 weeks out of surgery.. It’s important to have the best surgeon. And mine is.....

From: Mary Mitchell – Illinois, USA

Factors I considered: I could not function normally before surgery, and was in excruciating pain. Due to the fact that without surgery I would not be able to walk at all within a year, and that pain medication was having to be increased more and more to manage the pain, I decided that surgery was my best option. Without I would not be walking at all, and with I at least had a 40% chance of walking. I simply could not do anything at all before surgery. Afterwards, there was pain, and still is, but I can function with about 10% of the dosage of pain medication that I was on before surgery. My doctor’s credentials were impressive, and he had a record of a great deal of success with this surgery in other patients.

Resources: I used a list of questions to ask my doc about my actual chances of recovery afterwards. The list provided by Spine-health.com, Specific questions to ask your spine surgeon, is helpful in starting a list patients may want to ask before surgery. I used google to find out information about my surgeon and his qualifications, and also healthgrades.com to find out how his patients had responded to this type of surgery.

Decision: I am extremely happy with my decision to have surgery. I would recommend that any patient considering this type of surgery do everything they can to find out about the procedure, the doctor, and even the hospital where they are having it done. Definitely get a second opinion.

From: Bob Coleman – North Carolina, USA

About 12 years after a spine compression injury I pulled a stump out of the place I wanted to put my new wildflower garden. That started a three year period of physical therapy, spinal injections, exercise programs and visits to five doctors. I found the neurosurgeon that I wanted to perform a spinal fusion of L2-L3 because of the increasing pain I endured 24/7. When I began to lose bladder and bowel control the surgery date was moved up "just in case."

The period immediately after the surgery was so incredibly painful that I often regretted having the surgery. After 2.5 months in a very restrictive back brace and several more of physical therapy and yoga I began to feel better. I'm always worried about the disks on either side of the fused disks because I have degenerative disk disease but I feel that I had no choice but to have a spinal fusion because of the nerve damage I had lived with for the prior 3 years.

Am I happy I had the surgery? Yes and no. I am happy because I can still walk and don't need a wheel chair but I wish I could have waited until the technology would have allowed me to heal more quickly and not put stress on the adjoining joints.

From: Patricia – Virginia, USA

In 1999 I had my FIRST back surgery, a Laminectomy/Discectomy. It was the most horrific experience of my life or what I thought was. I was in worse shape than before the surgery Dr. kept telling me "Give it time to heal" after two years and the pain getting worse I went to another Neurosurgeon, did the MRI and was in surgery 3 days later. He said the bottom of my spine was "blown out" I had a spinal fusion L5-L4 & 1/2 of 3 to stabilize my spine and S1.Pins,rods etc. I was in surgery over 9 hours, spent 8 days in the hospital and 5 months in a hard plastic brace, months in Rehab. I am 2 years post op. What has changed since? NOTHING! I am still taking pain meds 4 to 6 times a day for pain, I am hunched over most of the time and sadly I am only 41 years old.

The very BEST advice I can give to anyone needing to go for surgery:
1. Choose your surgeon VERY carefully do research and GET A SECOND opinion
2. Research your surgery and be sure to ask questions do NOT let your busy surgeon rush you out of the office leaving you with questions un-answered. Trust me they are getting paid quite well and this is your body they need to fix!
3. Be sure you are aware of all the after surgery care you will need, a home health nurse, Physical therapy, braces etc....It is a very long and painful recovery.

Best of Luck you all!!

From: Nancy – Pennsylvania, USA

I'm new to this site but I can tell you that I've had one level of spine fusion at L4L5 in Jan 2005. I'm 6 month post opt and still having pain in the low back and both legs. Due to my pain level my neurosurgeon has put me on 60 mg of avinza. For you all that have never heard of avinza, it is a 24 hr morphine release. My fusion was a PLIF fusion. I'm just hoping that fusion will take place and the nerve pain will ease up. I wish you all well and my prayers are with you.

From: Plumberman1 – Pennsylvania, USA

I made my decision to have spine fusion surgery based upon the hope of alleviating the pain I had endured over the previous five years. Non-surgical therapies were not working for me, so I opted for the recommended procedures. The result, 18 months later, there is some pain, but not even close to that experienced prior to my L4-L5 fusion.

Exercise, NSAIDS, an occasional analgesic, and electro-therapy, appear to be moving me to a virtual back pain free existence. It is occasionally interrupted by a "bad day" of pain; but I was told to expect these with lessening frequency. So far, every "prediction" has been right on the money. I am hopeful that with the passage of time that the "bad days" will cease.

If I'd had earlier intervention than I did, I suspect that other therapies may have been successful, and may have negated my need for the fusion surgery. I was, I suppose, in denial that there was a serious problem and tried to ignore the ever worsening condition. So, my advice to others experiencing even small amount of back pain is DON'T PROCRASTINATE! GET A MEDICAL ASSESSMENT!

My surgeon suggested Spine-Health.com as part of my information gathering during my decision-making process. It is a wonderful source of information, and I will continue to read the Newsletter for sometime to come. Thanks Spine-Health.com!

From: Tim – Idaho, USA

I live in New Zealand and had a laminectomy in 2003, I am about to have a spinal fusion of L4, L5 S1 after falling down a flight of stairs at home and redamaging this area again. I haven't heard of the replacement disc option here in NZ so if anyone has any more comments on this procedure I would love to hear them. I think the fusion is the best option for me at this stage as the pain is unbearable.

From: Sonya Thompson – New Zealand

I had a C5/6fusion Dec 03 after 4.5 years of chronic pain. A trip to the emergency room Oct03 was when my physiatrist first ordered an mri on my neck. Prior he had only done an mri on my lumbar and an xray of my neck. From the mri they found two herniated discs & and a bone spur. He is supposed to be one of the best spine doctors! The fusion helped 55% of the pain. Dec04-March05 I had six cortisone shots in the 3 locations (from a new doctor)which enabled me to exercise again. Shots + LOTS of core exercise has helped another 20%. I still can't sleep on my side, but down to Advil or Tylenol for pain. Would have rather tried artifical disc. I should have tried more cortisone shots prior to surgery. I plan to continue with exercise since that is my only hope & my passion. This site helped in all of my decisions around this injury since my original physiatrist wouldn't tell me anything. He treated my like the pain was all in my head, he was close...it was in my neck.

From: Anonymous

I had a one level adr replacement surgery at L5S1 with the Charite disc performed around six weeks ago and I have to say that all of the expectations of the surgical outcome have come true. All of my pain is gone, I am not taking any medications at all now, my physical therapy is going very well, swimming, walking, PT three time per week. I am going back to my PHYSICAL JOB in 8 weeks. This could not be accomplished with a fusion surgery. All a fusion sugery does is create adjacent disc problems in the future along with other problems. It is about time an alternative is there for DDD problems. I had my surgery performed at the Texas Back Institute and I will have to say that I was very impressed with the doctors there and all of there staff. I was treated like a human being instead of some object. As far as I am concerned, ADR WAS THE BEST ALTERNATIVE FOR ME. I would recommend ADR surgery over fusion to anyone that meets the right criteria.

From: Mark - USA

After doing extensive research on the internet (and suffering from debilitating back pain), I decided on artificial disc replacement. From what I learned, the draw-backs of fusion were: increased pressure on surrounding discs (which could cause more herniations), pins that sometimes "come undone" and rods that can often be felt. I have also heard of many people who felt their fusion was not a success. The artificial disc allows full range of motion, does not cause increased pressure on surrounding discs and the materials used have been proven, over time, to be accepted by the human body. The same materials have been used in hip replacement and knee replacements. I had my ADR surgery performed in August 2004 and have been given new life. I have no regrets about my decision. My ADR surgery was exceedingly successful. I am now free from back pain and getting on with my life!

From: Anonymous - New York, USA

Greetings from Australia!
I am a 36 year old female and I underwent Disc replacement surgery on the 30th November 2004. The reason for the surgery at C6-C7 was due to a work accident. My Surgeon told me that after the operation I would have the neck of a 15 year old, I would be pain free after 6-8 weeks of physiotherapy and back at work as a Nurse within 3 months. Great I thought. I can honestly say that I do not have the neck of a 15 year old I am certainly NOT pain free and I will never return to work as a Nurse. Was this a good option for me? I don’t think so. I had a spinal fusion at 17 years of age to L4, L5, S1 and have been basically pain free ever since. Would I choose or recommend disc replacement surgery again? NO WAY.

From: Gretchen Copeman - Australia

I had spinal fusion surgery when I was 15 years old (2000). I did not have a choice whether to get the surgery or not because my spine was cutting of my lungs and I was having problems breathing. Since the surgery, I have been involved in a car accident which complicated my problems. I would suggest to anyone that’s going through the surgery to understand that your body will NEVER be the same. Even before my accident I suffered from severe muscle spasms and my doctors did not want to hear that I was in pain. I think it was easier for them to ignore my problems and tell me that I was fine. The surgery was very painful and I was scared to do anything, therefore, my muscles were collapsing. It is important to keep up with your muscles and daily activities no matter how much you are hurting. I would never recommend anyone to go through this surgery if it is not 200% necessary. The doctors do not want to hear about complications and do not offer much advice on what to do if you are in pain. I do not know if I will ever be pain free or able to live a normal life but at least I am alive.

From: Kristin – Louisiana, USA

Pain and limited mobility were the factors for my surgery. Family doctor sent me to a neurosurgeon. I had had pain for at least ten years. I had spinal fusion, L-4, L-5, S-1. Titanium cages were put in. Although this was a terrifying prospect, the pain finally pushed me into surgery. This was the best thing I ever did. It is a little over a year later and my pain is basically gone, a bit sometimes. I'm almost seventy years old. I do walk every day now, 1 & 1/2 to two miles; before I couldn't walk a half block. I also exercise 20-30 minutes a day.

From: Joan – New Mexico, USA

I had a Laminectomy, fusion, metal rods and screws L2 - S-1 three years ago. Now a bulge at L1 upsets my doctor and 2 orth. surgeons who think I should have the metal taken out, put in new metal, and go up another level to L1. The metal rods hold the spine so it cannot bend. The body tries to get the spine to bend where the metal is. The pressure on the next level disk causes a bulge and herniated disk. Surgery is just a band-aid until the next disk area weakens. and then it is another painful major surgery with a long, painful recovery time.

From: Anonymous

My experience has been more negative than positive after under- going fusion and disc replacement l5-s1. Not only did the pain return I also got a numb foot and chronic back pain to deal with now. There has to be a better way than what's going on now to treat d.d. I am scheduled for a trial neuro-stimulator implant. Nobody wants to live with severe chronic back pain the rest of their life especially not me! The more I learn about neuro-stimulators it makes me wonder why doctors do not let you know that this is an alternative treatment to disc replacement and fusion! With the rate of failed back syndrome maybe someone will figure out that it is time to try something different than rods and screws!

From: Romeo – Georgia, USA

I have talked with people who had fusion, looked up so much on the internet about artifical discs. I am personally waiting on the artifical disc so I can have a full range of motion and not put stress on any other part of my back with fusion.

From: hillbillygirl - Delaware, USA

Read more patient responses about artificial discs vs. spinal fusion surgery.

Communicate with others about disc replacement surgery and spinal fusion

* Note: This page expresses the experiences and opinions of patients, not doctors. The Back-to-Back forum is provided because we think people often have very practical advice and insights to share that can benefit other patients who have similar back problems. This section has not been peer reviewed by our Medical Advisory Board, and is provided for your informational purposes only.

If you have questions about your specific condition or treatment approach, please go through this site to read peer-reviewed health information about spinal conditions, diagnosis and treatment options. The quickest way to locate information on the site is to use the “keyword search” located in the upper left hand corner of each page. Also, if you want to talk online with others who may be in a similar situation, please go to the Message Board.