Back Operation

[Poglet]

My partner had a double disc replacement operation last September which is supposed to be a wonder cure for chronic back pain. 5 months later still in excrutiating pain, anyone had this done and any good outcomes?

[jacko50]

I didn't know they did disc replacements,I had a laminectomy in 1993 and it lasted for ten years and now I am on disabillity and incapacity benefit ,I really hope things have improved since I was done and your partner has no trouble ,I think the thing to do is not to do anything that is to strenuous ,I should have paid attention to my body and refused to do anything I thought i was not capable of but instead I tried to act as if I was ok I now realise I should have refused to lift ,push ,or pull anything and protected my back no matter what anyone said ,it is to late for me now but not for them so whatever they do tell them to think first before acting . IF someone calls them a skiver for not helping so be it but i am sure that they will be better off in the long run.

[WendyS]

Your partner has my sympathy. I too was surprised to hear about disc replacement surgery because like jacko, I had a laminectory about 10 years ago and still suffer ongoing pain. Much of your partner's pain could be related to spinal nerve inflammation which takes a long time to heal. I try to manage my own pain relief by avoiding painkillers wherever possible & doing regular back strengthening exercises. The thing which gives me most relief from pain is a wonderful wooden back-stretching device called a Rolla Stretcher on which you lie & stretch the lumbar region of your back. It decompacts the discs and stretches the spine and I find 15 minutes on this gives me genuine relief from pain. I must emphasise though it may not be appropriate for somebody who has had disc replacements and your partner would need to check this. The device costs about �80 and I obtained mine from EMAMEF, (Freepost SEA 4967) Dorking, Surrey. Tel: [phone]. Also check out: 222.backinaction.co.uk.