comments on spondylo Re: How Do You Cope?

December 17, 2003

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Hi ,

I have 8 y.o spondylolysis, so can relate somewhat to what you are dealing with.

There is, however a big difference between 'lysis' and 'lythesis " , in that you

have slippage on your vertabrea....it is very possible that the accident did not

cause this, in fact based on what you wrote it is likely. Spondylo often times

goes unnoticed.

I would recommend a second opinion, primarily b/c I think you should try to get

some pain killers to help with your pain. Also, there are many opinions on how

to deal with your condition and another opinion might help. I would seriously

consider seeing a doctor called a Physiatrist, as the good ones are very good in

dealing with this condition.

Another thought.....PT may help you relieve some of the pain from the accident,

which may be the biggest problem you are dealing with now...you may find that

the spondylo is not a problem once the trauma pain subsides......just a thought,

not sure about that.

Surgery is an option, but not something I would explore right away unless you

have serious neurological problems from your injury. Spine surgery is typically

an ?elective? undertaking, meaning you might consider it as a possible approach

to increase your function and/or decrease your pain. On some occasions, if it

appears clear from several good medical sources that surgery is really the best

choice, then it is the way to go, but that doesn't usually happen right away.

Only in rare instances (such as for patients who have a progressive

neurological loss of function or sudden onset of bowel or bladder incontinence)

is spinal surgery actually necessary on an emergency basis.

Most forms of spine surgery can basically accomplish three things:

~Decompress a nerve root (in the lumbar or cervical spine)

~Stabilize an unstable or painful joint with fusion surgery (lumbar or cervical

spine)~Reduce a deformity (such as scoliosis surgery in the thoracic spine)

So for you, unless you have nerve root trouble, the fusion would be your option

as you mentioned.....but be aware that as a general rule it is only successful

about 50% of the time in reducing your pain...so just be cautious as you get

educated about your options.

Right now, you care most about pain relief, while simultaneously developing a

good treatment plan for yourself....a good doctor is the key at this point.

I might also recommend that you check out this cool free report on back pain,

located at www.backpainsurvival.com...... a fresh perspective!

Lots of luck to you.

JB

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