Yippee (add sarcasm here)! Back surgery on Wednesday

[Akyla]

My cousin just had surgery at 26.

I think my dad was about that age when he had his first one. 6 total disc surgeries. Nerve stimulator implant surgery too. And his bottom three vertebrae have auto-fused. But he actually able to walk around and do a few things since his last surgery. And he just turned 60.

[UncleDave]

I had my first at 19. I hope I don't end up like your old man at his age.

[Adawg38]

Good luck on your surgery. I had neck surgery at 31, everything worked out in the end for me and I hope you also.

[Akyla]

I had my first at 19. I hope I don't end up like your old man at his age.

Honestly, a lot of it in my family is due to bad genetics in the back and discs. Plus, I grew up on a ranch (lots of work, shit has to get done regardless if you hurt or not). And going to physical therapy did teach me that my body mechanics are/were terrible. I hunch...I think because I tower over most people. I use my back muscles for stabilization instead of the ones in the abdominal area. Lots of stuff like that. If you keep yourself in shape (which I haven't), it sure will help keep the likehood of surgery to a lower level.

[UncleDave]

Honestly, a lot of it in my family is due to bad genetics in the back and discs. Plus, I grew up on a ranch (lots of work, shit has to get done regardless if you hurt or not). And going to physical therapy did teach me that my body mechanics are/were terrible. I hunch...I think because I tower over most people. I use my back muscles for stabilization instead of the ones in the abdominal area. Lots of stuff like that. If you keep yourself in shape (which I haven't), it sure will help keep the likehood of surgery to a lower level.

Proper body mechanics/posture helps, but the must have is strong core training to support your spine. I cannot over emphasize that. I grew up working on farms and ranches too, so I understand. Learn to live within your limits, listen to your body.

[Big Wall]

I'm 6'8" so I'm probably headed for back surgery sooner or later. My thoughts are with you.

[rondog]

Did someone delete my post here? I know I typed one up.....

Anyway, my wife had the same surgery, and she's been fine since '97. My two surgeries were different, and required a lot more cutting. What you're having done should be able to be done laproscopically, which will be much easier on you. But don't push yourself!!!

Anyway, this is what a blown-out L5/S1 disc looks like (red arrow). This should be fixable with minimum invasion.

[Akyla]

Did someone delete my post here? I know I typed one up.....

You did. I replied too. I don't know what happened.

[fairrpe86]

Good luck. Had my first back surgery at 22, and am still dealing with the said pain you have. Mine is due to permanent nerve damage. I just declined the spinal cord stimulator surgery, I have heardit does great things but don't want to deal with all the maintenance issues and what not involved with it at this age.

[Akyla]

Good luck. Had my first back surgery at 22, and am still dealing with the said pain you have. Mine is due to permanent nerve damage. I just declined the spinal cord stimulator surgery, I have heardit does great things but don't want to deal with all the maintenance issues and what not involved with it at this age.

My dad has the nerve stimulator implant. He thought it helped somewhat to begin with, but now thinks is BS and plans to have it removed. Plus, when you have one, you can't go through the metal detectors at the airport I believe and you certainly cannot have an MRI done. Having one certainly complicates determining what condition your back is in when or if it starts to hurt again. Plus they can only get the implant cords so far up on the spine. As I understand, it only helps with pain from about the waist down, nothing higher in the back.