I've had a L4/L5 fusion and it did wonders for me. Before, the pain had me not doing nothing outdoors and feeling depressed increased. It's been 4 years and I have been active with a variety of outdoor activities. I felt free! There was mention that down the road the disc joints above would begin to have issues in a domino effect. But I couldn't have continued living in pain like before. I have gotten mass improvement this long and I'm grateful for that. Getting old is supposed to be a period of degeneration and prepping to die. How comfy will that be, really? I'm concerned about the present. The future isn't my worry.
I had L3/S1 done 5 years ago because of the very thing he mentions - spondylolisthesis. The pain I have now relates to SI joint disfunction on the rt side, which sometimes happens after fusion. But I did need the fusion. However, I do now adjacent issues at L2/L3 unfortunately.
So you either live in debilitating pain, when you have two vertebrae with no disc in between, or you get a fusion and risk debilitating pain a couple years after your fusion. Also you can strengthen your core muscles to take on some of the extra work the back would be doing. I have done everything I can to avoid a fusion. A year of PT, planking, core strengthening, but bone on bone arthritis between two discs that are hitting nerve roots need some other help. I can’t live on oxycodone the rest of my life. My fusion is in 10 days. I’ll take a pain free year and work to keep it that way.
I'm needing a second fusion now above the one I had done in 2016. Been suffering for two years now but I'm at the point the pain completely incapacitates me in the morning.
The Dr. is spot on. Do NOT have a fusion unless its your last resort. My back is worse than before the fusion. I had L2-S1 fused and now Im suffering even after continual PT and injections. Think twice!
I really hope you will still see and answer. What else will you do? Honest question? I am in very horrible pain, unbearable pain, I’ve been told there is not much to decide. Spinal fusion is really bad but not having surgery is gonna get worse and worse until you cannot move walk and do anything, pretty much the same as if the infusion goes wrong. My problem is one herniated disc, I already had one microdiscectomy that was unsuccessful and I am worse than before. Hopefully you will give your opinion.
The worse decision I ever made was getting a back surgery. Loss the use of my left leg. Pain is worse. And you find out who your true friends are..I had none... God bless everyone getting a back surgery...Amen...
@@fumcdimmittyouth6274 Intradiscal ozone ... there are only four docs in the US who do intradiscal ozone. See only the ones who administer the gas while using a fluoroscope, not ultrasound.
@@KingAeetes ozone sounds like a great idea instead of steroids. No catch 22 like with steroids. Ozone supposedly works because of antibacterial properties etc. There are still groups of like 50% where this is not effective. Could it be that spine infection with tb or other pathogens is actually much more prevalent than we can diagnose? Why else would ozone work? For example cutaneous tb is not lab diagnosable so they just start the antibiotics to see if it works. Intraforaminal O2-O3 versus Periradicular Steroidal Infiltrations in Lower Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Study, 2005 Also strange I haven’t heard of this until now. Of course it’s controversial because they would both have to admit a huge amount of misdiagnosis and admit there’s a cure for a lot of back pain/loss of revenue Basically ozone cures tb: Action of dissolved ozone on mycobacterium tuberculosis and alveolar macrophages in experimental tuberculosis, 1997
I hurt my back in a helicopter crash 20 years ago. It has gotten far worse. I’ve tried pt, minimally invasive discetomy, years of injections, chiropractic for years. I have nothing else left to do.
I traveled to Barcelona Spine Center in 2016 and had the Spinal Kinetics M6L lumbar implant and paid $26k and returned in 2018 for a double level cervical ESP discs and paid $35k. VERY happy. Implants in US are hard. Implants I got have a cushion effect to reduce energy transfer - helping to avoid even more, the negative effects of ASD.
Hi Errol Dickson, The healthcare surgery cost in the US can be very expensive. Dr. Clavel had performed 7,700 of these in Barcelona when I first went there in 2016 for the single level Lumbar implant. The cost included the neurosurgeon (about $4k) the implant device, all of the hospital costs and Anestelogist and up to 5 nights stay. The surgery was performed in a Certified hospital (Just like in the US). Then I went back in 2018 for the double level implant in the neck and I think that was $36k. I did my homework well before ever considering any of this. All the records were provided with a billing receipt which was itemized and very reasonable. You might pay $5 for a band aid that’s $90 in the US. The price actually were fixed, yet you had an itemized bill. It was the cleanest hospital I had ever seen. Very professional. English was spoken by the staff I interacted with. He even included an interpreter over night just in case. I had my old fusion hardware removed here in the US by the surgeon who did the original surgery 14 years earlier in 2019 and the bill was some crazy number like $60k. The question should be, is the price in Barcelona or in Europe in general too low or is the US too damn high? I am very picky, very analytical and the costs are important but getting your life back was most paramount. I see surgery as a one time event and trust is everything. I was debating between Germany and Barcelona and I chose Dr. Clavel in Barcelona who trained in both Europe and in the US. He performs no more than two surgeries in a day and no more than four a week. He is also the head of the spine care department. To get “the man himself “ was far more reassuring. In Germany there were teams in a surgical center, not a hospital. Barcelona is an outstanding walking City. For the lumbar surgery, I was in the hospital four nights. We had planned for two whole weeks and over the remaining 10 days we walked the City literally as a tourist and had a blast. Anyway, if you want more information let me know. If you are serious we can do a video chat with a quick link. I spoke to patients before I made my decision. If you really must have your surgery in the US, I have done the research with who I would use. Way too many inexperienced. The implants in the US are not as technically equivalent - a long story about the heel dragging FDA and why Europe is where all the best discs are offered. In part the artificial disc was invented in Germany in the mid 70’s by a woman athlete orthopedic surgeon. It’s been the epicenter of excellence. I have no regrets with my decisions. I got my life back. What I will say is the longer you wait, the worse it gets. There are scar tissues and damage to facets when waiting too long as I did. Today people can get an excellent specialist surgeon and a modern implant.
I am looking at getting a 2 level fusion at L3-L5. I worry about ASD. Is there core strengthening exercises or anything you can do to try to avoid this?
A year ago comments. Interesting. Doctor I believe a Doctor knows when a patient comes back and says whats up with the left or right pain going from lower back to legs. The problem I see is Doctors are not turning in the failed back surgeries. So true statistics could possibly help us. My surgery S-1,L-5 fusion anterior laminectomy. The graft area has hurt from the beginning. I work really hard for a few years. No longer could use my left leg, for shifting, had to sell my car worse no longer could be a cdl driver. Doc the mental is equal with the pain!
I had an L5/S1 Fusion 9 years ago when I was 17 years old. Now, since 2 months, my left leg appears to be weaker than my right and there was needling and burning pain in the left ankle area. I did MRI, CT, Xray and everything. Turns out that there is ASD in L4 & L5. Going for the appointment tomorrow, will find out what the doctor is suggesting now. Any inputs in this doctor? MRI report reads as ‘Grade II Anterolisthesis of L5 over S1’ ‘Diffuse bulge of L4-L5 intervertebral disc causing indentation over anterior thecal sac, moderate narrowing of bilateral neural foramina, moderate to severe stenosis of bilateral lateral recesses, compression over bilateral traversing L5 nerve roots, indentation over bilateral exiting L4 nerve roots.’ ‘Diffuse bulge of L5-S1 intervertebral disc causing indentation over anterior thecal sac, mild to moderate narrowing of bilateral lateral recesses, mild narrowing of bilateral neural foramina, indentation over bilateral traversing S1 nerve roots.’ Please suggest something!
Hi doctor i have had L4 S1 fussion in 2005. I always had nagging pain near the dimples on my buttock. I had good days and bad days. Sleeping has always been uncomfortable. From last year this pain has increased, now I have a really bad pain while im sitting and lying down. Doctor said i have SI joint pain. Had a steroid injection done two weeks ago no change in the symptoms. I have a really strong burning sensation followed by soreness and tenderness in my right buttock near to the spine. Please tell me if there is anything that could help me I'm 56 years old lady
Problem is, Dr's & surgeons dont give a patient clear cut " do's and don't s". so a few years after fusion, patients go back to doing things they shouldn't be doing.
I have been through all the sources and still cannot find out. Does this Adjacent Disc Disease occur even after you removed the screws and rods? My doctor said some people do remove them after a year or so. Even after removal can this ADD happen?
I had just lamanectomy at L-5 S-1 in 1978..then adjacent L4,L5 in 93 both sides ..with no fusion..but the first one had fused naturally by then..now in 22 I’m scheduled for TLIF L3,L2….I’d say adjacent disc disease is going to happen eventually whether you fuse or not..
If you really need to have this surgery, for the reasons described above, then you'll know it. I had four regular disc operations, but to no avail. The fifth was a fusion, because clearly there wasn't going to be something else to fix this for me. So I had the fusion, knowing about ADD. It sort of comes down to having no choice and then taking your chances with the fusion and the possible negative side effects. Studies on this topic tend to disagree quite a bit, with some clinics deliberately presenting far too positive results. The studies done on artificial disc replacements have been proven to be exceptionally sketchy and the results cannot be trusted. Besides that, several artificial discs have been proven to contain toxic materials. Long story short: sometimes you just have to have the fusion. In that case, you might as well accept the risks of long term problems and hope for the best. A healthy lifestyle with the building of strong core muscles, NO SMOKING, no overweight and lots of light activity (especially cycling, hiking and swimming) will give you the best odds. But other than that, you're going to have to leave it up to chance. Good luck to you all.
You were right on the money with everything you said thanks for the input.DDD for me 2 fusions at 55 its not been fun You have to do all the exercises that strengthen your core and walk not run as much as tolerable
Hello Dr. Mork. I am 51 years old and I have congenital spinal stenosis. I had a fusion to the L4-5 disc space in 2018. Before the fusion my MRI showed L3-4 L4-5 and L5-S1 disc area revealed moderate to severe stenosis. I continued to have leg and hip pain. I recently saw another surgeon and is scheduled for the 3 level fusion in July due to nerve conduction test showed 2 pinched nerves in my spine. I’m very upset because the surgeon did not fix all 3 level disc space at the same time now I will have to go through the painful process of a second surgery and recovery. My question is should the surgeon should have fixed all levels of disc space at the same time?
WOW you are very strong to endure the challenges you have faced, both pre op as well as post op recovery. Im so sorry to hear that youre now faced with having to get a second procedure done. I was just diagnosed with spondylolisthesis at L4,L5 and my neurosurgeon has booked me for pedicle screw/rod and cage fusion surgery. He has also explained to me that i will be facing a long recovery, as well as potential adjacent disc disease in the future. Do you have any advice for me as to what i can expect both pre op as well as during post op recovery? Thank you, and may God continue to bless you with strength, determination and courage!🙏
Had a op in South Africa op no; 1put all the screws in and whatever which was okay for 3months then collapsed and the surgeon said he will take out the screws and whatever whatever and know got a bulge in my spine and battling to walk.
I had an L5/S1 fusion (anterior fusion with posterior hardware) for spongdylolisthesis 9 months ago. I initially had a very good recovery returning to full-time work as a firefighter after 12 weeks. My surgeon stated return to contact sports was fine after six months and the fusion looked great. I’ve been a lifelong martial artist and trained jui jitsu and other grappling arts seriously the last 12 years. Since my return to the mats my back pain has returned and I’m stepping away from it for a bit to focus on strengthening the posterior chain. I assume you have a differing opinion on contact sports post fusion?
Hi Billy, I also have grade 2 L5/S1 spondylolisthesis (40% slip), and I'm considering a surgery right now. however, I do not have much symptoms yet, has been that way for 10 years now. I'm also a Muay thai enthusiast and i do not want to give it up. would you suggest i do the surgery while young, or drag it out as much as possible? are you as concerned about adjacent disc disease, being fused at L5/S1?
@@isaaccruel3994 I’m concerned if I strain it through contact am I putting myself at higher unnecessary risk but I’m really not sure. My surgeon said no. But I’m listening to my body, doing a lot of weak point training the gluten and focusing on posterior chain in the gym, and have rolled once since without pain. But I think training on the mat will be few and far between.
@@billycarroll5737 are you expecting to fully recover in a year or two or do you think you wont be a ble to train as before ever again? Thanks for the response Billy and good luck on your recovery. Also mad respect to you as a firefighter
Bill your probably younger then me I'm 59 worked for the fire department 18 years as a mechanic at 49 started having issues with my left foot and neck neurologist said I had DDD I was to scared to get fused I waited and suffered 6 more years had to go out on early retirement finally couldn't take it anymore and had the back fused then the neck 5 months later for awhile after the fusion I felt like I was able to do more strenuous activity's like cutting wood for my fireplace and doing light mechanical work for friends well that's all come to an end I now feel maybe I stressed my other good discs and damaged them prematurely so what I'm trying to say is I know how hard it will be for you but you probable want to stop any type of activity that puts undo stress on your remaining disc because I can guarantee you don't want to go thru another surgery anytime soon
From an old physical therapist. The surgeon should never have told you to go back to your work as a firefighter, or to do martial arts. That's totally inappropriate for your surgery. The back isn't fused at 12 weeks either. It is still fusing 12 mths later, and sometimes never fuses completely.
I had Fusion with instrumentation 17 years ago , then about 7 years later hardware was removed. It was a success however now 17 years later i am having problems as you described with upper and lower levels. Is there a easier procedure to fuse these levels than my first one ??
By hardware are you referring to the screws, rods put in during fusion? If so, why would you have them removed after all that time? I'm 53, 6 weeks post op, lamenectomy w/ fusion, L4 L5, L5 S1. My surgeon told the hardware stays. Should I be concerned?
@@dolfan1318 I’m having the same thing done in a month. I’d be really interested to know how you’re doing now. I hope all is well. I am becoming apprehensive watching RUclips 🥺
Hi Dr.Tony. is this the same case with a fusion in the L5-S1 segment? or is it better, being the last segments? if so, how can we prevent/slow the ADD process?
@@tedpattrawong2552 i asked a few people have gone through L5-S1 fusion and some who know people who has had it for a while. they dont seem as concerned about ADD, as ADD happens to everyone with posture issue and bad form when working out. i guess the main take away is to strengthen the core muscle around your spine, and keep very good form when working out, and keep very good posture when sitting/standing etc. should be able to reduce this problem to a minimum.
Thank you doctor , I have two herniated disc‘s in my lower back was a teamsters for 35 years , working the docks unloading trucks now it’s time for surgery,
I am 23 and have been dealing with severe lower back pain from a herniated disc at l5-S1 that never healed four years now. Presumably the injury was caused by playing basketball in high school and freshman year of college. I have done everything multiple times including massage, chiropractor, physical therapy, injections, and discectomy surgery. All that I have left to do is a fusion. I cant work or form a family in the condition I am in, but am extremely scared of getting a fusion due to ADD. Do you have any input on my situation?
T C Please contact Dr Mork office at 949 640 6675 to schedule your phone consultation and have a clearer answer from Dr Mork on your personal situation. Thank you for understanding
I am fused from t3 to l4 15 years ago. This year, I started getting terrible throbbing pain in my lumbar region. Surgeon diagnosed ASD. I've gotten 2 steroid injections to no avail. Not sure what to do. I'm 31 years old and haven't worked for the last month. The pain won't subside.
I had T11 -L1( Burst fracture) fusion surgery may 2007 Now Patient is status post fusion changes from T11 to L1. . Mild multilevel spondylosis of the nonsurgical levels. CHRONIC CHANGES ARE PRESENT. I am a 43 yr old female an I have severe pain in both legs and I feel like I'm wearing a corset when I'm not Eve n ( at home now ) wear a bra . Because it hurts so bad...
Hi Dr Mork. I had my L5/S1 fused (TLIF) 3 years ago this June, at the age of 50. I have spondylolisthesis. I was in A&E 3 weeks ago after pain which started the week before and got progressively worse. I had to go back on Tramadol and at the moment can't function without it. Could I have ADD? I also had a cervical disc replacement (C5/6) in 2008 due to a ruptured disc. Anyway, when I was in A&E I didn't even have an x-ray and because oramorph enabled me to get up and walk, I was sent home. What do you think? I will be contacting my GP again this week if it doesn't settle. Thanks, Julie.
@DrTonyMork all of my joints are clicking I'm in constant pain and I'm taking 20mg oxycodone 4x a day and Baclofen 20mg 4x a day and Lyrica 150mg 2x a day I have no range of motion in my cervical area my life is miserable
I had L1 spinal fusion 21 years ago age 23. Here in Scotland. Now having back pain. As much as our National Health Service is great it can be slow if not an emergency. Should I be pushing for an MRI scan ? Or X Ray?
A Smith I wish i could give you advice here on youtube but i will be in trouble. Could you please email us at coastspine@drtonymork.com or call us at 949 640 6675 to let you know what would be your best next step. Thank you for understanding.
Coast Spine - Patient Coordination . Thanks for the reply. I was really just hoping for a yes or a no point. I’ve family in USA , I understand it’s a business over there. UK healthcare is simply about getting people well again. I completely understand you can’t medically advise people based on a vague 1 sentence question. I’ve been referred to spinal specialist physio , 2 weeks before lockdown! I’ve had 2 spinal trauma in my life. L2 crushed vertebrae also.
@@asmith9040 Thank you for understanding but our focus is on patient care and if you give us a call so we can help you get ready to receive your free phone consultation with Dr Mork it will be much better and easier than using RUclips . Our number is 949 640 6675 Looking forward to talk to you very soon
@@coastspine-patientcoordina9000 My Surgeon said I can't tell anything from an xray, its a poor mans xray, come back in 2 months and we will do a CT scan if you are still hurting when you bend over or twist or try to do anything that requires spine stability!
Laura Did you do spinal fusion surgery? If you did afterwards what kind of exercises or sports did you do? I’m wondering because maybe certain movements accelerate the adjacent disc disease faster.
I´m from Portugal, i did a fusion and i fully recovered my life!!! And im not the only one!!! Don´t scare people!!! Am i the only one who don´t have problems in here??? WTF?
@hola poka completely normal and i do my workouts with no problem. obviously with caution but i can do everithing... My cirurgie was in Europe.. Things here are mutch better than USA. After 8 or 10 if i got a estenosis, i can cure that too.. No problem..
I mad a comment 3 years ago it's now been 8 years since l5 S1 and I can no longer walk 😒 more then 10 min without having to sit down new MRIs show severe degeneration of l4 to l5 pain doctor says I will need another fusion probably a 3 level. I just can't do it so luckily I'm retired and until I can't move I'm holding off on more surgery and I've lost all trust in the medical field since covid
I'd like to email you. I have had issues after L3-4/4-5 with hardware. in brief I'd was a 49 yr old athlete. Disabled 1 yr later. I can't sit,stand or walk for 5 minutes. Surgery considered a "success"
@@Laura-pi6ht Your lucky you found a doctor that was brave enough to prescribe you pain meds I'm 60 suffer daily after 2 fusions the doctors in my small Arkansas town will not take you as a patient if you suffer with chronic pain we have one pain management clinic the doctor that runs it looks like she's 15 she has no idea what pain is all about.If your not in your 80s and all bent over so sorry we can't help you.
I guess we're all gonna get something I'm 59 had lower back and neck fused in 2015 5 years ago neck and shoulder left buttocks sciatica all flaring up again,I had to limit most activities and driving or sitting in a car for more then 45 minutes is tuff,The one thing that helps is walking and light exercises to strengthen core muscles but walking up hills is starting to affect my sciatica slot more lately I was a mechanic ,and played hard but I'm paying for it now. Doctors don't care about your pain they are over stressed especially with the pandemic so that means no pain relief you have to try and take care of yourself
Take it from an old physiotherapist..... once a person's vertebrae require fusion, their surgeon needs to tell them that's the end of their highly active lifestyle. They need to stop doing many things : heavy weight lifting, ballistic golf swings, pretty much anything that flexes extends, laterally bends, or rotates, or compresses the spine more than a mild to moderate degree. Further, they need a total revision of their diet (most people eat a highly inflammatory diet) They also need to get their bodyfat % under 15% ideally. So many of the post surgery patients I have seen over 30 years never get told any of the above by their surgeons.....whose first priority is to sell the patient on the post surgical benefits for regaining an active lifestyle.
@ManInAmerica Follow the advice in my original post. i.e. your neck is significantly compromised after surgery. You cannot expect to get the same functionality out of it as a young healthy neck. The joints below and above the fusion will come under more load, and wear quicker than a normal neck. Healthy diet (meaning low fat, low salt, low refined carbs, high vegetable/salad, high legumes and unprocessed grains, low animal flesh, very low dairy), good posture, moderate cardiovascular exercise...will ensure your neck degenerates slower....and you will likely have less issues over the remainder of your life. You might also see a physiotherapist to check the health of your facet joints above and below the fusion site.
I have osteoporosis and need to eat dairy. I eat as little as possible to get the most impact. I can’t eat leafy greens or legumes. My compromised intestinal track will not process them, and 15 minutes after consuming they are in the toilet. I’m 63….our bones don’t last forever.
@@Kai-el7rw That one needs to consume dairy for osteoporosis is 50 years out of date. Which other animals habitually consume milk, let alone another species, as an adult? none. Two thirds of the world's population is lactose intolerant - most Asians, South and Central Americans, Pacific Islanders, Middle Easterners, and Africans. Doctors and health authorities who push dairy consumption are profoundly medically illiterate and racist. The whole osteoporosis issue needs serious review. Older Asians have lower bone density than Caucasians, but they get fewer fractures, due in part to not falling over as often. So one could argue that consuming dairy increases falls risk....which is very likely due to its association with higher rates of atherosclerosis, the primary cause of strokes and heart attacks.
@@helicart well as I stated in my comment, I can’t get calcium from leafy green vegetables. Supplements don’t work, I used them for years. And you can list all the people in the world, but at age 12 I stopped all dairy. I hated it. But at 63, I have osteoporosis. So I consume between 450 and 700 mg a day via Swiss cheese and greek yogurt. Like I said, I do as little as possible to get the greatest impact. Give me other ways to consume 900 mg that don’t include leafy greens or supplements …I’ll give it a try. Oh, and I don’t eat a highly inflammatory diet. Nothing processed, only natural ingredients. My body fat is about 23%, but 2 years ago it was 56%, so I’m ok with that. How did I do that…keto….and intermittent fasting. But my keto, which is primarily fish. My back didn’t start bothering me until I lost all of my weight…go figure. High fatty fish. I don’t consume grains of any kind and won’t, and I don’t consume anything with sugar other than berries and a few other fruits like cucumbers and zucchini(yes, they are fruit). I walk, and garden. The extent of my activity. So I’m sure I’ll be fine. My back is highly arthritic. Especially my lumbar spine. As I am building my core, it should get less painful over time. But in the meantime, the L2 which is sitting in the L3, because there is no disc in between is extremely painful, despite other surgeries to relieve that pain. This is not a choice I am making lightly and my surgeon gave me full disclosure.
I started at 4/5 to s1, 2 years later l3 fused and this past November l2 had fragmented and needed fused, so you tell me? My symptoms were so severe and the MRI left no doubt that extending the fusion was needed. I wish something new could be invented to stop this progressive disease. It really is a horribly painful situation and I'm only 48. Great video doctor.
Just got a reply notification lol, wow. Update I'm 53 now and fused from L2 to s1. Obviously I'll never be the same again. I do my best to move around. This past June I was fused in the cervical area c3/4, c4/5. I'm now fused c3-c7. That happened because I slipped and fell . Sometimes I wonder why I'm even here. I wish all of you good health and pray for you to not have to deal with what I've been through. God bless
I had Fusion with instrumentation 17 years ago , then about 7 years later hardware was removed. It was a success however now 17 years later i am having problems as you described with upper and lower levels. Is there a easier procedure to fuse these levels than my first one ??
Fusion was done at L4 / L5 level. I dont want to go through another surgery like the last fusion , it was the hardest surgery i have ever been through.
@@christopherlongo1189 I had fusion 2 levels above the L4/5 which caused numbness in my left leg down to my foot where 4 of my toes hurt like mad a year later they had to go back in cost one of the spacers had shifted and was pressing on the nerves at the back of my spine. Got that all fixed and still 8 months out pain is still horrible , nerve pain in the left leg and toes are horrible. Scheduled for a mylegram to check L5 S1 which has had problems for many years and the numbness pathway and pain indicates that's the root of the new problems . I really don't want more surgery but don't want to live the rest of my life with this pain with is off the charts at times. My life has changed dramatically since the changes after the last 2 fusion surgeries. So I really dint know where to go from here. And have told my surgeon I really would like to figure all this out without more surgery especially fusions.
I've had a L4/L5 fusion and it did wonders for me. Before, the pain had me not doing nothing outdoors and feeling depressed increased. It's been 4 years and I have been active with a variety of outdoor activities. I felt free!
There was mention that down the road the disc joints above would begin to have issues in a domino effect. But I couldn't have continued living in pain like before. I have gotten mass improvement this long and I'm grateful for that. Getting old is supposed to be a period of degeneration and prepping to die. How comfy will that be, really? I'm concerned about the present. The future isn't my worry.
I had L3/S1 done 5 years ago because of the very thing he mentions - spondylolisthesis. The pain I have now relates to SI joint disfunction on the rt side, which sometimes happens after fusion. But I did need the fusion. However, I do now adjacent issues at L2/L3 unfortunately.
Fusions can give great relief of pain, glad you had good relief.
So you either live in debilitating pain, when you have two vertebrae with no disc in between, or you get a fusion and risk debilitating pain a couple years after your fusion. Also you can strengthen your core muscles to take on some of the extra work the back would be doing. I have done everything I can to avoid a fusion. A year of PT, planking, core strengthening, but bone on bone arthritis between two discs that are hitting nerve roots need some other help. I can’t live on oxycodone the rest of my life. My fusion is in 10 days. I’ll take a pain free year and work to keep it that way.
How did the procedure go for you?
I'm needing a second fusion now above the one I had done in 2016. Been suffering for two years now but I'm at the point the pain completely incapacitates me in the morning.
You need brand new spine fusion 😊
The Dr. is spot on. Do NOT have a fusion unless its your last resort. My back is worse than before the fusion. I had L2-S1 fused and now Im suffering even after continual PT and injections. Think twice!
I really hope you will still see and answer. What else will you do? Honest question? I am in very horrible pain, unbearable pain, I’ve been told there is not much to decide. Spinal fusion is really bad but not having surgery is gonna get worse and worse until you cannot move walk and do anything, pretty much the same as if the infusion goes wrong. My problem is one herniated disc, I already had one microdiscectomy that was unsuccessful and I am worse than before. Hopefully you will give your opinion.
The worse decision I ever made was getting a back surgery. Loss the use of my left leg. Pain is worse. And you find out who your true friends are..I had none... God bless everyone getting a back surgery...Amen...
@@fumcdimmittyouth6274 Intradiscal ozone ... there are only four docs in the US who do intradiscal ozone. See only the ones who administer the gas while using a fluoroscope, not ultrasound.
@@fumcdimmittyouth6274 how are you now did you go for fusion. I had failed discectomy and now got worse only option is fusion. I am scared
@@KingAeetes ozone sounds like a great idea instead of steroids. No catch 22 like with steroids. Ozone supposedly works because of antibacterial properties etc. There are still groups of like 50% where this is not effective. Could it be that spine infection with tb or other pathogens is actually much more prevalent than we can diagnose? Why else would ozone work? For example cutaneous tb is not lab diagnosable so they just start the antibiotics to see if it works.
Intraforaminal O2-O3 versus Periradicular Steroidal Infiltrations in Lower Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Study, 2005
Also strange I haven’t heard of this until now. Of course it’s controversial because they would both have to admit a huge amount of misdiagnosis and admit there’s a cure for a lot of back pain/loss of revenue
Basically ozone cures tb:
Action of dissolved ozone on mycobacterium tuberculosis and alveolar macrophages in experimental tuberculosis, 1997
I had scoliosis surgery July 30, 2024. From T10 down to SI joint is fused. 54 years of pain is GONE!
I hurt my back in a helicopter crash 20 years ago. It has gotten far worse. I’ve tried pt, minimally invasive discetomy, years of injections, chiropractic for years. I have nothing else left to do.
That may not be true.
We should take a more careful exam of the MRI after hearing your story. Please call the office.
I traveled to Barcelona Spine Center in 2016 and had the Spinal Kinetics
M6L lumbar implant and paid $26k and returned in 2018 for a double
level cervical ESP discs and paid $35k. VERY happy. Implants in US are hard. Implants I got have a cushion effect to reduce energy transfer - helping to avoid even more, the negative effects of ASD.
$26K and $35K, how is that possible?. Simple single level fusion of L5 - S1 costs $135K in Miami, Florida
Hi Errol Dickson, The healthcare surgery cost in the US can be very expensive. Dr. Clavel had performed 7,700 of these in Barcelona when I first went there in 2016 for the single level Lumbar implant. The cost included the neurosurgeon (about $4k) the implant device, all of the hospital costs and Anestelogist and up to 5 nights stay. The surgery was performed in a Certified hospital (Just like in the US). Then I went back in 2018 for the double level implant in the neck and I think that was $36k. I did my homework well before ever considering any of this. All the records were provided with a billing receipt which was itemized and very reasonable. You might pay $5 for a band aid that’s $90 in the US. The price actually were fixed, yet you had an itemized bill. It was the cleanest hospital I had ever seen. Very professional. English was spoken by the staff I interacted with. He even included an interpreter over night just in case.
I had my old fusion hardware removed here in the US by the surgeon who did the original surgery 14 years earlier in 2019 and the bill was some crazy number like $60k.
The question should be, is the price in Barcelona or in Europe in general too low or is the US too damn high?
I am very picky, very analytical and the costs are important but getting your life back was most paramount. I see surgery as a one time event and trust is everything. I was debating between Germany and Barcelona and I chose Dr. Clavel in Barcelona who trained in both Europe and in the US. He performs no more than two surgeries in a day and no more than four a week. He is also the head of the spine care department. To get “the man himself “ was far more reassuring. In Germany there were teams in a surgical center, not a hospital. Barcelona is an outstanding walking City. For the lumbar surgery, I was in the hospital four nights. We had planned for two whole weeks and over the remaining 10 days we walked the City literally as a tourist and had a blast.
Anyway, if you want more information let me know. If you are serious we can do a video chat with a quick link. I spoke to patients before I made my decision. If you really must have your surgery in the US, I have done the research with who I would use. Way too many inexperienced. The implants in the US are not as technically equivalent - a long story about the heel dragging FDA and why Europe is where all the best discs are offered. In part the artificial disc was invented in Germany in the mid 70’s by a woman athlete orthopedic surgeon. It’s been the epicenter of excellence.
I have no regrets with my decisions. I got my life back. What I will say is the longer you wait, the worse it gets. There are scar tissues and damage to facets when waiting too long as I did. Today people can get an excellent specialist surgeon and a modern implant.
@sukawyam i had 2 level lumbar and 1 level cervical in Germany 🇩🇪 the cost is very accurate.. It's called greed!!! Welcome to America!!
I am looking at getting a 2 level fusion at L3-L5. I worry about ASD. Is there core strengthening exercises or anything you can do to try to avoid this?
A year ago comments. Interesting. Doctor I believe a Doctor knows when a patient comes back and says whats up with the left or right pain going from lower back to legs. The problem I see is Doctors are not turning in the failed back surgeries. So true statistics could possibly help us. My surgery S-1,L-5 fusion anterior laminectomy. The graft area has hurt from the beginning. I work really hard for a few years. No longer could use my left leg, for shifting, had to sell my car worse no longer could be a cdl driver. Doc the mental is equal with the pain!
I had an L5/S1 Fusion 9 years ago when I was 17 years old.
Now, since 2 months, my left leg appears to be weaker than my right and there was needling and burning pain in the left ankle area. I did MRI, CT, Xray and everything. Turns out that there is ASD in L4 & L5.
Going for the appointment tomorrow, will find out what the doctor is suggesting now.
Any inputs in this doctor?
MRI report reads as
‘Grade II Anterolisthesis of L5 over S1’
‘Diffuse bulge of L4-L5 intervertebral disc causing indentation over anterior thecal sac, moderate narrowing of bilateral neural foramina, moderate to severe stenosis of bilateral lateral recesses, compression over bilateral traversing L5 nerve roots, indentation over bilateral exiting L4 nerve roots.’
‘Diffuse bulge of L5-S1 intervertebral disc causing indentation over anterior thecal sac, mild to moderate narrowing of bilateral lateral recesses, mild narrowing of bilateral neural foramina, indentation over bilateral traversing S1 nerve roots.’
Please suggest something!
I’m in the habit of looking at the films myself since it’s difficult to make definitive conclusions from a report.
@@DrTonyMork Anyway for me to send you the reports online?
Hi doctor i have had L4 S1 fussion in 2005. I always had nagging pain near the dimples on my buttock. I had good days and bad days. Sleeping has always been uncomfortable. From last year this pain has increased, now I have a really bad pain while im sitting and lying down. Doctor said i have SI joint pain. Had a steroid injection done two weeks ago no change in the symptoms. I have a really strong burning sensation followed by soreness and tenderness in my right buttock near to the spine. Please tell me if there is anything that could help me I'm 56 years old lady
Problem is, Dr's & surgeons dont give a patient clear cut " do's and don't s". so a few years after fusion, patients go back to doing things they shouldn't be doing.
When the pain goes away, people do what they want
I have been through all the sources and still cannot find out. Does this Adjacent Disc Disease occur even after you removed the screws and rods? My doctor said some people do remove them after a year or so. Even after removal can this ADD happen?
You might need another back fusion 😊
I had just lamanectomy at L-5 S-1 in 1978..then adjacent L4,L5 in 93 both sides ..with no fusion..but the first one had fused naturally by then..now in 22 I’m scheduled for TLIF L3,L2….I’d say adjacent disc disease is going to happen eventually whether you fuse or not..
If you really need to have this surgery, for the reasons described above, then you'll know it. I had four regular disc operations, but to no avail. The fifth was a fusion, because clearly there wasn't going to be something else to fix this for me. So I had the fusion, knowing about ADD. It sort of comes down to having no choice and then taking your chances with the fusion and the possible negative side effects.
Studies on this topic tend to disagree quite a bit, with some clinics deliberately presenting far too positive results. The studies done on artificial disc replacements have been proven to be exceptionally sketchy and the results cannot be trusted. Besides that, several artificial discs have been proven to contain toxic materials.
Long story short: sometimes you just have to have the fusion. In that case, you might as well accept the risks of long term problems and hope for the best. A healthy lifestyle with the building of strong core muscles, NO SMOKING, no overweight and lots of light activity (especially cycling, hiking and swimming) will give you the best odds. But other than that, you're going to have to leave it up to chance. Good luck to you all.
You did the right thing to save the fusion for last
You were right on the money with everything you said thanks for the input.DDD for me 2 fusions at 55 its not been fun You have to do all the exercises that strengthen your core and walk not run as much as tolerable
Hello Dr. Mork. I am 51 years old and I have congenital spinal stenosis. I had a fusion to the L4-5 disc space in 2018. Before the fusion my MRI showed L3-4 L4-5 and L5-S1 disc area revealed moderate to severe stenosis. I continued to have leg and hip pain. I recently saw another surgeon and is scheduled for the 3 level fusion in July due to nerve conduction test showed 2 pinched nerves in my spine. I’m very upset because the surgeon did not fix all 3 level disc space at the same time now I will have to go through the painful process of a second surgery and recovery. My question is should the surgeon should have fixed all levels of disc space at the same time?
WOW you are very strong to endure the challenges you have faced, both pre op as well as post op recovery. Im so sorry to hear that youre now faced with having to get a second procedure done.
I was just diagnosed with spondylolisthesis at L4,L5 and my neurosurgeon has booked me for pedicle screw/rod and cage fusion surgery. He has also explained to me that i will be facing a long recovery, as well as potential adjacent disc disease in the future.
Do you have any advice for me as to what i can expect both pre op as well as during post op recovery?
Thank you, and may God continue to bless you with strength, determination and courage!🙏
Had a op in South Africa op no; 1put all the screws in and whatever which was okay for 3months then collapsed and the surgeon said he will take out the screws and whatever whatever and know got a bulge in my spine and battling to walk.
You fused spine in Africa? 😢😢
I had the back infusion 8 yrs ago it didn't help I shouldn't have had it done I wish I never had it done
YOU NEED ANOTHER FUSION!! 😊
I had an L5/S1 fusion (anterior fusion with posterior hardware) for spongdylolisthesis 9 months ago. I initially had a very good recovery returning to full-time work as a firefighter after 12 weeks. My surgeon stated return to contact sports was fine after six months and the fusion looked great. I’ve been a lifelong martial artist and trained jui jitsu and other grappling arts seriously the last 12 years. Since my return to the mats my back pain has returned and I’m stepping away from it for a bit to focus on strengthening the posterior chain. I assume you have a differing opinion on contact sports post fusion?
Hi Billy, I also have grade 2 L5/S1 spondylolisthesis (40% slip), and I'm considering a surgery right now. however, I do not have much symptoms yet, has been that way for 10 years now. I'm also a Muay thai enthusiast and i do not want to give it up. would you suggest i do the surgery while young, or drag it out as much as possible? are you as concerned about adjacent disc disease, being fused at L5/S1?
@@isaaccruel3994 I’m concerned if I strain it through contact am I putting myself at higher unnecessary risk but I’m really not sure. My surgeon said no. But I’m listening to my body, doing a lot of weak point training the gluten and focusing on posterior chain in the gym, and have rolled once since without pain. But I think training on the mat will be few and far between.
@@billycarroll5737 are you expecting to fully recover in a year or two or do you think you wont be a ble to train as before ever again? Thanks for the response Billy and good luck on your recovery. Also mad respect to you as a firefighter
Bill your probably younger then me I'm 59 worked for the fire department 18 years as a mechanic at 49 started having issues with my left foot and neck neurologist said I had DDD I was to scared to get fused I waited and suffered 6 more years had to go out on early retirement finally couldn't take it anymore and had the back fused then the neck 5 months later for awhile after the fusion I felt like I was able to do more strenuous activity's like cutting wood for my fireplace and doing light mechanical work for friends well that's all come to an end I now feel maybe I stressed my other good discs and damaged them prematurely so what I'm trying to say is I know how hard it will be for you but you probable want to stop any type of activity that puts undo stress on your remaining disc because I can guarantee you don't want to go thru another surgery anytime soon
From an old physical therapist.
The surgeon should never have told you to go back to your work as a firefighter, or to do martial arts.
That's totally inappropriate for your surgery.
The back isn't fused at 12 weeks either. It is still fusing 12 mths later, and sometimes never fuses completely.
I had Fusion with instrumentation 17 years ago , then about 7 years later hardware was removed. It was a success however now 17 years later i am having problems as you described with upper and lower levels. Is there a easier procedure to fuse these levels than my first one ??
Good to know , thank you for replying.
Joy McMillion I had a fusion 28 years ago. I'm having my hardware removed tomorrow as im having problems above my fusion.
By hardware are you referring to the screws, rods put in during fusion? If so, why would you have them removed after all that time? I'm 53, 6 weeks post op, lamenectomy w/ fusion, L4 L5, L5 S1. My surgeon told the hardware stays. Should I be concerned?
@@dolfan1318 I’m having the same thing done in a month. I’d be really interested to know how you’re doing now. I hope all is well. I am becoming apprehensive watching RUclips 🥺
Is it just the level above and below the fusion that you can experience adjacent disc disease or can it affect higher or lower levels.
Hi Dr.Tony. is this the same case with a fusion in the L5-S1 segment? or is it better, being the last segments? if so, how can we prevent/slow the ADD process?
Wonder the same thing have you find any answer?
@@tedpattrawong2552 i asked a few people have gone through L5-S1 fusion and some who know people who has had it for a while. they dont seem as concerned about ADD, as ADD happens to everyone with posture issue and bad form when working out. i guess the main take away is to strengthen the core muscle around your spine, and keep very good form when working out, and keep very good posture when sitting/standing etc. should be able to reduce this problem to a minimum.
Doctor is it not possible disc replacement like take a disc from others spine and fix it to diseased one
I only do endoscopic spine surgery, so not sure
So is the doctor wrong
My nuerosurgen uses minimally invasive surgery techniques and latest implantation procedures
Thank you doctor , I have two herniated disc‘s in my lower back was a teamsters for 35 years , working the docks unloading trucks now it’s time for surgery,
Call the office if you need any suggestions 949-640-6675
You need additional fusion now!!! 😊
Thanks
He's well into his 70s
How is he doing 😊
I am 23 and have been dealing with severe lower back pain from a herniated disc at l5-S1 that never healed four years now. Presumably the injury was caused by playing basketball in high school and freshman year of college. I have done everything multiple times including massage, chiropractor, physical therapy, injections, and discectomy surgery. All that I have left to do is a fusion. I cant work or form a family in the condition I am in, but am extremely scared of getting a fusion due to ADD. Do you have any input on my situation?
I would have to see your films in order to make any suggestions. Sorry to hear.
T C Please contact Dr Mork office at 949 640 6675 to schedule your phone consultation and have a clearer answer from Dr Mork on your personal situation. Thank you for understanding
I am fused from t3 to l4 15 years ago. This year, I started getting terrible throbbing pain in my lumbar region. Surgeon diagnosed ASD. I've gotten 2 steroid injections to no avail. Not sure what to do. I'm 31 years old and haven't worked for the last month. The pain won't subside.
What did you have before, scheuermanns disease? Scoliosis? Did you try wearing runner snickers? Drinking hydrolized collagen?
Thank you❤
I had T11 -L1( Burst fracture) fusion surgery may 2007
Now Patient is status post fusion changes from T11 to L1.
. Mild multilevel spondylosis of the nonsurgical levels.
CHRONIC CHANGES ARE PRESENT.
I am a 43 yr old female an I have severe pain in both legs and I feel like I'm wearing a corset when I'm not Eve n ( at home now ) wear a bra . Because it hurts so bad...
Hi Dr Mork. I had my L5/S1 fused (TLIF) 3 years ago this June, at the age of 50. I have spondylolisthesis. I was in A&E 3 weeks ago after pain which started the week before and got progressively worse. I had to go back on Tramadol and at the moment can't function without it. Could I have ADD? I also had a cervical disc replacement (C5/6) in 2008 due to a ruptured disc. Anyway, when I was in A&E I didn't even have an x-ray and because oramorph enabled me to get up and walk, I was sent home. What do you think? I will be contacting my GP again this week if it doesn't settle. Thanks, Julie.
Tony Mork Hi, I was particularly referring to my lumbar but actually have similar cervical issues too.
Tony Mork O.K., thank you.
Joolz, I am 54, I have this disc disease and take tramadol and Methadone.
I am so scared about the opiod crisis, now I have to every month to the doctor.
Tramadol doesn't do shit for this type of pain.i feel so bad for me and all my friends in the comments 🎉
I wish I neeeeever got this surgery 😢
Which surgery ?
@@DrTonyMork I had my 4th cervical spine fusion surgery in December of 2021
@DrTonyMork all of my joints are clicking I'm in constant pain and I'm taking 20mg oxycodone 4x a day and Baclofen 20mg 4x a day and Lyrica 150mg 2x a day I have no range of motion in my cervical area my life is miserable
@@yolandaowens4748 Please call the office
@@DrTonyMork it's to expensive 😩
I had L1 spinal fusion 21 years ago age 23. Here in Scotland. Now having back pain. As much as our National Health Service is great it can be slow if not an emergency. Should I be pushing for an MRI scan ? Or X Ray?
A Smith I wish i could give you advice here on youtube but i will be in trouble. Could you please email us at coastspine@drtonymork.com or call us at 949 640 6675 to let you know what would be your best next step. Thank you for understanding.
Coast Spine - Patient Coordination . Thanks for the reply. I was really just hoping for a yes or a no point. I’ve family in USA , I understand it’s a business over there. UK healthcare is simply about getting people well again. I completely understand you can’t medically advise people based on a vague 1 sentence question. I’ve been referred to spinal specialist physio , 2 weeks before lockdown! I’ve had 2 spinal trauma in my life. L2 crushed vertebrae also.
@@asmith9040 Thank you for understanding but our focus is on patient care and if you give us a call so we can help you get ready to receive your free phone consultation with Dr Mork it will be much better and easier than using RUclips . Our number is 949 640 6675 Looking forward to talk to you very soon
A Dr. wants to correct the scoliosis by doing spinal fusion with pelvic fixation. I don't have numbness or pain on my legs.
Fusion is the only answe!!! 😊
What can you tell me about Subsidence at 4 Months post fusion, L4/L5.
KB Adams, it will be best if you ask the surgeon who did your fusion :)
@@coastspine-patientcoordina9000 My Surgeon said I can't tell anything from an xray, its a poor mans xray, come back in 2 months and we will do a CT scan if you are still hurting when you bend over or twist or try to do anything that requires spine stability!
@@KBradAdams I would like for you to call us as soon as you can to discuss more about your situation. Our # 949 640 6675
Adjacent lumbar segment disease causes horrible pain and disability.
This is me, do you have it also? No one knows how much pain I am in.
I had a fail back surgery (microdiscectomy) what do you recommend? I am 48 y/o.Any advice will be appreciated.
Laura Did you do spinal fusion surgery? If you did afterwards what kind of exercises or sports did you do? I’m wondering because maybe certain movements accelerate the adjacent disc disease faster.
So True
I am suffering horribly with this. I have such a difficult time with the pain, and I'm 20+ years out. I d on my know what to do next. 😒😢
I´m from Portugal, i did a fusion and i fully recovered my life!!! And im not the only one!!! Don´t scare people!!! Am i the only one who don´t have problems in here??? WTF?
@hola poka 5 years
@hola poka completely normal and i do my workouts with no problem. obviously with caution but i can do everithing... My cirurgie was in Europe.. Things here are mutch better than USA. After 8 or 10 if i got a estenosis, i can cure that too.. No problem..
@hola poka Did you saw Tiguer woods having some problem??? He did the same treatment
Don´t listen this youtubers "doctors".. Live in peace.
DID YOU GET YOUR NEXT FUSION YET!!?? ONLY A MATTER OF TIME!!! 😊
I mad a comment 3 years ago it's now been 8 years since l5 S1 and I can no longer walk 😒 more then 10 min without having to sit down new MRIs show severe degeneration of l4 to l5 pain doctor says I will need another fusion probably a 3 level. I just can't do it so luckily I'm retired and until I can't move I'm holding off on more surgery and I've lost all trust in the medical field since covid
Sorry,I didn't wait till end of video. Contact information provided
I'd like to email you. I have had issues after L3-4/4-5 with hardware. in brief I'd was a 49 yr old athlete. Disabled 1 yr later. I can't sit,stand or walk for 5 minutes. Surgery considered a "success"
Mike, I have the same thing and horrible pain. Opiods saves my life!!! I am soooo sorry for you, I will pray for you.
Dr Mork and lumbar spine fusions still in pain
@@Laura-pi6ht Your lucky you found a doctor that was brave enough to prescribe you pain meds I'm 60 suffer daily after 2 fusions the doctors in my small Arkansas town will not take you as a patient if you suffer with chronic pain we have one pain management clinic the doctor that runs it looks like she's 15 she has no idea what pain is all about.If your not in your 80s and all bent over so sorry we can't help you.
I guess we're all gonna get something I'm 59 had lower back and neck fused in 2015 5 years ago neck and shoulder left buttocks sciatica all flaring up again,I had to limit most activities and driving or sitting in a car for more then 45 minutes is tuff,The one thing that helps is walking and light exercises to strengthen core muscles but walking up hills is starting to affect my sciatica slot more lately I was a mechanic ,and played hard but I'm paying for it now. Doctors don't care about your pain they are over stressed especially with the pandemic so that means no pain relief you have to try and take care of yourself
You need another fusion!!!!! 😊
Take it from an old physiotherapist..... once a person's vertebrae require fusion, their surgeon needs to tell them that's the end of their highly active lifestyle. They need to stop doing many things : heavy weight lifting, ballistic golf swings, pretty much anything that flexes extends, laterally bends, or rotates, or compresses the spine more than a mild to moderate degree.
Further, they need a total revision of their diet (most people eat a highly inflammatory diet)
They also need to get their bodyfat % under 15% ideally.
So many of the post surgery patients I have seen over 30 years never get told any of the above by their surgeons.....whose first priority is to sell the patient on the post surgical benefits for regaining an active lifestyle.
@ManInAmerica
Follow the advice in my original post.
i.e. your neck is significantly compromised after surgery.
You cannot expect to get the same functionality out of it as a young healthy neck.
The joints below and above the fusion will come under more load, and wear quicker than a normal neck.
Healthy diet (meaning low fat, low salt, low refined carbs, high vegetable/salad, high legumes and unprocessed grains, low animal flesh, very low dairy), good posture, moderate cardiovascular exercise...will ensure your neck degenerates slower....and you will likely have less issues over the remainder of your life.
You might also see a physiotherapist to check the health of your facet joints above and below the fusion site.
I have osteoporosis and need to eat dairy. I eat as little as possible to get the most impact. I can’t eat leafy greens or legumes. My compromised intestinal track will not process them, and 15 minutes after consuming they are in the toilet. I’m 63….our bones don’t last forever.
@@Kai-el7rw
That one needs to consume dairy for osteoporosis is 50 years out of date.
Which other animals habitually consume milk, let alone another species, as an adult? none.
Two thirds of the world's population is lactose intolerant - most Asians, South and Central Americans, Pacific Islanders, Middle Easterners, and Africans. Doctors and health authorities who push dairy consumption are profoundly medically illiterate and racist.
The whole osteoporosis issue needs serious review.
Older Asians have lower bone density than Caucasians, but they get fewer fractures, due in part to not falling over as often.
So one could argue that consuming dairy increases falls risk....which is very likely due to its association with higher rates of atherosclerosis, the primary cause of strokes and heart attacks.
@@helicart well as I stated in my comment, I can’t get calcium from leafy green vegetables. Supplements don’t work, I used them for years. And you can list all the people in the world, but at age 12 I stopped all dairy. I hated it. But at 63, I have osteoporosis. So I consume between 450 and 700 mg a day via Swiss cheese and greek yogurt. Like I said, I do as little as possible to get the greatest impact.
Give me other ways to consume 900 mg that don’t include leafy greens or supplements …I’ll give it a try.
Oh, and I don’t eat a highly inflammatory diet. Nothing processed, only natural ingredients. My body fat is about 23%, but 2 years ago it was 56%, so I’m ok with that. How did I do that…keto….and intermittent fasting. But my keto, which is primarily fish. My back didn’t start bothering me until I lost all of my weight…go figure. High fatty fish. I don’t consume grains of any kind and won’t, and I don’t consume anything with sugar other than berries and a few other fruits like cucumbers and zucchini(yes, they are fruit).
I walk, and garden. The extent of my activity. So I’m sure I’ll be fine.
My back is highly arthritic. Especially my lumbar spine. As I am building my core, it should get less painful over time. But in the meantime, the L2 which is sitting in the L3, because there is no disc in between is extremely painful, despite other surgeries to relieve that pain. This is not a choice I am making lightly and my surgeon gave me full disclosure.
I started at 4/5 to s1, 2 years later l3 fused and this past November l2 had fragmented and needed fused, so you tell me? My symptoms were so severe and the MRI left no doubt that extending the fusion was needed. I wish something new could be invented to stop this progressive disease. It really is a horribly painful situation and I'm only 48. Great video doctor.
Yours is an all too common sequence once the fusion process begins - sorry to hear.
Sorry man Your not living in hell alone trust me
Thanks man..wow I'm 50 now and permanently on oxy...so much for america's addiction problem...
You need another fusion!!! 😢
Just got a reply notification lol, wow. Update I'm 53 now and fused from L2 to s1. Obviously I'll never be the same again. I do my best to move around. This past June I was fused in the cervical area c3/4, c4/5. I'm now fused c3-c7. That happened because I slipped and fell . Sometimes I wonder why I'm even here. I wish all of you good health and pray for you to not have to deal with what I've been through. God bless
We are like cars, we get fixed for few years, then we break our body, and we get back to be fixed again😢😢😢
Ok, so if your miserable, WTF do you do???????????
STAY MISERABLE!!! :)
I had Fusion with instrumentation 17 years ago , then about 7 years later hardware was removed. It was a success however now 17 years later i am having problems as you described with upper and lower levels. Is there a easier procedure to fuse these levels than my first one ??
Fusion was done at L4 / L5 level. I dont want to go through another surgery like the last fusion , it was the hardest surgery i have ever been through.
Joy McMillion Hello how are you now, the you have to have the second surgery? I hope you’re doing good now
Joy I had an L4L5 fusion two years ago. Doing fine. What was the outcome ?
@@christopherlongo1189 I had fusion 2 levels above the L4/5 which caused numbness in my left leg down to my foot where 4 of my toes hurt like mad a year later they had to go back in cost one of the spacers had shifted and was pressing on the nerves at the back of my spine. Got that all fixed and still 8 months out pain is still horrible , nerve pain in the left leg and toes are horrible. Scheduled for a mylegram to check L5 S1 which has had problems for many years and the numbness pathway and pain indicates that's the root of the new problems . I really don't want more surgery but don't want to live the rest of my life with this pain with is off the charts at times. My life has changed dramatically since the changes after the last 2 fusion surgeries. So I really dint know where to go from here. And have told my surgeon I really would like to figure all this out without more surgery especially fusions.