Back Pain Support Group

To Tinker ~ When they take out the herniated disk, they don't take out ALL of the disk ~ only the part that herniated. The rest of the disk stays in, so you don't have bone on bone. I've had 2 such operations, where they didn't take out all of the disks. Unfortunately, they have to remove some bone to get AT the disks, and that tends to make things unstable ~ at least it did with me in my 2 cases.

Leighann ~ you said that they told you yours was too complicated to fix ~ that may well be true because it's in the thoracic area (T-6). Many/most doctors are reluctant to operate in that area because it IS so difficult an operation with high risk.

I'd prefer a Neurosurgeon, since they're working with/so close to the spinal cord. I want someone who's been trained specifically in that area. Unfortunately for me, my choice of neuro's wasn't a great one and I'm disabled! lol. Blessings to all. Hugs. Lee

My orthopedic doctor has done all my fusions and will do my disc replacment on aug. 19th. I've had a genreal surgeon and thoraxic surgeon assist, but the ortho does the work.