715 Back Pain

Would appreciate Dr. Hecht addressing this. As a ‘victim’ of a herniated disk (L5-S1) and removal of same 30 years ago, I have since studied and practiced body work which in my experience was helpful in my recovery. The primary cause of the lack of successful rehabilitation with or without surgery, in my opinion, is two fold: a sedentary life style and obesity in varying degrees. From the view of physics, if forces are summed around the spine (the body’s support) in profile, added weight of just a few pounds in the belly add multiple stress on the erector muscles on the posterior of the spine.

This additional stress on the spine pulls vertebra unevenly, contributing to additional herniation/lack of healing and resulting pain. The more obesity, the more resulting stress. Check out the profile of a man with a beer belly --- the entire spine is displaced, in particular the lumbars (around the belt line), which are pulled forward in the body’s effort to achieve balance.

I about 3 years post back surgery for Spinal Stenosis of L-4 and L-5. The surgery was performed by a neurosurgeon. My symptoms prior to surgery were back pain, tinkling and numbness in both feet and legs. Post-surgery, have less tinkling in the feet but markedly more numbness in both feet. I have become obese with a beer belly. I can't stand nor sit for long periods of time.
Does the fact the I still have the major symptoms that caused me to have back surgery mean the surgery was unsuccessful and what can I do going forward?

I had all kinds of pain in
my back, legs, etc. All
went away by reading the
Book by Dr. John Sarno of
NY Medical University.

I really would like for you
to have him on your program.

He doesn't advocate for surgery or pills, etc.

I am now pain free 6 months
later. No pills, no surgery,
no therapy...nothing, but
a new understanding of pain.

Hope you can get this guy
on your show.

like listening to the radio show on Sat mornings but my ears really perked up when I heard the conversation about back problems today. I had lower back pain, discomfort in sitting. After going the most conservative route, I did have an MRI which showed a herniated disk. Instead of surgery, my doctor recommended an elector-thermal disk decompression. I went home the same day without even a band aid and had to take it easy for 6 weeks. With core strengthening exercises from physical therapy, I am doing well.

I've had back pain on and off my whole adult life (I'm 32). I sit all day as a I am medical transcriptionist and have been so 13 yrs. Within the last week I've noticed after sitting for a while my right buttock is numb and the lateral side of foot including my little is numb and tingles. I don't have an extreme amount of pain, just a constant dull ache. Any suggestions?

I am listening to the show right now, and I am puzzled why there has been no mention of acupuncture as a treatment for back pain. Acupuncture has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of back pain, as well as other types of pain. I am a licensed acupuncturist in Florida and have gotten good results in treating pain with acupuncture.

12 years of back pain, poor interpretation of MRI lead to surgery... BUT, all good for years now.
Two visits to a kinesiologist who told me I needed nothing more than water.
Right he was!
Water.

Acupuncture is very effective for back pain and especially herniated disk. The success rate is very very high. Back surgery success rates are around 40%. Even a spine surgeon told me he doesn't recommend surgery unless the person is completely incapacitated. Many studies proved the effectiveness.

I am interested in electro thermal disc decompression. I imagine medical insurance doesn't cover it. I would love to know what doctor in Western NC you saw, Lorrie. Can it be posted on this site?
Thanks

I am surprised that this discussion did not include a physiatrist especially one fellowship trained in interventional pain management. Since they look at "the whole picture" and have great physical exam skills, I have found them to be the most helpful for back and neck problems. In any case, surgery is to be avoided. Research shows that patients who go the knife route get very little pain relief compared to those whose do not. Radio frequency facet denervation helped me tremendously.

Any recommendations on posture both sitting and standing? Any recommendations on furniture - couch, chair, bed, etc.

thanks