Avoiding Back Surgery...

[flew-da-coup]

Has anyone of you ever had Facet Injections in your lower back? I just had my second set yesterday and I am dying. I had my first set last week and my last will be next week. They gave me 2 Valium and 1 Loratab 10 before gtting stabbed 6 times with a huge needle. I am trying to aviod surgery. Any one have any ideas that may work as an alternitive.  I don't think I can handle another set of those injections.

[K-Rock]

If your issue is ruptured discs, try accupuncture. After 10 sessions, my wife felt immensely better.

[coastiecappy]

Coup,
I'll ask my wife if there any alternatives. She's a nurse practitioner for a orthopaedics group up here. My hunch is there may be an exercise program you can do. I'll get back with you later.

[flew-da-coup]

I have a herniated disk, but that is not the problem. The facets are the joints that hold the vertabre together and are made of cartiledge. I have worn the last three out. A combination of martial arts and baseball have destroyed my back. I really don't think it's the baseball as much as MA.  I have tried accupuncture to no avail. I am hoping that the final set of injections will help. I quit Kenpo last year upon gaining my blackbelt and have since been studying Aikido which requires less stress on my back. It looks as if I will have to give it all up. I haven't even been in a batting cage in 8 months. I need something that will fix me up so that I can remain active.

[flew-da-coup]

Coup,
I'll ask my wife if there any alternatives. She's a nurse practitioner for a orthopaedics group up here. My hunch is there may be an exercise program you can do. I'll get back with you later.

Thanks man.

[MIRCS]

Get the surgery. You will hurt for just a while, then you will feel like a new man.

By the way I don't think it MA or baseball, I believe it was due to you not using hip boots and velcro gloves all these years.

[flew-da-coup]

Get the surgery. You will hurt for just a while, then you will feel like a new man.

By the way I don't think it MA or baseball, I believe it was due to you not using hip boots and velcro gloves all these years.

You may have a point there. when those sheep get to bucking , it's hell on your back.

[coastiecappy]

Coup,
Talked with the wife. What your are getting is the normal treatment with steroids to reduce swelling and inflamation around the nerves, this is what the insurance companies require, first. Bad news, if this doesn't fully treat the problem the next step is surgery, according to her it is fairly common. She also told me that in the group she's with, they normally do 3 shots every two weeks.
Sorry.
Cappy

[flew-da-coup]

I am getting 6 shots every week for 3 weeks. It is actually working. I fell much better today.

[PMEL_DEVIL-DOG]

Coup,
I'll ask my wife if there any alternatives. She's a nurse practitioner for a orthopaedics group up here. My hunch is there may be an exercise program you can do. I'll get back with you later.

Coup,
Coastie is right....Sometimes with lower back pain, its due from weak abdomial muscles. A program to strengthen your core should greatly help out!

[flew-da-coup]

My problems are from worn out facet joints. They pump them back up with cortisone and then I'm good to go for 6 months.

[PMEL_DEVIL-DOG]

My problems are from worn out facet joints. They pump them back up with cortisone and then I'm good to go for 6 months.

You might wanna try FEDLOG for new facet joints. I heard EBAY has a real deal on them.

[flew-da-coup]

I'm good as new now, atleast for 6 months.