I have 1mm bone fragments in my back and a herniated disc with spondelonestheysis (dont know how to spell) Physical Therapy does not seem to work I meet with my orthopedic surgeon in one week does anyone know what the next step will be? Im scared it might be surgery (I have had these back problems for 10 years)
It all depends on how much pain and symptoms you are having. If the bone chips are pressing on the nerves and causing pain they will have to be removed. If the herniated disc is pressing on the nerve and you are getting weakness they will fix this while they are in removing the bone chips. the bone chips are a common finding when you have Degenerative Disc Disease which happens when you have spondylolithesis which happens when you are in your growing years which is why you have had back pain for several years. the spondylolithesis will always be there.
#1 by CQ12 on December 17th, 2009
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If physical therapy isn’t working then surgery is usually the next step.
If the disk is herniated then it needs to be repaired. Physical therapy isn’t going to fix this. You be okay. If you are in good health then you will recover fast.
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#2 by Lar S on December 17th, 2009
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At this link you will find the herniated disc question answered. The bone fragment issue is too broad. If you can define it a little we might be able to help more.
http://www.neurosurgerytoday.org/what/patient_e/herniated.asp
The "spondylolisthesis" answer can be found here. Good luck.
http://www.back.com/causes-mechanical-spondylolisthesis.html
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#3 by DOC on December 17th, 2009
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It all depends on how much pain and symptoms you are having. If the bone chips are pressing on the nerves and causing pain they will have to be removed. If the herniated disc is pressing on the nerve and you are getting weakness they will fix this while they are in removing the bone chips. the bone chips are a common finding when you have Degenerative Disc Disease which happens when you have spondylolithesis which happens when you are in your growing years which is why you have had back pain for several years. the spondylolithesis will always be there.
References :