I’ve suffered for 15 yrs. I’m holding off on surgery. I’m afraid. Opiates don’t help. Anti inflammatory don’t help. The only relief has been Gabapentin. Thank goodness.
Yep! I had a discectomy on my L4-L5 at 28yo from a snowboarding accident & playing sports my entire life. I tried everything to prevent surgery, like Carson, but nothing worked. I was lucky & had a fantastic surgeon, but I know that’s not the case for many. I felt incredible from the moment I woke up after surgery & for the next 10yrs. Hot yoga was a big reason for that & I’ve met many people who prevented surgery doing it. But lately, the achy pain has returned & it sucks. I also haven’t been doing hot yoga & I know that’s a big reason.
True story! I have had 5 back surgeries and totally get it. I hope you get some relief and Carson. I hope all of you out there suffering with chronic pain get the relief you need.
I am in my late 30s And have been living with chronic back pain since my teens. I’m very thankful for people like Carson who share their journey so that others like me can feel like we’re not so alone. Physical pain and mental health are so intertwined and I’m really glad Carson brought that up.
@@Georgesmomsu I’ve lived with chronic lower back for 41 yrs!! I’ve had 3 back surgeries 2 nd one I was fused with rods and screws from L4 to S1 to relief several pinched nerves, some of the nerves were pinched so badly that I feel numb in areas of my back, legs and feet. I’ve been through every means of “pain relief” you can imagine. I’m thrilled for Carson Daily that he was candidate for this procedure. It gives people with who have suffered with “chronic back pain” hope!
@@princess4u62 i am also fused - L3-S1, I’ve had 2 discs replaced in my neck and last year I had a hip replacement. Pain is no joke. Any relief is a good thing. Hope you are doing ok now. I’ve seen a pain specialist for 10 years now. I also live in CA and am grateful for cannabis.
My husband had this he was relieved of the pain and the mental pain he had suffered for over 25 years. Sadly he was diagnosed 6 months later with cancer we lost him weeks later. For anyone considering having it done think of the relief it can offer
All of you suggested weight loss, well dug! What you don't realize that some medication puts weight on. Chronic pain also limits your mobility and you can't workout. This is the worst area to have back problems!
Also, people have to realize that he couldn't do a lot of physical activity because of his back pain. He has a trainer who had to curb his physical activity because of his pain.
@@TravelwithTasha393 back pain can mean most exercises result in more pain the next day! at least for me... just doing dishes can require a full day recovery period, to get past the pain...
@@austinh1028 100%, however it is critically important that you move as much as you are able. Stopping movement just makes it worse. It's a complete catch 22...if you move you hurt, but if you don't move you end up hurting even more. I have 2 spine deformities (hooray genetic lottery) and dealt with the pain by just shutting down and moving as little as possible. Not only did it absolutely wreck my mental health, but it made the few things I could do even more painful. It took a long time with an absolutely fantastic physical therapist, pain and mental health management with a wonderful new primary care doctor, and a great chiropractor familiar with my conditions all working together to make a difference. All this and I can just about get on with a regular day without horrific pain...not no pain, just without horrific pain. It was a long road and takes constant maintenance stretches and exercises just to maintain this level of functionality. If I get lax it starts to revert fast.
I had a bruised back once that was the worst pain ive ever been through. And that was nothing compared to what people who have chronic back pain go through. I wish Carson all the best.
As a disabled RN, mom, wife, daughter and sister, I have suffered with back pain for so so so long. I have had back surgeries/ treatments and several back, neck and hip injection and surgeries. The pain and depression is so so so real!! I pray this gives you, your life back! I sure miss my life before back injuries and pain.
Those injections are not even FDA approved, the need to actually treat pain with pain medication. Stop making pain medication being connected with addiction. It has not to do with it. People are taking their lives because of pain .
Glad they did this story. I felt bad for the backlash he received online when joining the Today show. There were instantly so many hateful comments about his appearance and weight gain. Gen X’ers seemed to never forgive him for aging out of his hot 24yr old MTV days. He’s a real person with real and varied struggles. Happy to see this insight into his story! 👏
I've gained 50 lbs since my first back surgery until now. EVERYTHING I do I pay for it with pain, I can't go for a walk, walking and standing are reallllllly painful for me. You can't see my scars but still so many judge 💔
Is it bad to not feel the pain when your body is trying to tell you something's wrong? In other words can't you damage your spine even more if you don't feel anything? Serious question.. Thank you
I don’t have back pain, but I’ve had chronic pain for the past 25 years. I can’t imagine life without pain. How it colors everything you do & works on your psyche! I’ve battled to continue to work full time all of these years to maintain my mental sanity & divert my mind, but it typically leaves me drained for much else. If you have good health, never, never take it for granted!
Back pain, failed back surgery, found relief when I divorced. I spent six years trying EVERYTHING! Stress management is the key to my healing and staying that way.
I've suffered with chronic back pain for the last several years. Pain management sucks especially when your doctor doesn't manage your pain. Hoping to God Carson has a speedy recovery and gets his life back ♡♡♡
We don't get anything to help with pain here in east TN. A handful of idiots ruined it for actual chronic pain patients yet without the meds, ODs are even higher than ever. I don't mention pain to a doctor because I'm so tired of all of them thinking we're pain pill seekers. I better be in dire straits before I ever speak to a doctor again. They infuriate me. Women here being told to take ibuprofen after Csections. That's vile.
This really affected him in so many ways. Mentally physically emotionally. He even gained weight cuz he couldn’t do much physical activity. Good for him he’s doing better.
Carson is sooooo BLESSED & here's why: This situation could've been sooooo much worse because a lot of people (such as myself) aren't as good with dealing with "pain management" when it comes to CHRONIC pain. It's a blessing that he didn't end up abusing pain medication and/or "other" hard drugs because it happens to people everyday & I'm one of those people, unfortunately. I was involved in an accident to which caused me to not be able to walk for a year. And after being in a wheelchair for that year, I was on crutches for 8 more months and once I was able to walk again, I quickly realized that things that were once "normal" for me was no longer that. Due to my accident which I might add occurred on my 30th birthday, I no longer can do certain things anymore such as skating, running, dancing, jog, skip or anything that consists of using my right ankle. I crushed it and have screws & pins in it so I'm unable to bend or walk on it like a normal person. I can't even sit Indian style because I fractured my hip on the OTHER leg so that's why I was unable to walk because I couldn't put pressure on either one of my legs. Now, you can IMAGINE the pain I endured for years & STILL endure to this moment and with that being said, I ended up getting addicted to pain medicine. Although it didn't lead me to harder drugs, I still felt the effects of an addict and had to get help. I say that Carson is blessed because at my lowest point I was taking upwards to and OVER 20 pills a day with no hesitation whatsoever. And it's so many people that end up down that path because of an accident or situation that caused them to start taking pain medicine but like me & many others, we weren't able to MANAGE that pain & I applaud Carson for having the mental strength to not go down that path.
Just because you turned into a junkie doesn't mean everyone deserves to suffer. I find it interesting that people like you rage to ban opioid pain management overall while demanding easy access, indefinite methadone/suboxone maintenance... which are also highly abused.
As someone who is a year into recovery from an L5/S1 extrusion herniation of 8mm, this is wonderful news! So true about “wearing pain” and just succumbing to pain being part of your daily living. Happy for Carson and hope he has a continued upward progression in his pain management and increased mobility.
May I ask how your journey has been? I’m the same as your injury (location and size) and about to start w all the dr appointments that come w this diagnosis.
I always find Carson so calming and comforting to watch…listening to him alleviates my anxiety, which is so weird because he himself has anxiety. He just seems so relatable and easygoing. Happy he is feeling better!
I recently sprained my back and finally I'm not experiencing pain. The pain is no joke! I couldn't imagine having chronic back pain. Definitely don't take anything in life for granted.
I have great respect for Carson sharing his story about back pain because so many people experience back pain for various reasons and it does affect your quality of life.
Good for you Carson. It’s about “quality” of life - particularly with a young family. I’ve been a Today Show watcher for years, and love the kindness of this current cast🤗
I am a yoga instructor and I get students who were referred to yoga classes for back pain/injury. It really is a life long journey and although a few stretches may help some, medical intervention is usually needed to some degree. Glad he is getting relief!
I got a lower back fusion when I was 20 years old. It did help throughout the years but the tension moved to my middle back. At 48 now, I'm learning to live with the pain because at the end of the day, someone always has it worse than me so I stay blessed.
I have pain in the same exact area, L-5 S-1…I have arthritis in that area. I’m a retired Paramedic going back to the 80’s!! The pain at times is unbearable! Good luck Carson🙋🏽♀️💕
I've been a Carson Daily Fan since his first days on MTV and totally recall that episode! I'm happy you finally found some relief. I know the pain and limitations all to well. I'm a mom to 3 (including my sn neice) and been dealing with back pain for 15+ years!
I've also suffered with back pain for over 30 years and one of the things that has always been difficult to deal with is the mental side. I feel that people don't believe what I am going through. I look fit tall and strong but inside I am not feeling well and that messes with my mind . Good for you Carson .
I'm so grateful to have found this; someone else of a similar age that went through the procedure... I'm in the process of pre-auth for this and I'm somewhat reluctant. Grateful to this worked out so well for Carson!
I was an Occupational Therapist which caused my herniated discs. Had L2L3 laminectomy in 2016 which was successful. At the time had L4L5 herniation as well but at the time surgery wasn't indicated. Started having pain from that level last year and was going to have a 2nd surgery but had to cancel due to other issues. Fell and broke my hip in February, had hip replacement surgery which threw my gait off and really aggravated my back. Have been having back and leg pain again so rescheduled last year's surgery for this August. I am hopeful this one will be as successful as the first. Looking forward to being pain free again!
THANKS for doing this feature! I'm one of the millions of people worldwide who suffer from back pain and it is VERY debilitating and really messes with one's mental health and overall well-being. Although my condition is different from Carson's, I am excited for this revolutionary pain-relieving procedure because I believe this is the future of longer-lasting pain relief! I have to admit that I was one of those viewers that were surprised and also critical of how Carson's appearance has changed over the years. Now I feel truly sorry not just for being unfairly critical but also for not even thinking that he could be suffering health issues too. I wish Carson well and hope he gets relief from back pain for a long time! ❤
Carson, thank you so much for sharing your story. I pray this procedure gives you long term pain relief. I have suffered with low back pain for more than fifteen years due to a car accident. You have given me new found hope that it is possible to have some pain relief! God bless you and your beautiful family! Debbie, Alabama
Had my first ablation surgery in 2006. The nerve regenerates, so additional procedures are needed. Had 8 more over the years each time the pain returned, until the 9th one didn’t work. Which eventually happens when the area has too much damage to be effected, and surgery is needed. One year ago in 2021 I finally had fusion of L4 & L5 lumbar, with disc cage in between. I have 2 rods, 4 screws, and cage hardware in my spine. Sounds gory, but I feel so much better now. Cheers to the folks with back pain. It can consume your life. Glad to have some of it back.
I know several that had all the hardware put in. And still in pain. Etc. It must just work sometimes and not on different ppl. Can u explain more on the procedure u had
Thank you Carson, for making this video. My two sisters and myself also suffered lower back injuries. Getting the medical world to do anything was the worst. But, I had laser surgery, and it was magnificent for me.
Could you please let me me know what kind surgery is that, how long have you done it, and who performed? I am suffering and don’t know what to do any longer. Good health to you! God bless! TIA 🙏🏼😊
Carson, thank you very much for sharing your journey. I am an Occupational and Physical therapist. I have dedicated my life to helping people ease the suffering caused by chronic pain. It is great to know there is another option for those individuals. I hope you can give periodic updates as you continue to heal!!
I was Carson’s first Producer at MTV’s Motel California in 1997 shooting his first MTV VJ segment. He wanted to paint his last two finger nails which showed when I gave him a hand mic. He was great to work with. I hope his back gets better.
I am from Colorado and I was sledding and I hit a tree stump when I was either 11 or 12 and it truly messed up my tailbone, so any back injury is no joke.
I've struggled with chronic back pain for the last 20 years (started when I was 20). I've had 2 surgries on the same level Carson did. I did not have the same problem so that surgery would not have worked for me. I am so glad that Carson has found a procedcure that has helped him!
My husband has struggled with pain from a few back injuries from over 20 years ago. The operations (which were done way to early in life) actually made his pain much worse. He did have a spine cord stimulator, which was supposed to do something similar to this procedure, but did nothing for him. He has it removed after 2 years. He decided to quit pain management clinic and try medical marijuana ( he had never had any marijuana before) gladly I live in a state that had legalized it for medical use, but it's the only thing that has ever helped him. Like he was in a powerchair for years and now just uses a cane. He is 44 btw. Hopefully you have some relief soon. It's such a terrible thing to have to suffer like that.
Man is still a class act entertainer while in serious pain. Much respect from a fellow chronic pain sufferer with Osteonecrosis in both sides of my hip/pelvis and both knees.
Back pain is no joke! I’ve been living with severe chronic back pain for over 5 years now. It’s insane how you become accustomed to pain; the actual “pain” never decreases, instead you learn how to work around it
@@MsDale1976 for most people, insurance only covers a portion. i know that the copays is something i would not be able to come up with. currently having to make payments on a shoulder surgery, the mri, and the physical therapy. i'm thankful insurance covered what it did, but its still a hardship for some.
I understand, the pain gets so bad. I was born with my spine fused to my hips, I have to sit down just walking to my kitchen from the living room. I have applied to disability but keep getting turned down, I have 22 disabilities, I now have bone spurs throughout my back, hips, shoulders and knees. Life with pain sucks especially without taking narcotics. Glad to see this video
I fractured a rib once and was in excruciating pain for weeks. I can't imagine what Carson is going through. I hope he finds the treatment and exercise that works for him.
Carson Daly God bless you. I have the same pain and l can't work or anything atm and waiting to see specialist & Orthopedics Surgeon. I hope they have this treatment here in Australia. Much fast healing to you. Your amazing and thank you for sharing as it's hard to live with such horrendous constant pain daily and the depression that comes as it's hard to deal with not being able to function to do daily things. This give us hope with others that are dealing with this lower spine medical condition.
Had a car accident back in the 80's; and with time/deterioration, my back was a mess. After literally decades of medication & PT, I came to the end of the road & had to make the decision to either do the surgery; or just become totally unable to function. Over 5 years ago, with an amazing surgeon and tons of new hardware in my neck and back; I would say I am at least 90% better! It's not a 'miracle', after you've had surgery, you really need at least 2 years of PT as your nerves start reawakening.
I’ve watched my mom suffer through her back pain for years now and 4 major back surgeries not to mention all the rest of the mental anguish and other issues brought on by her pain. The first two surgeries left massive amounts of scare tissue as well as more damage so the third surgery was supposed to fix that and it did for a few years until another dr came in and told her she needed the fourth surgery. That dr ruined her back completely because he didn’t do anything he was supposed and now she been left it horrible pain with a visible bend over to one side that you can see not only when she tries to walk but even when you look at her spine now. You can literally see a sharp bend in her spine. It’s been destructive not only for her but for our family as well because of everything that’s followed along with it over the past several years now. My heart goes out to anyone struggling with back issues because it’s a never ending nightmare. Surgery like this should be offered in every state across America and insurance should have to cover it as an option verses numerous other surgeries, procedures, or especially when pain medication has been so disastrous to all those who suffer with issues like this in our country. I would give anything to see my mom be able to have this surgery and to be herself again after all she’s suffered through so she could enjoy the time she has left in her life. My prayers go out to Carson in hopes that he will be able to live s much higher quality of life than before and have many more happy years with his family. Thank you for sharing this about the surgery with us. I just wish it was available to more people who suffer with back pain. 👋🏻
After a vehicle accident, I had severe back pain which made me unable to even move without the most excruciating pain. Breathing was painful and sneezing or coughing if you want to really think about how terrible it is to live with chronic pain. I hope Carson gets better soon and is able to live a great life again
I had sciatica down my left leg for over 6 months - my - t-3 t-4 disks were compressed and were literally sitting on my sciatic nerve. I had surgery where they put in two titanium rods to hold the disks up off the nerve. It was the best decision I ever made....to have this surgery 7 years ago. I'm working and still going after 70!
32 and dealing with S1-L5-L4 Osteoarthritis pain in any position, even laying flat on my back. I haven't been "comfortable" in at least 7 years since a minor car accident found out I have one longer leg and spine has been compensating. Went to spine specialists and got corticosteroid injections and everything short of (yearly) epidurals, with no improvement at all. Glad to see the nerve treatment actually helping someone, just dealing with the pain only gets you so far with doctors refusing any pain medications lately (if you aren't 50+). every day is a struggle
I'm 32 as well and just got my first corticosteroid injection. In a couple weeks I'm seeing a neurosurgeon to see how it goes until then. I always wondered why I had reoccurring sciatica for years despite being in decent shape. I had an emergency MRI (first ever) last month that showed that I had 3 bulging discs, flat back, arthritis and severe spinal stenosis, which they said I was probably born with. Nerve pain from the SI joint area and down the entire leg is the worst. We are too young to have these issues!
@@anitamedic2339 rear ended twice. First accident caused 5 back surgeries in L5-S1 second caused multi level fusion in C4-C6. 3 of the 5 back surgeries were fusions. First fusion failed and needed it reconstructed.
@@queenwein16 oh okay. Is your back any better now? I have lots of back pain. Did MRI and showing nothing. Was put on pain meds no help. I've never been in an accident before either.
@@anitamedic2339 oh man I hear you. I am college educated and had to go out on permanent disability in 2018. Pain meds help me, but I have to keep up with the correct dosages. Sometimes I have horrible flare ups and on bed rest for days at a time. Ah. I would ask for a repeat MRI, EMG test (nerve conduction study) and CT scan. Sometimes nothing shows up in these tests. Put it this way, my X-Rays came back that I was friggin fused the first time (2nd back surgery) and I finally insisted they check further. Got a CT scan that showed I was not fused at all and almost 3 years later. I would not give up. If you’re in that much pain, the doctors are missing something.
I had a back injury when I was a CNA when I was 20 & it always bothered me but when I turned 30 it got so much worse im 37 now. Then I broke both ankles in 2018 and was in a boot and brace for 8 months. It made my back unbearable. I've been getting nerve ablations on my L5-S1 and it definitely helps but it wears off when the nerve grows back. I'm in pain management trying to lose weight which isn't easy with chronic back pain. I'm gonna ask my doctor about this procedure.
