I had an emergency discectomy and laminectomy in 2001 when I woke up paralysed after years of back pain. The prognosis wasn't good because there was a 26 hour delay when I got to the hospital. The surgeon told me there was a high probability that any damage to my spinal cord was permanent and I would likely be paralysed from the waist down. The surgical team did an excellent job, 2 days later I could walk and I get no pain in my back at all now, only slight numbness in my lower legs. :)
@smith-models apart from numbness and pins and needles in my left lower leg, I'm fine. Get the odd twinge in my back, but I was crippled with pain before the operation.
31 years old with excruciating nerve pain down my leg due to a herniated disc. I had this surgery 5 days ago and immediately felt relief. It may sound dramatic but it has been life changing. I spent months fantasizing about sawing my leg off, having sleepless nights etc. No more pills no more shots and the best part...NO MORE PAIN!
Where did you have the surgery done. I would love to have this procedure done. Tired of the pain, the medication as well. Nothing helps. I have done physio, chiropractic and now I am doing acupuncture.
I had L5/S1 operation 2yrs ago and returned to my activities after that. But same problem occurred few weeks back. Pls try good posture and allow the disc to slowly retract/be relieved from touching the exiting nerve. It will take some time depending on your severity. Try upper back and leg muscle relaxing massages so that it does not “pull” your back. I’m almost pain free for 7 days now. There are some exercises and lower back bridging which helps. Pills might not stop the pain like mine. Surgery may be avoided with proper care and awareness.
@@ronjrl I agree. With the spine surgeon I worked closely with, surgery was rarely the first step in treatment. It would depend on the severity of symptoms. Heat, ice, steroids, exercise when able, stretching, inversion table are just a few.
I had Laminectomy , Discectomy, & Fusions , & BMA of L3,4&5 exactly 1 month ago . I am recovering well , I was determined to not be on a walker any longer than I had to , was in the hospital for 6 days. I suffered w/ so much debilitating nerve pain and much more for over 6 years. For the past 20 years suffered w severe. Back pain . I am having a big neck surgery as well ( waiting a few years for that ),,, I had 3 slipped Vertabraes for 6 years. I am looking forward to life once again , I am so blessed to have a wonderful Surgeon Dr. A. Muhanna . God Bless !! Thanks for posting!
Almost same fused L1- down t S1 My whole back , with rods& pins as well need to have it done again soon e ery 10 yrs, I started off with a traumatic fall compression frac if L1 but now they say the lil bit I have left is going as well as bone spurs, arthritis, just everything u see the son I'm 53& happy in at least walking I push myself daily ,!!!!!! 🤔🤦♀️😔😔😔
I had a lumbar laminectomy and discectomy in 2003 by neurosurgeon Dr. Shahbabian here in Cincinnati and he was so skilled I was able to stand freely on my feet the NEXT DAY! I wasn't walking but I could stand. He is a very friendly doctor and had large warm hands. The incision was about 1 inch (if not less). He removed my staples himself in his office which was like a den in a big house and smelled of cherry pipe tobacco. Thank You Doctor Shahbabian!
Sure Ayman! It's been 13 years now and I have not had any negative consequences from this surgery. I may be able to help you decide but there are so many people that have said they had a negative experience with back surgery. What is your diagnosis Ayman?
+Nancy Reisiger Rice Thanks Nancy, i have herniated disc between L4-L5 since October 2015, the pains just became severe since 3 weeks, some doctor say have to do it and other not advice, my herniation is central and little to the left side to affect my left leg mainly
Mine was called a bulging disc. This short video is great for understanding the different diagnoses between 3 disc problems. www.spine-health.com/video/video-difference-between-disc-terms
Such a well explained clip. I’m two weeks post surgery and really wanted to understand the procedure. I practically lived on my bed for five weeks because I just couldn’t walk or even stand, the nerve pain was so excruciating! I’m in the UK and I swear the NHS spinal surgeons saved me before a metal break down took me. Glad I found your video
I had discectomy done today on my L5/S1 disc and a facetectomy. 6 months ago I had C6/C7 disc replacement for the severe herniation. In my life I have broken dozens of bones, many other torn ligaments and cartilage. Post surgery today is the worst pain I have ever felt and the 10mg of hydrocodone doesnt make a noticeable dent in the pain. I am laying in my bed wondering if this is a normal amount of pain for this procedure?!?! The nerve pain that prompted these surgeries after a decade of trying to live with it was bad but this is excruciating. Any thoughts are appreciated.
I’m 48 yrs old. I just had a Lumbar Decompression Laminectomy done on L3-L5. And surgery was the best choice I could’ve decided on. No more leg pain radiating from my lower back into my legs.
I have had a discectomy at L5/S1. Now 15 years latter I a a surgerical candidate for laminectomy L2,2,4 and discectomy times 3. I found this video truely educational and comforting as Doctor is very easy in his explainations and his patient centered attitude. As in any medical treatment there are no gurantees and every patient is different and the patient's attitude and confidence in the treating physician is very much a part of the success of treatmetn.
I suffered a rupture of my L5-S1....umm...27 years ago. I dealt with increasing pain over those years. I finally had the open laminectomy and discectomy 1 month ago. Before, I couldn't stand or walk for any more than 2 minutes...Today, I walked 1 mile ...pain-free. My nerves had been compressed for so long that it took about 3 weeks for the sciatic pain to go away. This procedure worked for me and has changed my life.
Thank you doctor very informative and it certainly places me at ease since I have to have surgery done on my lower spine very shortly. I can tell that your patients put their faith in you and that's very important. Thank you again.
VPfyi they must have used Versaid (sp?) to put me out cuz I don’t remember anything. Out one minute, awake the next. And they give you pain med but honestly not much pain after. I had so much pain before that afterwards was a big relief.
Excellent video and easy to understand. I am scheduled for both procedures Sept. 5th, it will have then been 8 weeks since my nightmare began! Looking forward to an end in sight and being able to ride my Harley again, albeit next year now! FYI, 50 yr. old female. And planning to take up yoga and quit smoking when this surgery happens!
Great video Doc. and very well presented. Not that it is relevant but I am from Australia and despite what most Americans think, we do have hot and cold water piped to our homes...we even have electricity as well so we are well advanced in society!!! You are a natural presenter so keep doing this line of work and I wish you every success in your medical career
Having this surgery Wednesday. Hoping it helps my leg pain and therefore makes my movement in my leg better. (Getting around better and stronger) I am an MS PT. Secondary Progressive. Good video & explained well.
That model, with the herniation showing through the vertebrae, really helps one visualize the mechanics of how the pain is created in the spine. Thanks!
Side note, someone give this doctor a raise. Because seriously, theres no other doctor youtube video out the millions that give this complete and thorough information explained so all can understand.
you need to watch DR.Bergman, hes a honest man, that tells the truth especially about fusion surgery, which is not a surgery you ever want to do to your self, do yourself a huge favor don't do a fusion surgery, it will only lead to more pain pills, more surgeries, and just all around more hell for you, look I don't know you from a hole innthe ground but as one human being to another, im begging you please ,please don't do a fusion surgery to your self, its the worst thing you can have done, there are so many new procedures out there that are way,way,much better than spinal fusion surgery, so please as one person to another don't do that to yourself, it,ll only cause you so much more pain, and just a boatload of trouble, do your self a huge favor, do more reasch on spinal stenosis, there,s already one procedure on spinal stenosis procedure I can tell you about ,its called, artificial disc replacement surgery, and its a gold mine compared to this spinal fusion procedure, you can do as you please its your life, and your choice, but if I were you id at least take a look at the many new different options that are out here today that are new and way more effective and less down time, mimal evasive procedures, your out in one day, and back out doing your daily day to day things, like I said its your life,and your choice, I hope you have the good common sense to do more research on this procedure, there,s so many new procedures that are being done today, fusion surgery is primitive compared to the procedures we have today, come out of the stone age and enter into the 21st century, its time to come up to the present and have a procedure that's happening today in 2018 , not 1959 procedures, oh dear god, some of these doctors are still doing procedures from back then, its unbelievable, dr.Jim Conway over at Sinai hospital does it that way fusion screws, and rods, and hand fulls of pain pills, and more and more surgeries, I was in the waiting room with a guy I asked him why are you seeming like your in so much pain sir ? he asked me to gently pull up his shirt, oh my God dear god all mighty, his back was so scarred up from dr.conway,s work I asked him the man with the bad back what kind of procedure were you having , he said dr.conway was doing fusion on him , my God ill never come near a surgeon that does it, in fact ill be sure to run as fast as my legs will take me, if I don't get into a fist fight with the dr. I hate that they still want to do that to us, it makes me so mad, stay away from them, I would, God bless you, I hope you make the right decision for yor self, and heal the right way, todays way, todays new and improved way that is so much better, please heal up I hope you heal up really well, and have a great quality of life again and get back to being your old self and doing everything you used to do, and get back to living life the way you liked living your life, and have fun I wish you the best that life has to offer, sincerely, William.H.Wilcox Baltimore, Maryland 21133 im just a man that's had spinal stenosis for 8 years, and have watched my life detiorate before my very eyes, my life is slowly breaking me down to where I can hardly get out of bed, ill shoot myself in the head before I allow myself to be placed in a wheel chair, before all this I used to fly a Cessna 310 twin engine airplane, play my guitar in a 1980,s music rock band, and worked and fixed peoples cars, now I don't do anything but watch t.v. im slowly dying right in front of my very eyes, I will kill myself if I hear the words wheel chair, I will wait til the time is right and everyones gone, then I will place the gun up inside my mouth and pull the trigger, heaven must be better than this , I know God didn't put me here to slowly suffer til I die, like this he takes too long, I don't want to go around in a wheel chair for the next 30 to 40 years til I die, plus living with this pain, no I already know what im going to do, it,ll be fast and painless, then I will be with God, and the rest of my family, that I miss and love so much, I dream and pray about them everyday, I cant wait to be with them all again, I cry for them , I want to see them,and hold them in my arms, I want to hug them an never let go, I miss them all so bad so bad, God please take me away and end my suffering please father I beg you in Jesus name,Amen please bring me to heaven, I want to be in heaven with you and all that I love an miss, Please father, I beg you with all my heart, let me go, please, let me go be with them ,
@@The68lespaul I don't know you sir, but I been dealing with pain on a daily basis which my social life has been decrading slowly and can't do alot of things cause of it. I'm only 28yrs old and they tell me I have a back of a 70yr with all these problems I have. I been searching for the right video and for some reason and scrolled down and read your comment. Feels like there is no hope on an ending pain. Just keep staying strong. God is we us all. Feels like nobody understands what we go through deep inside with all the pains, but us that go through it. So I can relate. I will pray for you even though I don't know you cause this message really touched me knowing you want to end your life csuse of all the pain. I understand cause I feel like that at times and I feel like nobody understands me. But just know that god is with us all🙏
Thank you Saray, I appreciate your very kind words, I love God with every fiber of my body, praise our heavenly father, I Love him more than anything else in this world, and my savior Jesus Christ , I know that pain or no pain were all going to take that next ride as we know living because we are born only knowing life, then we die and will soon find out what it is to be dead and in the spiritual world of death being dead and only knowing death, its a level beyond my thinking for sure, but I know once this physical body stops working meaning no heart beat, and no longer breathing , its then I hope that God bring me to all the wonderful people ive known throughout my life, that are gone and I miss so,so bad there all gone im practically alone in this world aside from a few family members I have but never talk to I never hear from my father,Mom has passed, one sister haven't heard from in years, older brother about the same my younger brother is the only one that talks to me, there all aldults, they do as they please, if they choose not to talk with me its not my problem anyhow yes my spinal stenosis is one super bad mac daddy pain kickin monster, that causes me to stay up for days at a time, I cant nevr find a comfortable position, laying on the floor, more now the bed is too painful, I have 4 suicide numbers to call in case I feel like im at the end, I know its coming ive seen it, and I know its not far off, then I will be in Gods Holy grace, where im sure the pain will be over and gone forever, to me dying is better is better than sitting around in torment hell fire pain watching myself die a little more each day, DR. wont write a prescription for pain medicine the state ins. tells the head nurses not to give any out even if we have proof that were in severe mind numbing pain, that's such a shame, id love to see any politician walk into a state funded ins clinic and ask for pain medicine, they might get it because of who they are, but us poor people we don't stand a snowballs chance in hell at getting anything to help us , that's why im preparing myself , im still not sure how im going to accomplish relieving myself from this world, I just don't want to suffer during the process, I don't have a gun, if I did I probably wouldn't be writing this , ive thought about over dosing on some powerful street drugs enough to do the job, enough to stop my heart, so I don't suffer, I figure do it lay down in bed the rest is whatever this shitty world wants to do with my remains , as long as im pain free, that's all I want , this physical body is just way too painful to handle DR.,s send me to pain mgmt. all they want to do is stick 6 cortisone shots in me back,into my lower lumbar L-4 an L-5 the last time they did it it did take the edge off but only for 11 or 12 days the DR. said it would hold me for 4 months you imagine that,? looking me straight in the eyes and telling me such a huge LIE like that, I called them and told them the shots are good for shit ,stick that shit up your DR. ,s ass he can go suck a cortizone shot out of a monkeys asshole , real talk the government,s health ins. by state to state can go straight to hell fuck,em all, there told what to do by real DR.,s in our health system, whoever heads the countries health system is a no good none giving a shit low life fuck, and I hope whoever it is goes straight to hell for allowing so many honest people out here that need these fucking ppain medications we have our x-rays, our fucking M.R.I.,s what else do they need to see that we need help you fucking idiot,s oh if I could , let me leave you with this I had a nuerologist look at my x-rays and he immeadiately prescribed pain medicine he gave oxycotin, which took the edge off, while I was waiting for surgery, he finds out another DR. had put me on warfarin a blood thinner, once he found that out he told me he wasn't going to perform any kind of lower back surgery on me while I was taking those, honestly I really don't want all those rods and screws in my back, they break your bones, they restrict movement and cause more pain that your in now, fuck fusion surgery they can stick those rods and screws up there ass, they have much better procedures now called artificial disc replacement surgery, research the new M-6 disc replacement its minimally evasive takes maybe 2 to 3 hrs but healing time is far shorter and the life it gives you back the life you once had im holding out for that, if I cant get that done ill see you in heaven , God be with you, don't let these DR,s tell you what there gonna do, you ask them whats the root cause of my pain, and how can it be stopped, cut dry straight an simple, fuck all tht big word using bullshit it don't mean a damn thing, and if they cant look you straight in the eyes and tell you whats causing your pain, go somewhere else, fuck,em that's what ive done to 2 of ,em so far because of how they disrespect me and wont look me in the eyes and tell me whats the root cause of my pain? they just sat there and told me what they were going to do to me, FUCK THAT, you don't tell me the reason why im feeling this aweful pain and how wwe can stop it, im getting the hell out of there real fast , cause walking will be to damn slow you take care, I know God loves me, and I Love him, im here to serve him I pray to him every night don't worry about me dear, I appreciate your kind message but God has me in his hands it,ll all workout, good luck to you may god give you peace and comfort, in jesusname,Amen.
@@uglymechanics6599 Hi Brandon. I'm at week 5 now. The first week was rough, but it's getting better. For the first time in years I'm able to stand / walk for more than 2-3 minutes. The sciatic pain is gone, too. Now I'm trying to restrain my muscles in my back to allow me to stand up straight. I've been walking hunched over for 2 years now. But I'm doing better. Back at the gym already! Hope you're doing well!
@@georgemccaffery3260 Well I walked about 1.5kms today, basically 75% resting, 25% walking is my daily tasks, I'm coming off of all my pain medications aswell as quit smoking so my stomach has been absolutely un relentless. If I'm not throwing up its the other.. but today wasn't bad.
I am a 24 year old rower who is getig the surgery this Wednesday. I had my last 1x row on January 4. I'm miserable without my sport and my comfort level is low. I am still very nervous because my career and life are on the line here. I've had back pain forever but it was intensified in January. Great addition.
Jesus Pena. Hi. My doc recommends L3-S1. Bigger by 2 vertebrates. My question to you. Have your movement been affected? Or do you have preventive recommendations at no twist, bend, etc? Ty - it seems that surgery it’s My only option. So I’m gathering as most information as possible. Thanks for your reply in advance.
@@boricua0073 I had same surgery l5 s1. But i felt pain Free after 4months. But unfortunately my pain returned when i try to doing squat exercise without weight. Still have many complications and pain. In my experience dont do fusion surgery at any cost
When you do a miniopen discectomy. As in your example of L 4/5 Disc...you remove the lower half of L4 lamina...and Upper half of L5 lamina...Now you retract the root...Do you retract the Traversing L5 root or exiting L4 root?
I got c6 c7 cord compression touching my spinal cord and waiting for Salford hospital get back to me. Started in May and now in July. Burning sensation in my legs back tingling in my fingers and had problems with the toilet situation doing my head in now now can't get back to work
Less then 1% risk ? That means 99% no damage will occur. As good as these surgeons are, I think the only way they could fully appreciate the benefit of this corrective procedure would be if they could somehow experience the pain associated with the condition. It's so intense at times you are unable to walk or even stand. I actually cannot help but to cry tears sometimes.
I had disk removal between L4-L5. I lost about 1 inch in height. The many tiny staples that put in was unbelievable. I had so many bone spurs as well. Regardless of height loss, I eventually got better until a year or so when I started having pain. I suppose I developed arthritis as I had no hardware put in due to the nerves being over compressed and sometimes my spinal nerves and blood supply was in trouble. I had this surgery almost 20 some odd years ago and I went to an orthopedic doctor for another problem and they found this problem. IMHO that was major surgery and I was and still have diabetes. I feel that my recovery time would be so long and I worry about the length of Time between hardware replacements. I know several people who have had repeat surgery because they either lost or gained weight or the surgery failed. Nowadays if you’re in pain doctors don’t want to treat it and I really just want to have the surgery done to fix my equinis contracture and I can live with the arthritis from my prior surgery. I think I have a right to decide what should be done about my body.
Grate job explaining both .Getting this done tomorrow. Not a good idea looking it up now but with how busy the surgeon is in our only hospital in town their is not much time to talk about details. Videos like this help so much thank you. Wish me luck. If anyone wants to know how it felt from my point of view leave a message below.
It is a year now since the surgery I can work but I am limited to how much I can bend . Also I find long trips in my work van makes me sore. The surgery happened 2 times because it popped out another 9 mm. This time was not as bad but the recovery was longer. Dr said there's lots of scaring that makes this not as good of a recovery.
It went well! I woke up from surgery and 95% of the nerve pain down my leg was gone. Recovery time was a full 6 weeks but I was feeling good after 2. Just surgical site pain and some weakness in my back until about week 5. Then strengthening and walking to get back up to speed. Thanks for asking!!
I get that Carlos but trust me you will feel so much better when you wake up. I was in such agony before surgery that I couldn’t wait to just be knocked out! I’ll be praying for you tonight. Let me know how it goes!
I had a laminectomy discectomy almost a year ago but I think did not to work now the pain is worse and I am getting dizzy frequently when I try to work or push myself a little bit then normal what are my options and what else could I try thank you for your video
How do the dilators work? I heard it was potentially serial dilation, but do not understand how successively larger tubes/dilators are designed/function?
This is extremely fascinating...Although thank God I do not suffer any back pain, my wife and my best friend do. Both are obvious candidates for this surgery. This is a superb video and clearly explains it, and I was surprised to hear his statement that surgery is a 'last resort'...great to hear from a surgeon. No doubt he's a true professional dedicated to his patients. I'm going to view the rest of the videos to learn and understand more. Thank you!
A question instead of a comment my gran son was shot and is unable to feel anything from below his chest down ward unable to walk or to feel anything at all below he is just 25 years old done loads of costly exrays and the doctors said finally there are bone fragments in his spinal canal can anything be done for him to walk again he was shot in his neck please help
I am had this operation done 3 month ago (another Surgeon) and I am still having pain. Great video you explained it very well. It's the best I have seen, and I have viewed a lot. 👏👍 thank you!
I had a L1/L2 lumbar laminectomy and discectomy done just yesterday due to foot drop. Though they fixed the herniation/extrusion, because it took about a month between the development of foot drop and when I had my surgery, there is some doubt about whether my foot drop will improve.
You are the first person ever to EXSPLAIN exactly what was done to me lol , I had all of that from L1 all they way down into S1 with also a fusion 🤦♀️ I started with a compression fracture of L1 in my Young adult life
So you have to break out part of the vertebra to able to excess the herniated disk. Is that bone breaking will not be an issue after surgery? Also I still don't understand that what happens with the disk , heal itself it's not going to herniate again ?
Dr. you left out the important part. What do you do with the herniated disk? Do you shave off part of the disk? What happens with the left over disk? Are you going to saw it up to stop the leaking or what happens to it?
Wouldn’t the bone have to heal if you are drilling bone in this surgery? How long does it take to recover from destabilization of the back of it occurs?
I have just had this Operation done my self Monday still habit sore but this video was awesome you actually explained more in this video then my surgeon and could only wish you had done the open your self as I would have felt more reassured
Please please advise me in anyway you can.Im in the UK.My wife has had MRI and shown to have a dangerously compressed spinal cord which 6 months ago they considered URGENT as she is slowly but surely losing the feelings in her legs and the surgeons letter advised if she fell awkwardly she could be left paraplegic !!! ( she has also had 2 total knee replacements) and needed a laminectomy...however they have postponed her operation due to NHS stopping surgeries due to covid....I need help and quickly to know where we stand or what I can do to help my wife...nobody in the NHS is bothered ( no exaggeration)
*PLEASE HELP ME* Is possibile to fix L1 vertebral body compression fracture (13° kyphosis) after the bone just been calcified? So, is it possibile give to it its previous injury anatomical form? I am aware about vertebroplasty, but it can just fix the fracture with a particular resin ("cement") addition avoiding anatomical time needed due to achieve narual fix only. Moreover, I am aware about kyphoplasty too, that provides a previous step than resin, that consists in a "crick" or a little baloon insertion in order to enlarge vertabral body before than resin injection. Unfortunately, this method should be done as soon as possibile on young people, but were just passed 24 days since my injury when I knew about it. *There is any possibilities to give to my L1 its previous form? Discs have not damages at all. I am a gymnast, it is very important form.* Thank you from Italy.
i just did decompressive laminectomy and discectomy at L4-5 right, but I woke up from the surgery immediately feeling numbness and tingling in my right leg ( I had pain in this leg before the surgery due to the herniated disc ) and I am now in day 8 after the surgery and the feelings is not gone. I am worried and anxious about this since I didn’t know about this symptom, and I have no clue if it will go away or why did it happened in the first place. If u know anything about this plz tell me
1 year of horrible leg pain so far. Surgery scheduled for July 14th. Man I hope it helps. Been working everyday and not sleeping at night because of the severe leg pain. Fingers crossed 🤞
@@mandarandoms397 doing ok still have some random pain in my legs. Doctor said it will go completely away after the inflammation goes away. Overall doing pretty good. Started going on walks today.
@@freedom6919741i also had laminectomy and 6weeks later a revision laminectomy and discectomy last year due to re-herniation. How is your back muscles coming along? Personally i have no more leg pain, but my back muscles seem to be particularly poor (really stiff in the mornings and can really lift anything)
This micro surgery saved my life. I was only able to stand up bent over at a 90 degree angle due to a fragmented disc that smashed my nerv. The pain was a level 12 on a 1 to 10. Dr Herman at community Memorial in Ventura, Ca performed the procedure. The next day i was able to stand straight again and after many months pain free. Now many years later its like i was never injured. But no longer do i lift heavy objects and am forever grateful to Dr. Herman and his staff for helping me. ❤
Epidural 2x did not work for me . 2nd day of laminectomy,right side is good ,left still week. I guess to early . Or is it the oxy that’s making leg better.went home same day.
What are your thoughts on “failed back surgery syndrome”? I have SCS that’s not as effective anymore for ortho pain. Now being offered pain pump despite stenosis and nerve impingement that causes intractable pain. Experts tell me unless I have serious leg symptoms bladder or bowl problems they no longer operate. I’ve been in excruciating pain for too long SCS helps but constant problems. I want a real solution not masking pain.
Amazing explanation. Answered all my questions but one. Since you cut the lamina out how does it heal? Do you just walk around with an exposed hole there?
