re: Back Surgery-Bulging Disc

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Please read this OP

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I did. I was particularly commenting on this part:

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One ortho said he could help with the leg/butt pain, but the back pain would probably persist to some extent. The back pain is less than 20% of overall discomfort.

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Which is why I explained that's radicular pain could possibly be resolved by surgery, but mostly why surgery should be a last resort. You are correct in pointing out that I did not mention that the radicular (leg in this case, but 'radiating down the path of a nerve' in general) pain is not necessarily 'cured' by surgery. I did, however, mention that this was a + for considering surgery. The leg pain, however severe, comes from a back issue that could very well be resolved by the things I mentioned. I do not personally know surgeons in Lafayette to refer the guy to. I would recommend catching Dr Holland (I think the first name is Michael) in his Crowley clinic (can't comment which days he is there), because I know that he keeps up with the literature and pushes off surgery as a last resort, which is kind of the consensus evidence-based approach. What I read of the OP looked like he wanted a slightly more knife-happy MD than he originally saw. I understand the concern of the patient and his relatives to pursue this, but, as both someone who reads recent literature on the subject and a person who suffers very similar symptoms due to an old injury, I simply couldn't walk by without pointing out why most doctors think surgery should wait.

Perhaps I am too big of a nerd. Or maybe I am missing something else. Apologies if anything I said offended you.

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higher than 1/3 -------- more like 39%

Not to correct you

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I love when my mistakes are pointed out. It's the best way to learn a little something new (and there is zero sarcasm there...I genuinely think that's the best way to learn)
Thanks

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My son is needing back surgery after trying conservative procedures first. The pain is in his butt and radiates down his leg.

Who are the best ortho or neuro surgeons in Lafayette?

One ortho said he could help with the leg/butt pain, but the back pain would probably persist to some extent. The back pain is less than 20% of overall discomfort.

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I had a herniated disc along with one bulging, so a back surgery to remove a bit of the bone helped me out. Not sure about bulging disc---but i would say that stretches, therapy, anything before surgery would be the best option. Good luck to your son

Cenac at Houma Ortho Clinic---did a fusion for me on L3/L4, it was like a miracle; had me walking within 6 hrs of surgery

Ended up with a titanium cage and have zero pain since. I got 5 different opinions before I chose Cenac.....

FWIW and best wishes to you both

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I totally misread that,

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Doctors!







I, too, appreciated your contributions

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I, too, appreciated your contributions

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Always happy to attempt to contribute, even if I am kind of a jackass + overly defensive.

THANK YOU ALL for your replies!

My son had been to the Chiro, GP, Physiast, PT, and Ortho over a 14 month period.

I am looking at the MRI and need to correct the bulging disk evaluation to include extrusion/herniation at L4-5. "There is a mass effect on the thecal sac and proximal left L5 nerve root."

The highly reputable PT was able to provide relief. But as stated earlier regression occurred when the sessions stopped.

We are not "knife happy" and have tried to explore the other avenues before even considering surgery.

And Doc, I also read that report that surgery provides some immediate relief, but at TWO years the surgery/no surgery conditions are the same.

Some of what I hear is that the longer the wait, the less effective the surgery may be. And, that possible nerve damage can occur.

Got an inversion table?

Idk. It makes me dizzy but damn...when you relax, the feeling is amazing.