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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is There A Surgical Option Other Than Laser For Herniated Discs?

I have 3 herniated discs L3,4,5 have tried 26 spinal decompressions & laser therapy, accupuncture and an epidural and two nerve blocks. I do not want my vertebrae fused, is there a surgical option, other than laser, which my insurance will not pay for?
Thu, 12 Jan 2017
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Neurologist 's  Response
Hi,

Regarding your concern, I would explain that your clinical situation seems to be a little complicated. You should know that after repeated surgery the rate of surgery success falls and chronic pain persists. Coming to this point the only option remains fusion, but I don't think that it will help with the pain, unless if your spinal column is unstable.

Coming to this point, I would recommend performing a new spine MRI and discussing with your neurosurgeon on the above issues. If your spinal column is stable. I would recommend avoid repeated surgery and try medication (an antidepressant or an antiepilepsy drug) and physiotherapy. If instability of the spinal column is present, spinal fusion would be the most appropriate treatment option.

Hope to have been helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr. Aida
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Is There A Surgical Option Other Than Laser For Herniated Discs?

Hi, Regarding your concern, I would explain that your clinical situation seems to be a little complicated. You should know that after repeated surgery the rate of surgery success falls and chronic pain persists. Coming to this point the only option remains fusion, but I don t think that it will help with the pain, unless if your spinal column is unstable. Coming to this point, I would recommend performing a new spine MRI and discussing with your neurosurgeon on the above issues. If your spinal column is stable. I would recommend avoid repeated surgery and try medication (an antidepressant or an antiepilepsy drug) and physiotherapy. If instability of the spinal column is present, spinal fusion would be the most appropriate treatment option. Hope to have been helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Kind regards, Dr. Aida