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Schneider1966 · 12-23-2012, 08:21 PM

After years of having tingling on the outside of my left leg my doctor told me that I probably had nerve damage that was too old to fix. I recently had burning sensations at the top of my left thigh and went back to see him. An x-ray showed L4-L5 being herniated and a bone spur on L4. MRI is scheduled for 26 Dec. He recommends pain pills if possible. I have had 6 surgeries in the last 2-1/2 years for various bone issues so another is no big deal BUT it's the back. Any recommendations or advice?

THANKS

backem · 12-23-2012, 08:49 PM

You really probably won't know anything definite until after your MRI. That will be much more revealing than X-Rays. And yeah, having spinal surgery will be considerably different than the other bone issues you have dealt with. But again you need to see what your MRI reveals; surgery may or may not be an option for you. And I'm sure your doc will try you with more conservative measures first anyway: physical therapy, epidural steriod injections, etc.

teteri66 · 12-24-2012, 07:14 AM

If you are not being treated by a spine surgeon, I would suggest you make an appointment with either a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon or a neurosurgeon whose practice is limited to the back and neck. These two specialties have the most education, training and experience in treating the mechanics and diseases of the spine. You will get the most accurate diagnosis of your issues from one of these doctors.

Don't worry about the title "surgeon" as they will always recommend conservative treatment modalities first. Some people shy away from a spine surgeon, thinking they will end up having surgery if they go to one...but that isn't the case. Only a small percentage of patients end up needing surgery.

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