Hurt Back? Here are some Options

I didn't see epidural steroid injections, or trigger point injections mentioned.Both of these treatments were like a miracle for me.Physical therapy only made things worse.

That's a good point. The spinal surgeon would be likely to give injections. Our conversation never strayed to it, as we were comparing the three. However, I do agree that injections, either steroid epidural or trigger point, are a great intermediate step between PT and fusion. By the way, I've also heard of some people finding PT caused more pain. The back is so complex that it really depends on the individual.

Quote from Lynda Lampert, RNThat's a good point. The spinal surgeon would be likely to give injections. Our conversation never strayed to it, as we were comparing the three. However, I do agree that injections, either steroid epidural or trigger point, are a great intermediate step between PT and fusion. By the way, I've also heard of some people finding PT caused more pain. The back is so complex that it really depends on the individual.

I had back surgery 2 years ago (L5/S1 discectomy/laminectomy). While it's not perfect, it's about 75% better than it was, and my sciatica is 98% gone (and that was just about as painful as the actual back pain - I used to cry while driving home from work because it felt like someone was shoving a dull screwdriver into the back of my knee).I don't regret having the surgery.I had one steroid injection, and while it was amazing, the effects only lasted about 3 weeks.

Glad your surgery was successful!The effects of my first ESIs and trigger points lasted for over a year.

Yeah, I definitely would have opted for that if it had lasted a year!

The only thing that has helped me with my partial and complete fractured vertebras, herniated disc, and compressed sciatic nerve is exercise.It was severely painful to develop the core strength, but once I did, I function well above the average person. Pain will not kill you, it just makes you think it will. It's up to the person as to whether they let their mind tell the to give up or push through. But a weak mind will argue.