Herniated discs......

[OG Goat Holder]

The injections rarely work on a significantly herniated disc. I had 2 before going to Laser Spine Institute (LSI),and they helped for 2-3 weeks and the pain slowly returned. When I had my MIS at LSI......I walked out of the surgery center pain free. Was one of the happiest times in my life. Absolutely couldn't believe it. Best decision I ever made.

Same experience. This time around, the first injection I had killed the pain for 6 months, but I could still feel it there (basically tighter on that side) plus I had the drop foot. And damn, when the pain returned, hell came with it. Second injection did absolutely nothing. Waste of money.

 

[She Mate Me]

I've got just about every back issue you can think of, other than fracture - degenerative discs, spondylolithesis, and stenosis along with some degree of arthritis. I get shots in my back about every 3 months, along with RF nerve burning every 6 months, take pain meds, and still play golf. I guess I use mostly arms instead of a full turn. Works for me, but it's manageable, mostly. Scores are pretty good from the senior tees.

If I still loved the game the way I did when I was younger, I'd probably just deal with the ultimate back issues. I just don't love it that way anymore.

 

[RocketDawg]

One thing I've noticed - the pain that comes from an acutely herniated disc is much different than what comes from your situation - basically chronic pain over time. And even more different than that, is what you say - fractures.

Degenerative discs/scoliosis/etc. usually lead to fusions. My surgeon told me that acutely herniated discs don't necessarily do that. They can, but they aren't actually that correlated.

I think you're right, although I've never had a herniated disc. I think a herniated disc would be a sharp, unbearable pain as opposed to ache as in my situation (which is fairly common).