Case Summary  |  Herniated Disk Continues to Plague Me

Back in 2002, I was diagnosed with a herniated disk. I'm not sure what caused it but because of my age, the surgeon was not particularly optimistic for a successful fix. I remember him telling me that several of his patients had ended up in wheelchairs. Still, I had no choice and he was one of the top and recommended back specialists in the New York City area.

Fortunately, I came through the surgery fine, was in a body cast for about six weeks and had an uneventful recovery. However, my back has always had problems, and that has caused me to walk hunched over. I also have had to compensate with other parts of my body, so my posture is not good, I have bad knees and very little strength in my arms. Still, I am alive and only need a walker to get around. I think the surgeon's scare tactics were to find out if I was really serious about a surgical fix.

The back continues to plague me and because I have to compensate, I often get shooting pains in my neck or muscle spasms in my back. But I am grateful for the success of the surgery and would definitely do it again if offered.

Because of my age (I am over 80), and my other medical conditions, I really can't have any pain relievers other than Tylenol 3. I use heating pads and ice packs when the pain is bad and try to exercise as much as I can. I'm able to live with the discomfort and am grateful for the ability to walk and move and do all the other things that fill my days with enjoyment.