[Bionic Michelle]

Distraction pain is your body trying to adjust to your vertebrae being pulled apart to get the implant in, as well as the permanent restoration of disc height. Nerves especially have to lengthen to span that new height, and don't especially like it. Some think the severity of it has to do with the amount of lost/restored disc height, or the amount of time you've been without that height. I don't know of a way to predict accurately who will have it and who won't. I didn't, and had very little disc left... Just be aware of it, it can be decreased some with nerve pain meds, but it will pass if you get it. Even those who've had it bad said it was well worth it. Don't borrow something else to worry about though, just be aware. good luck!