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Old 02-12-2012, 12:54 AM
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I ask b/c it would be a shame to have a procedure on L5/S1 and it's not your pain generator... a lot of times those badly degenerated levels don't hurt anymore. You could have pain from 4/5 or even 3/4 as well.

Some surgeons don't believe in discograms... the one I saw who didn't had no answer for me but to continue PT. Every other surgeon (total of 4) believed in them and recommended surgery based on that alone.

As my signature says, I'm not a spine surgeon... but from my experience and in looking at the experiences of others, it seems that accurate identification of the pain generator or generators is pretty key in a good recovery.

As I said before - MRI's don't tell the whole story. Before you make a decision, I'd have a good conversations w/ your surgeons again about pain generators.... or even get another opinion say from a spine PM doc.
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US non-spine MD - laid up no more!!!
had recurrent annular tear L5/S1, failed everything
M6L done 10/19/11 w/ Dr Clavel getting back to my old self more and more every week!
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The content herein represents my professional thought and opinions in a general sense only; they do not constitute professional advice or services. if you need medical advice, please consult a licensed physician.
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