Question: I have had three herniated discs for about 35 years. I was also told I had degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, and probably some arthritis, all of which make it difficult to walk without limping. I do not want surgery. What can I do?
Dr. Hibberd’s answer:
No one wants surgery. But multi-level disc disease with spinal stenosis will not get better on its own, and in fact can get worst.
Once your pain or disability is severe enough to stop you from getting around easily, you may have waited too long, and the changes may not be reversible.
You should consider a consultation with a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal disorders to explore the various minimally invasive options available to you. You should also inquire about laser spine surgery.
In the right hands, minimally invasive surgical correction of structural disease can be effective, but unfortunately this option is not always available, especially if the case has been allowed to advance too far.
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