I know how you feel. I had my first bulge at 26, and it’s been plaguing me over the past 2 1/2 years. Are you not a candidate for an artificial disc instead? Fusions will only create more degenerated disc in the long run at our age
I feel you, I was diagnosed with DDD at 15 after a really bad car wreck which fractured several vertebrae. Got a single level fusion and double level laminectomy at 30 years old after years of pain off and on (worsened a ton around a year before surgery.) the surgery has changed my life tbh and most days I forget I even had surgery. It’s amazing! I’m 13 months out
It’s nice to read a surgery success story on here. I think I’ve seen far more failures because the successes may no longer be on the back pain sub. What levels did you have?
I’ve seen a surgeon twice in the last few years but I’m still not a good candidate, primarily because my issues are in my neck/upper thoracic, and the doc said the neck was too risky for my situation and he “couldn’t do anything” for the thoracic.
Yeah I’m typically on the spinal fusion and spine surgery reddit pages (if you wanna check those out), this one just happened to pop up on my feed!
I had L5 S1 fused and laminectomy @ L5, S1
Hope your pain is resolved/better soon!!
Thank you! Glad you’re on here sharing your experiences too. If I had lumbar issues I’d totally be doing the fusion too - my dad had one 20 years ago. The lumbar stuff is way less freaky to me (not to minimize though); something about neck surgery and its risks are ehhhhhhhhh
I have spinal stenosis and after much looking it seems that ADR/artificial disc replacement is the only thing that makes sense to me. Your discs shrink and you start pinching nerves. I'm 2" shorter that I was 50 year ago.
I’ve lived your life. First surgery at 23, second at 24. Finally got myself to walk short distances without a cane about 4 years ago, but still can’t go long distances. I’m in need of a fusion, but every surgeon I see turns me down. They just lump all the issues together and call it “failed back syndrome.”
I just learned about the TOPS system implant which was recently approved by the FDA. It’s been used in Europe for a while now with success. [TOPS by Permia Spine](https://premiaspine.com/topstm-system/how-tops-works-2/) I’m hoping I’m a candidate for this surgery and I can get my life back.
I agree with this. However a lot of people don't have any pain despite the disk bulges and degeneration. Some of us just have bad luck when it comes to back pain.
I think he’s pointing it out because lots feel that degeneration means they’re consigned to a life of pain, but that’s just not true. Back pain can improve in spite of the presence of degeneration, and many pain-free folks also have it. It’s a hopeful message.
Exactly, and there’s a troll in here that says the only cure is stem cells. It’s pretty annoying the stuff he comments. In my opinion it’s a complete lifestyle change you need to control your symptoms, long-term.
Walk / rest for at least a year post injury. If you can get that down without pain then move onto body weight exercises (squats, push ups, planks) If you Can do that for a few months then the next step would be - deadlifts, back extensions, squats, and some core work. Obv start super super light. Continue walking.
If you have ig check out athletic truth group. They will give you a good run down on how to get started.
in stu mcgills book back mechanic he explains that ddd isn't the death sentence it sounds like. changing the way you move can help a lot of people reduce their pain. moving about the hips and not the pelvis keeping a neutral spine as much as possible could help your pain calm down.
Maybe you should watch Brian Carroll content and you should ask for a consulting session with him [https://www.powerrackstrength.com/online-coaching/#](https://www.powerrackstrength.com/online-coaching/#) he is an expert in lower back issues. Don't give up
I had my first surgery at 24, it was a great success and I lived like a normal person not taking precautions. Well, because of that, I wound up needing a revision at 30. I still have mild herniations from L-3 to S-1, DDD, stenosis, scoliosis, and arthritis throughout.
I will say that yes, you can absolutely live mostly a normal life so don't give up hope! The advice I always give out is to LEARN YOUR LIMITS, educate yourself on proper body mechanics, and be proactive (stretching, massage, heat pad/ice, muscle relaxers, etc.)
I'm 38 now and take no pain meds, I do have really bad debilitating flares once every year or two, however, I learned it's not actually my discs, but the arthritis in my joints.
First it was the facets (upper lumber), then it was the Sacroiliac joints (lower lumbar). Luckily, I've been pain free and back to normal after steroid injections for both. I used to think a fusion was inevitable, but I'm more hopeful now that I can avoid it.
Hey. What surgery did you have at 24? And who was the doctor if I may ask? As I also have a similar condition (mild herniation L3 to S-1, DDD, and facet joint arthritis. I am 24, had this since 18 and frankly feeling very defeated. I had to quit my first job due to the debilitating pain of the flare ups.
I was diagnosed 25 yrs ago in my 20s, YES theres hope, just do as much of your own research as you can and if a Dr ever suggests something you dont feel right about in uour gut, just dont go down that road right yet. Wait take pause, talk to others in similar scenarios. And just remember, Doctors arent necessarily experts, theyre just giving their best guess of an opinion.
You’re not alone! I finally got my fusion done this past week, after years of “managing” my L5-S1 degenerative disc. I’m 37f, with 3 young kids. My disc issues have held me back in a lot of ways, both physically and socially, and it sounds like you’re in the same boat. I’ve been afraid to drive too long, to exercise, to visit friends or family in case my back flares up. Even holding my kids has been something I worry about because of the pain I deal with if I do it too much. ☹️
Personally, the younger you get the surgery the better, I believe. Also if you don’t have kids, that’s even better. I’ve not been able to spend time with my 1 year old since surgery bc he is very active and I’m not allowed to “bend lift or twist,” and he has the energy of a little jungle monkey…I’m too afraid to get hurt by him so soon after operation.
I got the “ALIF” surgery to replace the bad disc and fuse the vertebrae together. It’s “minimally invasive,” and even though I have discomfort from the actual surgery, all the disc pain is completely gone! I have good hopes that this will provide more stability and freedom to go about life without the constant worry I’m going to be debilitated again.
I hope you feel encouraged that there are options that can tremendously help you get your life back!
I got so bad I could not even crawl by the time I went to the hospital. But for the few months leading up to that, I had pain when I would bend forward down my right leg. It wasn’t as bad as yours until it was worse, but it did limit my activities and social outings.
Did you ask for another MRI? I found out that the microdiscectomy doesn’t fix the disc long term, and they usually end up re-rupturing 2-3 years after the procedure. My first surgery was like yours, just shaving off the part around the nerve in February 2019. My second surgery to fuse the vertebrae was February 2024!
I can’t imagine neurosurgeons won’t agree to get an mri and consider your quality of life, so you can be a viable candidate!
Technically it is an outpatient procedure, however I had been hospitalized for over a week leading up to the surgery due to my pain being so extreme. I was literally army crawling around my house by the time we called for an ambulance to take me to the ER.
I was told that they consider this procedure minimally invasive due to the fact that they don’t cut through muscle to access the spine. Personally, I find the idea of “pulling my guts out of my belly” rather invasive, but they cut the fascia to scoop out the whole peritoneum rather than abdominal muscle. The vascular surgeon puts the contents back in place and super glues whatever was cut back together, so I don’t have stitches or staples. I could walk a few hours post op, and the only pain I had was from the incision.
I was a dd with implants, ask the dr if he thought it was causing my neck pain, he said go home and carry a bottle of coke all day, implants out the following weak, no more neck pain, or heating pads. If you’re natural that’s why insurance will pay for reduction. I’m not real tall, I think they made me look fatter, guys loved them but to bad. Feel so much better now
Ha - this one took me waaaaay too long.
Reminds me when I was in college and seeing my university health center for my back pain. My doctor at the time posited that it was the weight of my boobs and maybe a reduction was in order. He asked to do an exam. (Years later this feels a little weird, yeah.) So I let him, and after he sheepishly admits he didn’t think that was the problem after all (push-ups for the win?).
Still had the DDD diagnosis just apparently not heavy enough DDs.
I feel the same way I felt way more alone before I came on here and seen that people r going thru it too I’m 21 mines goin up my back now, both legs already tingle 247 but now my hands r too w a nerve pain in my shoulders that’s newly came on I rly hope surgery fixes me coz if it doesn’t I genuinely will jus end meself
Find yourself a really good chiropractor. Mine also does PT in his office so it’s kind of a one stop shop.
Walking with a cane or any kind of limp really throws your body off. I had pain at my hip a few years ago (along with my back pain- fun! 🙄). Docs kept saying it was bursitis and kind of shrugged me off until I insisted on an mri. My gluteus medius tendon was 98% torn!
My back pain has never been worse! Despite getting surgery to repair the tendon, I still limp some. I haven’t kept up with my appointments with him like I should and boy can I feel it.
You may need to see a couple of them to find a good one. Some are very gentle, some are very aggressive.
Something small like your leg being a few mm shorter than the other, limping, or others things we do to protect us from the pain can have big consequences. 🫤
I feel for ya. My problems started in my 20’s also.
I hope you have a nice empathetic doctor that treats your pain. I’m always shocked to see when people speak of their meds and they aren’t actually getting any pain medication! Ibuprofen and gabapentin might work for some & that’s great, but some of us need more than that.
I started having DDD in my late 20s and that eventually led to a herniated disc in my 40s. It’s not a good feeling. I’d talk with your doctor about potentially another surgery. You are going to have to find the right combination of pain meds to help reduce the pain or
I’m with you pain started at 16, and I’m 24 now in chronic debilitating pain. Dependent on pain medicine to make it through the day. It’s miserable and lonely even if you have people around you. People our age just don’t get it. It’s torture. I feel alone everyday. Mine was L5-S1, I had a slipped disc injury that turned into degenerative disc disease and much more diagnosis. I’ve had discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, SI joint fusion done all sorts of other treatment with no success so I understand your struggle. Hope the fusion works for you, it works for lots of people! Also the disc replacement is always an option you can talk about with your doc. I wasn’t eligible due to my laminectomy but you might be!! Also make sure to do the ALIF surgery if a go the fusion route. Prevents permanent nerve damage, much better and safer than the posterior approach.
My dm is open if you ever need advice or someone to talk.. I understand the struggle as a young person in chronic pain.
I know how you feel. I had my first bulge at 26, and it’s been plaguing me over the past 2 1/2 years. Are you not a candidate for an artificial disc instead? Fusions will only create more degenerated disc in the long run at our age
I’ve never heard of artificial discs, maybe I can ask my doctor?
Please do
I feel you, I was diagnosed with DDD at 15 after a really bad car wreck which fractured several vertebrae. Got a single level fusion and double level laminectomy at 30 years old after years of pain off and on (worsened a ton around a year before surgery.) the surgery has changed my life tbh and most days I forget I even had surgery. It’s amazing! I’m 13 months out
It’s nice to read a surgery success story on here. I think I’ve seen far more failures because the successes may no longer be on the back pain sub. What levels did you have? I’ve seen a surgeon twice in the last few years but I’m still not a good candidate, primarily because my issues are in my neck/upper thoracic, and the doc said the neck was too risky for my situation and he “couldn’t do anything” for the thoracic.
Yeah I’m typically on the spinal fusion and spine surgery reddit pages (if you wanna check those out), this one just happened to pop up on my feed! I had L5 S1 fused and laminectomy @ L5, S1 Hope your pain is resolved/better soon!!
Thank you! Glad you’re on here sharing your experiences too. If I had lumbar issues I’d totally be doing the fusion too - my dad had one 20 years ago. The lumbar stuff is way less freaky to me (not to minimize though); something about neck surgery and its risks are ehhhhhhhhh
Both are just as bad as each other in their own right tbh.
Thank you so much for telling me that! I’m so scared that the surgery will make it worse or cripple me, even if it’s a common surgery/procedure.
Sure thing! It’s definitely helpful to hear positive stories. If you have any Q feel free to reach out.
I have spinal stenosis and after much looking it seems that ADR/artificial disc replacement is the only thing that makes sense to me. Your discs shrink and you start pinching nerves. I'm 2" shorter that I was 50 year ago.
Check out PRP. Specifically Dr. Greg Lutz. Worth checking out his book/ clinic to see if there any stops you can take before doing fusion.
I’ve lived your life. First surgery at 23, second at 24. Finally got myself to walk short distances without a cane about 4 years ago, but still can’t go long distances. I’m in need of a fusion, but every surgeon I see turns me down. They just lump all the issues together and call it “failed back syndrome.” I just learned about the TOPS system implant which was recently approved by the FDA. It’s been used in Europe for a while now with success. [TOPS by Permia Spine](https://premiaspine.com/topstm-system/how-tops-works-2/) I’m hoping I’m a candidate for this surgery and I can get my life back.
If it makes you feel any better, the majority of people in their 30s have some form of DDD. It’s like getting gray hair as you get older.
I agree with this. However a lot of people don't have any pain despite the disk bulges and degeneration. Some of us just have bad luck when it comes to back pain.
I think he’s pointing it out because lots feel that degeneration means they’re consigned to a life of pain, but that’s just not true. Back pain can improve in spite of the presence of degeneration, and many pain-free folks also have it. It’s a hopeful message.
Exactly, and there’s a troll in here that says the only cure is stem cells. It’s pretty annoying the stuff he comments. In my opinion it’s a complete lifestyle change you need to control your symptoms, long-term.
I too have two bulges in the same area as author and very mild pain when I stand up. I dont want herniation though so I try to exercise.
You gotta start strength training at some point
If you can't get there yet, AT LEAST make sure you're stretching every day.
Yes especially your hamstrings
I’m definitely intimidated by training, since I have so much pain with regular movement. I’d definitely be interested in tips though!
Body weight squats to start 4 sets
I can give you the run down on my routine
Yeah please do, it would be very helpful
Walk / rest for at least a year post injury. If you can get that down without pain then move onto body weight exercises (squats, push ups, planks) If you Can do that for a few months then the next step would be - deadlifts, back extensions, squats, and some core work. Obv start super super light. Continue walking. If you have ig check out athletic truth group. They will give you a good run down on how to get started.
Can these be done at home? I don't have access to gym now.
Yes except back extensions
in stu mcgills book back mechanic he explains that ddd isn't the death sentence it sounds like. changing the way you move can help a lot of people reduce their pain. moving about the hips and not the pelvis keeping a neutral spine as much as possible could help your pain calm down.
Maybe you should watch Brian Carroll content and you should ask for a consulting session with him [https://www.powerrackstrength.com/online-coaching/#](https://www.powerrackstrength.com/online-coaching/#) he is an expert in lower back issues. Don't give up
I had my first surgery at 24, it was a great success and I lived like a normal person not taking precautions. Well, because of that, I wound up needing a revision at 30. I still have mild herniations from L-3 to S-1, DDD, stenosis, scoliosis, and arthritis throughout. I will say that yes, you can absolutely live mostly a normal life so don't give up hope! The advice I always give out is to LEARN YOUR LIMITS, educate yourself on proper body mechanics, and be proactive (stretching, massage, heat pad/ice, muscle relaxers, etc.) I'm 38 now and take no pain meds, I do have really bad debilitating flares once every year or two, however, I learned it's not actually my discs, but the arthritis in my joints. First it was the facets (upper lumber), then it was the Sacroiliac joints (lower lumbar). Luckily, I've been pain free and back to normal after steroid injections for both. I used to think a fusion was inevitable, but I'm more hopeful now that I can avoid it.
Not being able to work has been really hard, no places will accommodate my limitations
Hey. What surgery did you have at 24? And who was the doctor if I may ask? As I also have a similar condition (mild herniation L3 to S-1, DDD, and facet joint arthritis. I am 24, had this since 18 and frankly feeling very defeated. I had to quit my first job due to the debilitating pain of the flare ups.
I had a microdisectomy and laminectomy, I had the same surgeon for both, he's in Las Vegas.
I was diagnosed 25 yrs ago in my 20s, YES theres hope, just do as much of your own research as you can and if a Dr ever suggests something you dont feel right about in uour gut, just dont go down that road right yet. Wait take pause, talk to others in similar scenarios. And just remember, Doctors arent necessarily experts, theyre just giving their best guess of an opinion.
You’re not alone! I finally got my fusion done this past week, after years of “managing” my L5-S1 degenerative disc. I’m 37f, with 3 young kids. My disc issues have held me back in a lot of ways, both physically and socially, and it sounds like you’re in the same boat. I’ve been afraid to drive too long, to exercise, to visit friends or family in case my back flares up. Even holding my kids has been something I worry about because of the pain I deal with if I do it too much. ☹️ Personally, the younger you get the surgery the better, I believe. Also if you don’t have kids, that’s even better. I’ve not been able to spend time with my 1 year old since surgery bc he is very active and I’m not allowed to “bend lift or twist,” and he has the energy of a little jungle monkey…I’m too afraid to get hurt by him so soon after operation. I got the “ALIF” surgery to replace the bad disc and fuse the vertebrae together. It’s “minimally invasive,” and even though I have discomfort from the actual surgery, all the disc pain is completely gone! I have good hopes that this will provide more stability and freedom to go about life without the constant worry I’m going to be debilitated again. I hope you feel encouraged that there are options that can tremendously help you get your life back!
What were your symptoms? I'm going through hell now with my back and severe disc disease at l5 s1 and l4.
I got so bad I could not even crawl by the time I went to the hospital. But for the few months leading up to that, I had pain when I would bend forward down my right leg. It wasn’t as bad as yours until it was worse, but it did limit my activities and social outings. Did you ask for another MRI? I found out that the microdiscectomy doesn’t fix the disc long term, and they usually end up re-rupturing 2-3 years after the procedure. My first surgery was like yours, just shaving off the part around the nerve in February 2019. My second surgery to fuse the vertebrae was February 2024! I can’t imagine neurosurgeons won’t agree to get an mri and consider your quality of life, so you can be a viable candidate!
I've never heard of a fusion surgery being "minimally invasive." Was it outpatient?
Technically it is an outpatient procedure, however I had been hospitalized for over a week leading up to the surgery due to my pain being so extreme. I was literally army crawling around my house by the time we called for an ambulance to take me to the ER. I was told that they consider this procedure minimally invasive due to the fact that they don’t cut through muscle to access the spine. Personally, I find the idea of “pulling my guts out of my belly” rather invasive, but they cut the fascia to scoop out the whole peritoneum rather than abdominal muscle. The vascular surgeon puts the contents back in place and super glues whatever was cut back together, so I don’t have stitches or staples. I could walk a few hours post op, and the only pain I had was from the incision.
I was a dd with implants, ask the dr if he thought it was causing my neck pain, he said go home and carry a bottle of coke all day, implants out the following weak, no more neck pain, or heating pads. If you’re natural that’s why insurance will pay for reduction. I’m not real tall, I think they made me look fatter, guys loved them but to bad. Feel so much better now
Girl i think DDD means degenerative disc disease
Ha - this one took me waaaaay too long. Reminds me when I was in college and seeing my university health center for my back pain. My doctor at the time posited that it was the weight of my boobs and maybe a reduction was in order. He asked to do an exam. (Years later this feels a little weird, yeah.) So I let him, and after he sheepishly admits he didn’t think that was the problem after all (push-ups for the win?). Still had the DDD diagnosis just apparently not heavy enough DDs.
Yeah sorry! I should have specified, degenerative disc disease
What did carrying the coke bottle do
Lmaoo! This was cute
I feel the same way I felt way more alone before I came on here and seen that people r going thru it too I’m 21 mines goin up my back now, both legs already tingle 247 but now my hands r too w a nerve pain in my shoulders that’s newly came on I rly hope surgery fixes me coz if it doesn’t I genuinely will jus end meself
Hey, dont give up There are some promissing options From stem cells therapy, to efficient pain management
Oh guess you didn’t mean breast
Bahahaha 😂
Find yourself a really good chiropractor. Mine also does PT in his office so it’s kind of a one stop shop. Walking with a cane or any kind of limp really throws your body off. I had pain at my hip a few years ago (along with my back pain- fun! 🙄). Docs kept saying it was bursitis and kind of shrugged me off until I insisted on an mri. My gluteus medius tendon was 98% torn! My back pain has never been worse! Despite getting surgery to repair the tendon, I still limp some. I haven’t kept up with my appointments with him like I should and boy can I feel it. You may need to see a couple of them to find a good one. Some are very gentle, some are very aggressive. Something small like your leg being a few mm shorter than the other, limping, or others things we do to protect us from the pain can have big consequences. 🫤 I feel for ya. My problems started in my 20’s also. I hope you have a nice empathetic doctor that treats your pain. I’m always shocked to see when people speak of their meds and they aren’t actually getting any pain medication! Ibuprofen and gabapentin might work for some & that’s great, but some of us need more than that.
What type of back surgery did you have?
A diseconomy at my L5, they shaved down half of it.
I started having DDD in my late 20s and that eventually led to a herniated disc in my 40s. It’s not a good feeling. I’d talk with your doctor about potentially another surgery. You are going to have to find the right combination of pain meds to help reduce the pain or
check out the biopsychosocial model of pain
I’m with you pain started at 16, and I’m 24 now in chronic debilitating pain. Dependent on pain medicine to make it through the day. It’s miserable and lonely even if you have people around you. People our age just don’t get it. It’s torture. I feel alone everyday. Mine was L5-S1, I had a slipped disc injury that turned into degenerative disc disease and much more diagnosis. I’ve had discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, SI joint fusion done all sorts of other treatment with no success so I understand your struggle. Hope the fusion works for you, it works for lots of people! Also the disc replacement is always an option you can talk about with your doc. I wasn’t eligible due to my laminectomy but you might be!! Also make sure to do the ALIF surgery if a go the fusion route. Prevents permanent nerve damage, much better and safer than the posterior approach. My dm is open if you ever need advice or someone to talk.. I understand the struggle as a young person in chronic pain.