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  • Tara
    Member
    Post count: 6

    Dear Dr Corenman,

    After a long wait to meet with Neuro surgeon, he has indicated he would not recommend surgery. He has indicated many people have the same issue I have with regards to MRI findings and some people have a great deal of pain and some no pain.unfortunately I’m one who has pain. He feels surgery would not provide me with the relief I am looking for. : i also have radiolopathy : left shoulder unable to lift from side, back scapula pain, pain to bend neck backwards, and to left shoulder, numbness and tingling in arms and hand and left leg.
    I understand your input is only based on information I provide. I am just in a delicate sitiation of possibly asking for another opinion. Not because I really want surgery as an option, I just want to understand and see if I have any options. I do not want to spend another year searching for answers. I do not enjoy the medications and was working fulltime with a very active lifestyle up until this injury.
    Thank you for any advice you provide.
    Sincerely,
    Tara

    Tara
    Member
    Post count: 6

    Dear .dr Corenman,

    I did review the sections you referred me to. I did meet with a Neuro surgeon. He showed me the nerve root compresson disc herniation. He is not prepared to do surgery. I was very confused as I am in a great deal of pain and unable to function. i asked him about spnal nerve blocks or alternatives but he just brushed it off.
    I am referred to a pain clinic which is. A 1 year waiting list. I have booked an appointment with a private clinic for an overall second opinion and as you said specialize in spine. This is in Canada.
    I have also been researching laser disc surgery in the USA. Can you please give me your thoughts regarding this.
    If I have to travel to the USA for treatment I am considering this . I review your website regularly and watched all the programs. I valueyour opnion and this forum.
    The sight is easy to understand. I am confused about these neck problems and the Neuro said I would be like this for a long time.
    Thank you foryour advice.
    Tara

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    Unfortunately based upon my experiences with Canadian patients, the medical care system in Canada is not geared to treat spinal pain unless there is severe motor deficit.

    Laser spine surgery in my opinion is a fad and marketing tool. The laser simply ablates tissue and the beam spread can cause surrounding damage. Do not look into spine clinics in the States that tout “laser” spine surgery and have slick marketing campaigns.

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
    Tara
    Member
    Post count: 6

    Thank you for your quick reply. I am so glad I asked. I heard about laser, but like everyone we search the web for answers. I could not find any forums rating laser. The companies make it sound so successful. The cost is very expensive. On goodle it provides their sites and their ratings showing how grea it is.

    You are very correct with regards to Spine experience. GP’s can only prescribe meds and make referrals. The Neuro who took care of me showed me the herniation, disc bulges and nerve root compression, said I will be in pain for a long time. But would not do surgery. The Neuro does not provide options for pain relief. I was hospitalized in Feb. because my neurologist thought I had spinal cord damage (i was in a MVA in January just to add to my issues).

    Which only confuses me because surgery is a last resort. I am going to try a pain clinic. If that does not provide adequate relief. I will defnitely be exploring more options.
    I tried asking about spinal nerve root block , emg, or discograghy but the doctor just looked atme like I was crazy. I just wanted to know if I would be a candidate for any options.

    I understand completely that neck issues can provide pain and that i am one of the unlucky ones to suffer longterm pain.

    Once again thank you for this forum. You are wonderful in providing advice. Ive watched you on all the programs you appeared on and I think I read this whole site. It is very clear and concise and easy to understand.
    If things do not go well in the pain management. Can I speak to your office with regards to options?
    Sincerely
    Tara

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    You can call the office at (970) 476-1100 for further information.

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
    Donald Corenman
    Keymaster
    Post count: 52

    You may be interested in this article that Dr. Corenman contributed to on the subject of laser spine surgery: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-04/laser-spine-surgery-more-profitable-than-google-sees-surge-in-complaints.html

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