My C56 disc is herniated & surgeon wants to replace it w/ a ceramic spacer.?

Question:

I do not know what to expect or if there are other options that would be better. Surgeon said this must be done with in weeks and I must be cautious to not have trauma occur which could cause paralisis. Any information or advise would be appreciated. Also, if you know any good web sites to review that would be great too.

Answers:
I have had a bit of experience with back injuries and I will tell you that back surgery may make you feel a LITTLE better but not enough. Ceramic disk is pretty new technology...the old method was to just take out the damaged disk and let the vertibrae fuse together. I have never met anyone that got so bad that they had to have back surgery and then went back to work. Once they cut on you it is pretty much over unless you get into a whole new field.

I fractured 3 vertibrae and crushed 1 disk while I was in the Army. I refused the surgery. I was in a body cast for a year. I was on light duty for another year. After that and even now, 15 years later I have no problems with it at all. My back is a little stiff but I only notice it if I am doing an evaluation...I have learned to compensate for the fused portions. And believe me....I am much more aware of correct posture and lifting that I ever was then.

Very good luck to you on the upcoming surgery. Please, for your own peace of mind, get a second and even third opinion before you agree to this. In time, your back will heal if you let it, but if something goes wrong in surgery....it is forever.

there was a study done recently that claims that 80% of back surgeries are condidered failures after 5 years.

Why would you want to subject yourself to that?

Try a chiropractor! It would be interesting to look at your xrays to see exactly whats going on, but why dont you get a second opinion?

Sounds like this guy is being too eager to cut into you. See what another ortho says, then see a chiro.

I don't know about a ceramic spacer, but I do know of an artificial disc. I have had experience working with those who were in a study of this new disc replacement. It is FDA approved in the US. I saw many people walk out of the hospital and resume their normal lives. Try the website www.espineinstitute.com. I encourage you to do as much research as possible on the artificial disc and it's alternatives. You may be a candidate. I believe that you can have superb results with an experienced surgeon. If you are not a candidate for this type of disc replacement, there are many other options. Good luck and ask every question you can think of. It is your neck, so don't wait until you have nerve damage. I strongly urge you NOT to have any Chiropractic manipulations. My best friend has suffered permanent finger paralysis and hand deformity from that type of "treatment". Be careful, and be INFORMED. God Bless

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My C56 disc is herniated & surgeon wants to replace it w/ a ceramic spacer.?

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