fractured vertabre L7 (lower back)...spinal fusion?? bleh!

[10-4]

Hey guys,

I went to a prominent DC back and spinal pain clinic where they specialize in all kinds of non-surgical methods such as platelet rich plasma therapy (prp....what Heinz Ward had done to his knee to keep playing in the S-Bowl)...etc...the doc looks at my MRI and says I have this fractured disk and I can't use free weights...just machines...one plane of motion. Only option he gave me was a referal to some back surgeons or cortico steroids injected in the area every 6 mo.....I've had this pain for about 10 yrs....probably from earlier ego lifting on deads and from a labor job I had for 4 years.

I'm not about to get surgery on my lower back (I'm 31) and it's not excruciating...but more of a nuciance...

Until I get a second opinion....has anyone experienced this kind of diagnosis and what were you able to do after? I hate elimating squats out of my workout or any other free weight movement.

what say you brothers? thanks in advance.

[Delinquent]

I've never personally dealt with this kind of problem but I am curious about a couple things.

Lumbar vertebrae are generally to L5 though some people can have a 6th but they are generally taller people. I've never really heard the term fracture of a disc before but I guess that's the same as the disk herniating to the point where it tears. It's not a bone though which is normally where the term fracture applies.

From a personal standpoint of speaking with patients who I have taken X-Rays of who have had spinal surgery, I can't think of one who said the pain didn't come back. I'm talking cervical and Lumbar fusions, laminectomys, etc. A nurse I spoke to who had it done said it was either walking with pain and having limited range of motion or not walking at all due to the intense pain.

I'd really ask around and talk to people who have had the surgery and get a consensus on if the majority of them think that it was worth it. I'm pretty sure they can put a sort of spacer in between the vertebral bodies which acts as a pseudo-disc. It's like little springs but I've only spokento one patient who has had it.

Maybe others who are more educated on cortisone shots will correct me but routine shots will lead to an eventual degradation of the tissue thus leading to more damage down the road.

Good luck

[10-4]

thanks mi amigo...fractured vertabre is what i meant to say...not disk. i will ask around some more....can't imagine having any back surgery now. The Dr. said 50% are good to go for life, and the other 50 require another surgery that is beneficial. Not a fan of that logic. Will stick to my paltry machines and try higher reps and moderate weight. Bleh! I'm doing things 180 here....loved going hard and heavy...but maybe this will be a change I need. Feeling the muscle work at all times. Concentrating....mind muscle connection (as much as I hate that term). Thanks again!

[takniteasy]

If you have a vertebral fracture (bony), what is inhibiting healing? Bones generally heal quickly unless there is ongoing condition that prevents calcium formation and/or laying of new bone.

if there is disc injury, there are minimally invasive procedures to treat lumbar regions specifically. And the earlier you have the procedure the greater chance of complete recovery and becoming pain free.

[CaliforniaOne]

Hows your back? Still Aggravating you? I never say never about anything in the spine, any thing can happen,

But if the issue is as described a vertebra that is cracked will normally (always) heal, may heal in a way that gives you permanent pain but the crack itself normally always heals.

IMO lifting helps if were not dealing with impingement

Good luck,


I know your post is older, but I just joined yesterday