8:00 [Comment From Linda Linda : ] What advances are available for spinal stenosis? Thursday June 28, 2012 8:00 Linda Edit Delete Entry 8:01 Hartford Hospital: There are several techniques including injections and surgery depending on the severity of the problem. Thursday June 28, 2012 8:01 Hartford Hospital 8:01 [Comment From JT JT : ] I have been diagnosed with DDD and spondilitis. I have been taking medication since 1989. How often should I be seen by a Doctor since I generally self medicate? Thursday June 28, 2012 8:01 JT 8:01 Hartford Hospital: It is a good idea to be checked yearly for this type of problem, especially if you are on meds. Thursday June 28, 2012 8:01 Hartford Hospital 8:01 [Comment From Stephanie Stephanie : ] I slipped a disc when I was 18 and at that time there wasn't a lot of options so I was in traction for a week and then went to PT. Now I am 49 and there isn't a day that my back doesn't hurt, I kind of learned how to live with it. How can Imake sure that I do not hurt my back further Thursday June 28, 2012 8:01 Stephanie 8:02 Hartford Hospital: You should keep in as good shape as you can with normal body mass index and regular exercise for you abdominals. Regular medical followup is advisable.
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Transcript
8:00
[Comment From Linda Linda : ]
What advances are available for spinal stenosis?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:00 Linda
Edit Delete Entry
8:01
Hartford Hospital:
There are several techniques including injections and surgery depending on the
severity of the problem.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:01 Hartford Hospital
8:01
[Comment From JT JT : ]
I have been diagnosed with DDD and spondilitis. I have been taking medication
since 1989. How often should I be seen by a Doctor since I generally self
medicate?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:01 JT
8:01
Hartford Hospital:
It is a good idea to be checked yearly for this type of problem, especially if you are
on meds.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:01 Hartford Hospital
8:01
[Comment From Stephanie Stephanie : ]
I slipped a disc when I was 18 and at that time there wasn't a lot of options so I was
in traction for a week and then went to PT. Now I am 49 and there isn't a day that
my back doesn't hurt, I kind of learned how to live with it. How can Imake sure
that I do not hurt my back further
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:01 Stephanie
8:02
Hartford Hospital:
You should keep in as good shape as you can with normal body mass index and
regular exercise for you abdominals. Regular medical followup is advisable.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:02 Hartford Hospital
8:02
[Comment From Linda Linda : ]
The surgery described for fusion looks less invasive than prior surgeries...is this
the case?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:02 Linda
8:03
Hartford Hospital:
All spinal surgery is invasive and pain levels can be similar with open as well as
closed cases. The incision is smaller with the less invasive surgery but the
magnitude of surgery is significant.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:03 Hartford Hospital
8:05
[Comment From mary mary : ]
I missed part of the program. Are there advances in scoliosis surgery? The surgery
seems so dramatic.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:05 mary
8:06
Hartford Hospital:
Scoliosis surgery is still quite invasive and has a significant complication rate. It
should be done only as a last resort.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:06 Hartford Hospital
8:06
[Comment From Lisa C. Lisa C. : ]
Good Evening!
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:06 Lisa C.
8:06
Hartford Hospital:
Thanks.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:06 Hartford Hospital
8:06
[Comment From Ann Ann : ]
How many epidural injections can a spine patient receive in one year?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:06 Ann
8:06
Hartford Hospital:
The usual recommendation is three
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:06 Hartford Hospital
8:06
[Comment From Kris Kris : ]
I like Larry have a grade almost one stage of Spondylolisthesis, I have had 2 really
bad episodes with this condition and this last one has altered my work conditions
in which I have to work from home 2 days a week. I am a bodybuilder and would
like to know other options besides surgery, pills and injections. Any thoughtsa?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:06 Kris
8:08
Hartford Hospital:
You should be doing specific exercises for transverse abdominal muscle and
general core exercises. Optimal weight is also advisable. If these measures fail
then surgery may be necessary
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:08 Hartford Hospital
8:08
[Comment From Patti Patti : ]
10 years ago my husband was told there was "nothing that could be done" . for his
low back pain. in particular- he cannot walk without sitting frequently...he is 82,
any suggestions?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:08 Patti
8:09
Hartford Hospital:
Sometimes that is true. It depends upon how well localized the problem is. If the
whole spine is degenerated then surgery is not as successful and is more
dangerous. Epidural injections are a reasonable option.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:09 Hartford Hospital
8:09
[Comment From JT JT : ]
The last time I had PT, they stretched my back on the "rack". Would you
recommend inversion tables as an alternitive?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:09 JT
8:10
Hartford Hospital:
Many of my patients use them. If traction feels good in PT then an inversion table
is a good option for home use
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:10 Hartford Hospital
8:10
[Comment From Judy Judy : ]
Great show. I've had back issues for a very long time. I do have other issues; i;e;
vascular, diabetes, age etc. I've been told of many things; spondylitis etc. My back
hurts consantly, my legs feel weak. What do I treat first and how?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:10 Judy
8:11
Hartford Hospital:
You should treat all of the problems. Keep blood sugar down, maintain as ideal
body mass index as possible and get appropriate evaluation from a spinal
specialist.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:11 Hartford Hospital
8:11
[Comment From John Picard John Picard : ]
I have had back pain for over 1/2 my life. I am 54. The past 20+ years I have had
severe back pain. I walk most days not fully straight. Most days pain goes half way
down my legs. I was told it was L4, L3, &L5.. I have had PT. Pain injections and
the gammit.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:11 John Picard
8:12
Hartford Hospital:
It depends on what the MRI shows and your general health. You should try to
maintain ideal body weight, do abdominal exercises and quit smoking if you do
smoke.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:12 Hartford Hospital
8:12
[Comment From Cheryl Overton Cheryl Overton : ]
Hi I am suffering from cervical pain with left arm pain
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:12 Cheryl Overton
8:13
Hartford Hospital:
You need clinical evaluation by a spine specialist who may order an MRI. You
may need PT or home traction or possibly surgery
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:13 Hartford Hospital
8:13
[Comment From Dave Dave : ]
What is your experience with devices e.g. X-Stop for stenosis
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:13 Dave
8:14
Hartford Hospital:
I have not had good experience. I have removed some and done decompressions.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:14 Hartford Hospital
8:14
[Comment From Christine Christine : ]
Spinal Stenosis - how many cortizone injections are acceptable to the body and are
there any other kind besides cortizone?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:14 Christine
8:14
Hartford Hospital:
Cortisone is really the only option at present and you can have three per year.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:14 Hartford Hospital
8:14
[Comment From Guest Guest : ]
If one has multiple degenerated discs and a single herniated disc, does it make
sense to do multiple fusions or just the herniated disc and wait and see with the
remaining discs?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:14 Guest
8:15
Hartford Hospital:
Treat the herniation if there is a lot of leg pain only. The degeneration causes back
pain. It depends on your symptoms
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:15 Hartford Hospital
8:15
[Comment From Carmen Carmen : ]
I have constant lower back pain and neck pain
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:15 Carmen
8:15
Hartford Hospital:
You need formal evaluation
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:15 Hartford Hospital
8:15
[Comment From Guest Guest : ]
I have recently had some lower back pain for the last 4 days, it's only when I bend
in certain positions or when I cough. I am only 31yrs old and have been on
numerous deployements overseas wearing and carrying alot of gear which could
have started this issue, but I wanted to know what the best recovery position would
be for me to get my back on track again.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:15 Guest
8:17
Hartford Hospital:
The best initial treatment is appropriate restriction of bending and lifting as well as
working on core strengthening exercises. You might need to work with a physical
therapist.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:17 Hartford Hospital
8:17
[Comment From Linda Linda : ]
I too have degenative disc 1985 L3/L4 partially removed, now L4/L5, I was told to
consider rod approx one half long, wouldn't this imbolize me to an extent? My left
leg between thigh and calf is pretty knumb. It this the same type of surgery
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:17 Linda
8:18
Hartford Hospital:
One and two level fusions may not result in much loss of range of motion. It
depends on how disabled you are now.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:18 Hartford Hospital
8:18
[Comment From Joseph Joseph : ]
I have two level severe cervical stenosis (c4-6). What are my option?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:18 Joseph
8:19
Hartford Hospital:
If the stenosis is severe enough to cause spinal cord compression you should
consider evaluation for anterior discectomy and fusion
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:19 Hartford Hospital
8:19
[Comment From mh mh : ]
my spine was fused at L3-L4 5 years ago and now they're saying that I have
herniated discs above the fusion. I'm worried that having another fusion will lead
to further herniated discs above the level of the fusion. I am only 52.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:19 mh
8:19
Hartford Hospital:
That is a good consideration based upon the length of the fusion and your age. It
should be done only if necessary
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:19 Hartford Hospital
8:20
[Comment From Lisa C. Lisa C. : ]
I have neck and back pain from both a car accident and Behcet's Disease that was
diagnosed in 2000. I take morphine on a daily basis but still am in terrible pain. I
have also had 3 spinal epidurals. What else can you recommend?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:20 Lisa C.
8:21
Hartford Hospital:
Your situation is complicated and requires a pain management specialist Surgery is
not usual a good option but an opinion from a surgery might be an option just to
make sure there is nothing that can be fixed
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:21 Hartford Hospital
8:22
[Comment From Lorri Lorri : ]
I have a soon to be 83 year mother whose back/groin pain has severely decreased
her quality of life. She has been given the run around with one doctor telling her
she needs spine surgery but won't be able to bend at the waist to another who said
her back is fine. She has had MRI's, physcial therapy, etc. Her posture is poor now
and can't go out for long periods of time.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:22 Lorri
8:23
Hartford Hospital:
Has she been evaluated bya spine specialist. Pain may be from spinal stenosis or
possibly aslso hip arthritis. This requires thorough evaluation
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:23 Hartford Hospital
8:23
[Comment From DM DM : ]
Is the O Arm available at other hospitals in CT?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:23 DM
8:24
Hartford Hospital:
The O arm is also now available at Greenwich. Yale migh be getting one now also
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:24 Hartford Hospital
8:24
[Comment From joy joy : ]
i just watched your show. I have spinal stenosis and spondolothesis. I have been
getting all kinds of diagnoses, everything from lime disease to fibromyalgia. My
pain is mainly in my legs. I don't seem to have numbness in my legs. just pain. I
don't want surgery if I don't have to but my pain is getting worse. I can't stand for
any more than five minutes and walking is almost out of the question. Helf!
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:24 joy
8:26
Hartford Hospital:
Your symptoms suggest spinal stenosis. There are nerve medications like
Neurontin and also epidural injections. PT for core strengthening is helpful.
Maintaining ideal body weight is essential
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:26 Hartford Hospital
8:26
[Comment From Betty Ann Betty Ann : ]
Good job. Spinal surgery sure has changed in the last 40 years!
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:26 Betty Ann
8:26
Hartford Hospital:
Thank you
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:26 Hartford Hospital
8:26
[Comment From Helen Siegel 69 Helen Siegel 69 : ]
I have had 6 operations on my spine 2 cervical and 4 lower lumbar including 2
fusions 3 @ HH and 3 @ uconn Dr. Colias was my neuro @HH and Dr Raycroff
my Ortho. Success was great Now my second fusion is not healing I had Feb 13th
I still have pain down both legs at night in bed I have been to Phy therapy aqua and
land and the land makes the pain worse What can I do?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:26 Helen Siegel 69
8:27
Hartford Hospital:
Fusions can take a while to heal. Hopefully you are a nonsmoker. Electrical
stimulation might help heal you. You might need revision surgery
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:27 Hartford Hospital
8:27
[Comment From Diana Diana : ]
I was told I had a thorasic stress fracture; however the medical notes said it was a
herniated disk. I had ex rays and a scan at Backus. I am confused. I have daily
pain. Thank you.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:27 Diana
8:29
Hartford Hospital:
I would need more information. Thoracic disc herniations do not usual need
surgery unless there is a neuro deficit. Stress fractures usually heal. Evaluation for
osteoporosis may be appropriate.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:29 Hartford Hospital
8:29
[Comment From JT JT : ]
The tv show on channel 3 made all the surgeries sound like they were no big deal.
I am concerned about the loss of mobility in my back and reduction even further
than I already have. What could I expect?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:29 JT
8:30
Hartford Hospital:
There is not necessarily a loss of range of motion. Patients who have this type of
surgery usually have restricted motion and function to begin with. Surgery can be
very easy for patients but not all have an easy recovery
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:30 Hartford Hospital
8:31
[Comment From gloria gloria : ]
over 40 yrs ago i partially slipped a disc at L4 L5 can this ever be fixed
neurosurgeon at hartford hospital that i saw in my 20s said nothing can be done for
a partialli slipped disc???
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:31 gloria
8:31
Hartford Hospital:
It sounds like you are getting arthritis from an old ruptured disc. You might need
more agressive conservative Rx or possibly a spinal fusion
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:31 Hartford Hospital
8:32
[Comment From Kris Kris : ]
I did not catch the name of the Dr. that did Larry's surgery, what was his name?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:32 Kris
8:32
Hartford Hospital:
That was Dr. W. J. Krompinger
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:32 Hartford Hospital
8:32
[Comment From Jess Jess : ]
I have Schumann's Disease in my lower back and degenerative disc disease in my
neck. Ive been in pt for 2 years now with little to no relief what would be the best
treatment for me?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:32 Jess
8:33
Hartford Hospital:
It depends on your age and general physical condition. Some thoracic pain can be
referred from the neck. You require more thorough evaluation
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:33 Hartford Hospital
8:33
[Comment From Donalyn Donalyn : ]
I fell ice skating a few years ago and bent and cracked mycoccyx. I'm 62. I now
have to sit on a donut or board, can't sit normally at all (have to shift from side to
side) and get cortisone injections once or twice a year. Is there ANYTHING that
can cure this? Something with positive results? Thank you
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:33 Donalyn
8:34
Hartford Hospital:
Thorough evaluation is required to determine if the pain is from the coccyx or
referred from the lower back. Injections sometimes help. Removal of the coccyx is
sometimes helpful
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:34 Hartford Hospital
8:34
[Comment From Sophie Sophie : ]
I had a cervical spine fusion (C4-5-6) in 1965 due to a diving accident. I am now
67 and walking with a walker--no balance and fall easily. Have been told by
doctors that no orthopedic doctor would touch me with this fusion. My question is
for Dr. whitikar. I believe you were one of the team doctors that did my surgery
with dr Cavich at the then Newington Childrens Hospital. Just curious.
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:34 Sophie
8:36
Hartford Hospital:
That is not true. If an adjacent disc has a problem surgery might be necessary. If
you can an old spinal cord injury then results from additional surgery may not be
as good
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:36 Hartford Hospital
8:36
[Comment From Mark Mark : ]
I was diagnosed10 years when I was 24 with a herniated disc (L5S1) I used to lift
weights alot which is what likely caused this! Had a few cortisone injections over
the years but they never really helped. Everyday i have pain! Back is always tight!
Chiropractor says my biggest problem is my extremely tight hamstrings which
torque my pelvis(chiro sweats when stretching my hams). Feel better after chiro;
any other options?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:36 Mark
8:37
Hartford Hospital:
Injections are more for leg pain. You have mechanical back pain and should be
evaluated for possible fusion
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:37 Hartford Hospital
8:37
[Comment From Crystal Crystal : ]
I was diagnosed with a herniated and degenrative disc in my L4 and L5 with a
pinched nerve.What would you suggest for OTC for meds for nerve pain?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:37 Crystal
8:38
Hartford Hospital:
Most OTC meds do not help with nerve pain. You probably need a prescription
med such as neurontin, elavil or lyrica
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:38 Hartford Hospital
8:38
[Comment From Sandra Sandra : ]
I have bi-lateral sciatica. I am 68 yrs old. For the past year I have been having
sharp stabbing pains, like shocks shooting down my legs, espcially at night. Very
difficult sleeping. Is this part of the same problem? Should I be concerned?
Thursday June 28, 2012 8:38 Sandra
8:39
Hartford Hospital:
Yes you should be concerned and need evaluation to determine if pain is due to
spinal stenosis or a circulation problem with your legs