Which would you suggest to be done 1ST

Which would you suggest to be done 1ST

Q:

Age: 48 Sex: M Concern: Chronic pain

Hello Dr. Tran
I have several herniated and also bulging/protusion disc in my neck . (C2-C3)(C3-C4)(C4-C5)(C5-C6)(C6-C7)(C7-T1) I also have a prior HX of a Cervical Fussion C5-C6 . Touch that up with spinal stenosis,osteoarthritis with spurring and your about done explaining my issue .Well almost,actually. I have another issue that being disc space narrowing at L4-L5 and L5-S1. Dififfuse disc bulging at L3-L4 with spinal canal stenosis.Central disc herniation at L4-L5 with stenosis. There is bilateral osteoarthritis and foraminal narrowiing on both sides. Central disc herniation at L5-S1 with spinal canal stenosis. Hypertrophic spurring at the vertebral endplate . Osteoarthritis with facet hypertrophy bilaterally and foraminal narrowing . Stenosis at L1-L2 and L2-L3 with no disc herniation . There is facet hypertrophy . I know this might sound a bit much but I am only copying the latest MRI /Radiologist report to you . I was in a accident in June of this year during which I immediately felt severe pain after being hit from behind while parked by a driver driving around 35-45mph . I have lived with chronic pain since my first accident in 1987 but now I am experiencing severe cervial & lumbar pain with bowel/bladder issues along with cramping and decreased ROM/numbness in upper extremities etc etc all the classic symptoms usually seen . My main question is I am scheduled to see a SPINAL SPECIALIST 1/31/08 (earliest I can get in ). Should I attempt to have my lower back fixed or just hang it up so to speak . I generally have pain issues that I deal with on a daily basis . Would you suggest surgeries to both areas ??? I have been to several Dr's all who have suggested surgery . I know or I feel bad enough to have the neck done, and I am planning on doing just that. But I don't for the life of me know what the heck I should do with the Lumbar issue . Please some suggestions would be greatly appreciated >>>>>>>>>>signed>>>> Busted all up !

-- LECERVLUMBAR

A:

Proceed with caution. Surgery is not as successful for chronic neck and back pain, particularly if you've had a previous surgery.

-- Sherman Nam Tran, M. D.

to ask Dr. Tran.