Back

I had an artificial disc put in my back at the L34 level. I've had just as much pain afterwards as I did before if not more. The doctor has me trying different medications so I can keep working. Is there anything else that can be done?

You didn't mention how long ago the total disc replacement (TDR) was inserted. Some patients have residual back and leg pain that eventually goes away over a period of six weeks to six months.

Pain relievers is a good first step in trying to control the pain. Analgesics and nonsteroidal antiinflammatories are tried at first. Epidural steroid injection (ESI) may be another treatment method.

An ESI injection can control pain for long periods of time by reducing inflammation and swelling. The hope is to control your symptoms so you can become more active. A local anesthetic such as lidocaine and a cortisone steroid is injected inside the epidural space. This space is the area between the bony ring of the spine and the covering of the spine called the dura. The dura is the sac that encloses the spinal fluid and nerves of the spine.

This fluid is free to flow up and down the spine and inside the epidural space to coat the nerves that run inside the spinal canal. These injections are temporary and may last from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. They may be used to reduce your symptoms so that you can more easily begin a physical therapy program with less pain. They may also be used to reduce symptoms and let the body repair the underlying condition.

Ask your doctor about your options. Treatment methods may vary depending on your general health, your age, and when you had the TDR.

« Back