Patient opposed to doctor’s recommendation for spinal fusion surgery

I’m hoping I can avoid surgery by exercising and watching what I do. I gave up golf and began exercising at a health club, swimming, lifting weights, and walking on an incline treadmill. I limit activities that aggravate the pain.

Recently, I met a man who had spinal fusion in the same area. I asked him what caused him to go ahead with the surgery, and he replied it was because of a drop foot on his left side. My question is, can I live with a herniated disc and not have surgery? Is there another type of doctor I can see who would have an alternative?

Spinal fusion is the permanent connection of two or more vertebrae in the spine that eliminates any motion between them. This is accomplished with screws, rods or plates to hold the vertebrae in place and promote healing.

If you don’t want surgery, speak with your orthopedic specialist. Take your films, and get a second opinion from a highly qualified physician. Check in with a naturopath. If your original specialist has already recommended fusion, it may be that you will not experience relief without a radical procedure; however, if there are options to delay what might be inevitable, ask for recommendations for physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, a pain-management clinic and/or massage therapy.

Even without intervention, your condition likely will not lead to neurological deficits or result in a progressive worsening condition; however, it is a possibility. Perhaps in a year or two, less invasive and more advanced techniques might be available. Research is always ongoing.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th floor, New York, NY 10016

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