Parkinson's, Sciatica and Lumbar Decompression Surgery

         Today the Nurse Practitioner from my surgeon's office called me.  She said that my Cat Scan revealed that I have compression in my spine at the L5 and S1 joints. That is causing my painful sciatica!! Many more people online have told me that they have Parkinson's and Sciatica so the MUST be a link!

Lumbar Decompression Surgery is being recommended for me. I think I will read a lot about it before I consider doing it. I still can get one more steroid shot in my back this year. They don't last long but I am really scared of having surgery, especially near my spine.  My daughter Olivia had a spinal fusion years ago and she was a mess, in so much pain, could barely move, and had the complication of  bilateral pulmonary emboli !  He said that I didn't need a spinal fusion but what I have been reading about this type surgery seems even worse! And I am NOT a Spring Chicken!! I want to see if radio frequency ablation is an option for my condition. I really don't want to go under the knife unless it is my ONLY option! An online friend suggested that I google supine yoga stretches. I did that and I have done all of those stretches and they didn't work. But I have nothing to lose to try them again!
        I can HEAR  WAYNE BRADY saying to me...Come On Down, Let's Make a Deal
I may have to eventually head towards Door Number 2 but I think I would like to choose door NUMBER 1 first!

DOOR NUMBER 1

radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment, one of several types of ablation therapy, where surgery is not a good option. ... RFA is usually performed either laparoscopically through a series of small holes in the abdomen. It can also be done through an open procedure. Depending upon the areas to be treated, the procedure can take from about twenty minutes to a couple of hours. The procedure is usually performed in an operating room, sometimes in a fluoroscopy (x-ray) room.

A radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys the nerve fibers carrying pain signals to the brain. It can provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck and arthritic joints. If you suffer recurrent pain and you’ve experienced good relief with a nerve block injection, you may be a candidate for a radiofrequency ablation.

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation, also called rhizotomy, is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce or stop the transmission of pain. Radiofrequency waves ablate, or "burn," the nerve that is causing the pain, essentially eliminating the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

This procedure is most commonly used to treat chronic pain and conditions such as arthritis of the spine (spondylosis) and sacroilitis. It is also used to treat neck, back, knee, pelvic and peripheral nerve pain. The benefits of radiofrequency ablation include: avoiding surgery, immediate pain relief, little to no recovery time, decreased need for pain medication, improved function, and a quicker return to work and other activities

DOOR NUMBER 2

Spinal decompression surgery is a general term that refers to various procedures intended to relieve symptoms caused by pressure, or compression, on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Bulging or collapsed disks, thickened joints, loosened ligaments, and bony growths can narrow the spinal canal and the spinal nerve openings (foramen), causing irritation.

Symptoms of spinal nerve compression include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Unsteadiness

The risks associated with spinal decompression surgery include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Nerve or tissue damage
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia

What is the recovery process for spinal decompression surgery?

You will stay in the hospital for 4 or 5 days, depending on the extent of your surgery. You will be given medication to control pain. Rehabilitation may be lengthy and will likely include a program of physical therapy.

Is decompression surgery successful?

Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve roots is successful in relieving pain in 80% to 90% of patients. Surgery does not correct the underlying degeneration of the vertebrae due to wear and tear of aging, however, so a return of symptoms is possible.