The Back Shop | Mail Order | New Book | Contact details | Engineering solution to back pain | Bad Posture | Useful links | Frequently Asked Questions | Discussion | Catalogue | Would you like a licence for your country? Ergonomic Consultancy
Question: I had an operation for a collapsed disc ten years ago. For two/three years I was mainly free of pain. Then the pain started to get bad. Gradually over the years it got worse and worse. Now the pain is as bad as the original one. Around the same time as my operation a friend of mine had a similar pain. He wouldn't have an operation and yet his pain got better. He has an odd bout but nothing like I am now getting. Why is this? Is it unusual? John Armstrong (October 16, 2000)
Answer: No. When I was lying in hospital over 25 years ago, waiting to be operated on for a ruptured disc, a guy in the bed beside me had this operation. He was in such excruciating pain after the operation that it scared the life out of me. Judging by his moans the pain seemed even greater than mine. I decided, wisely as it transpired, this is not for me. I really don't have pain now. I never met my next door bed mate again, so I don't know how he has fared, However, my spine has a flaw, caused by the ruptured disc which over the years has shrivelled considerably. I instinctively watch every movement I make and never ever, ever, sit with bad posture. There are occasions when a back operation is essential. However, as I have already mentioned on my website, a recent study by the University of Washington says, "in less than two percent of cases should an operation be considered". Also, and I think this is very important, the Mayo Clinic says "sometimes surgery is the answer" and "before you agree to back surgery consider getting a second opinion. Surgery to remove a herniated disc is among the most frequently performed procedures in the United States. But the long term outcome is often the same, whether you have surgery or choose a less invasive treatment." Colm Campbell.
Question: Colm thanks for your advice. But answer me one thing. According to The Mayo Clinic the long term outcome for me and my friend should be the same. How come I'm in great pain and he's not? John Armstrong (October 18, 2000).
Answer: I don't agree with this claim. I have been working exclusively in the area of back pain relief for more than 25 years and in all that time I have not come across even one completely successful back operation. Many operations are successful for a period and then the pain returns. The longest pain free period I've come across is 13 years. I'd like to stress this is not a scientific study, as the majority of people I encounter would seek me out for help, those who have had an operation and are pain free generally would not. Colm Campbell.