Published Dec 10, 2009
chenoaspirit, ASN, RN
1,010 Posts
I just found out I have several cervical vert discs herniated and ruptured. Ive worked the past 2 weeks like this until I had the MRI that showed what was actually wrong. I have no idea how I did it. I dont want any med advice, Im just wondering if anyone has had this and if you had good outcome from surgery or alternative to surgery. Im so scared of any permanent effects and being able to work again. Anyone with any experience? Thanks in advance.
IlovenursingRN
40 Posts
I had a ruptured herniated disc and got good relief from a chiropractor. My sister had surgery and wished she had never had it. The pain went from bad to constant and I'm pain free.
Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.
montinurse, BSN
220 Posts
I just found out I had a HNP (Herniated nucleus) and they can be corrected with therapy. Probably a good chance it will go out again if I don't change my ways, posture, exercises to correct why it went wrong in the first place. Hoping to avoid it happening again. Had to be referred to physical therapy..... Seemed silly to think about since my pain did go away after two agonizing weeks, but the therapist was very helpful and knowledgeable.Good luck.
fibro2003
8 Posts
I am a pcna and been on medical leave since April 2009 and I have thoracic spondylosis T10 - T12 L1 and have herniated disc L4- L5 with left hip osteoarthrits and right hip bursitis and tendonitis I did do little physical therapy but my career as a nurse assistant is over there is no way I am going to keep lifting and pivotting peolpe with my arthritic back and hips even though the Dr. say it's at a moderate stage but the only way I am going to stop the progression and the pain if I find something else thats less stressful on my spine and hips. I had a MRI X-ray and EMG and at this point the Dr. not suggessting any surgery and I am not considering it yet either. I did file a social security claim because my job given me unpaid medical leave because I used up all my pto calling off I was in too much pain can you imagine me picking up a stroke patient with one side weakness and unsteady gait weighing 250lb needing help holding up with one hand and helping to wipe his rear end with the other while my spine rubbing together and my hips pulling and acheing? My income is bad but I'll take that for now than breaking my back down any further , I do love my job and I understand takeing care of sick and injured people but I have a 11yr daughter and a 9mos grandson who also need me to take care of them if they should need me I don't want to be disabled before I'm 50yr.
hotnurse84
72 Posts
my mother had herniated discs and had surgery. all went well and she is better than ever!! she works in a factory but doesn't have to lift anything heavy there. she was on lifting restrictions for a while afterwards though.
Battleaxe RN
2 Posts
I was dx with HNP at C 2-3, 4-5, and 6-7. The herniatin at 6-7 was causing severe arm and shoulder pain. PY helped a lot but then I was rear-ended in a MVA causing all sx to return and PT did not help. I was terrified of surgery but had no choice. Had fusion of C 6-7 just over 2 years ago and have been pain free since. Best of luck and I hope you find relief.
Hoozdo, ADN
1,555 Posts
I had the same herniations as the poster above me. Of course, if you see a surgeon they will
want to do surgery.
I suggest you seek a second and third opinion with a neurologist and a physiatrist. I was able to overcome the problem with 6 months of intensive physical therapy rather than a cervical fusion surgery. I was in quite a bit of pain and unable to work during the 6 months also.