Information on a rhizotomy?

Question

I have had lower back pain for over two years now. Initially I was diagnosed with a ruptured disk at the L1-L2 vertebrae. Since then I have had 4 steroid injections and a laminectomy preformed to no avail, (I had about two months pain free with the laminectomy, and the injections worked for a week at best). I have moved to another state and was referred to a new Ortho and started the process all over, except now the MRI shows that the disk has completely collapsed. I have received 4 more steroid injections from my new physician (at best one week pain free after the injection), and he has recommended that I have a rhizotomy. I know the general theory of the procedure and what it does/how it works. But I have found little more information about it. I want to know, if it works, how long it works, and are there any major side effects with it. Would I be better off opting for a major surgery (disk replacement) or should I give this a try? My other concern is that this looks to only mask the problem and does nothing to resolve the injury, is there any chance I could do more damage to the disk by not feeling the pain? Any help would be most appreciated.

Answer 1

I think that this is a case where you should get a second opinion on the matter and base your decision after your findings .As well there is always consequences to any treatmentgood or bad . It' sbig decision to make and I wish you all the very best .