New Member (Lumbar spine problems)

**garner** · 03-03-2011, 11:11 AM

Hello everyone! I found this site while searching for "back problems" and after reading some info on it decided to join. I am in my 3rd year of back pain due to a collapsed disc (lumbar). I have been through physical therapy, massage therapy, injections, chiropractors, and neurosurgeons. My surgeon wanted to do an artificial disc replacement (Pro Disc), but my insurance denied surgery. So, I am continuing with pain management (medication) until I can find help some other way...

**Justin** · 03-03-2011, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by garner

Hello everyone! I found this site while searching for "back problems" and after reading some info on it decided to join. I am in my 3rd year of back pain due to a collapsed disc (lumbar). I have been through physical therapy, massage therapy, injections, chiropractors, and neurosurgeons. My surgeon wanted to do an artificial disc replacement (Pro Disc), but my insurance denied surgery. So, I am continuing with pain management (medication) until I can find help some other way...

Hi Garner,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

I'm sorry to read that you've been suffering with spine problems. However, you are in good company--there are many supportive SPS Members that are here to lend a hand and help answer questions.

Which level of your lumbar spine is giving you problems? I do hope your pain management is helping--chronic pain is a real drainer.

I wish you the very best and please let me know if you need anything.

PS Create a signature when you get a chance: New Members, Read First: How to Create a Signature (Your Spine History).

**KBear** · 03-03-2011, 07:22 PM

Welcome to the forum. If you have just one bad level, there is a good chance that you could qualify for a clinical trial and get ADR that way. That is what I did and am very happy with the results. Most (if not all) of the discs in trials in the US are already in use in other countries and have been for quite some time. The disc I received was co-invented by the surgeon who did my surgery, right here in the US. That was 2 years ago and it is almost done with the trial phase (so still not available to the general public and won't be for some time.) There are others who paid to go to other countries for the exact same disc. The FDA is notoriously slow, which can be good and bad, so it's definitely something to consider.
Good Luck,
Kathy

**bigdogchief76** · 03-03-2011, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by garner

Hello everyone! I found this site while searching for "back problems" and after reading some info on it decided to join. I am in my 3rd year of back pain due to a collapsed disc (lumbar). I have been through physical therapy, massage therapy, injections, chiropractors, and neurosurgeons. My surgeon wanted to do an artificial disc replacement (Pro Disc), but my insurance denied surgery. So, I am continuing with pain management (medication) until I can find help some other way...

Welcome and sorry for the pain.

Which insurance company denied ADR?

**garner** · 03-07-2011, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by bigdogchief76

Welcome and sorry for the pain.

Which insurance company denied ADR?

blue cross/blue shield (Indiana)

**Cindylou** · 03-09-2011, 12:24 AM

You've been given some good advice thus far garner, so no need for me to elaborate on that. I mainly wanted to welcome you to SPS.

I do hope you find the right solution (s) for your particular spine issues. Please feel free to peruse all the different forums as there is a wealth of information at your fingertips. And a very supportive community of folks who care. Good luck! Cindylou