6 ms·

(While it's clear you've done a ton of your own research for your own case.) Steve Kerr's advice after his own back surgery complications (albeit microdiscecto

(While it's clear you've done a ton of your own research for your own case.) Steve Kerr's advice after his own back surgery complications (albeit microdiscectomy, not a laminectomy) make me hesitant: "If you're listening out there, if you have a back problem, stay away from surgery... Rehab, rehab, rehab. Don't let anybody get in there."

vitally3643 3mo ago
This kind of comment is only marginally better than "well, I asked ChatGPT and...." You acknowledge the parent commenter knows more than you, but you decide it's somehow helpful to post contradictory information anyway sourced from someone else who also likely knows more than you.
- matwood 3mo ago
  You don't have to listen to Steve Kerr. Every back doctor I have seen has said the same thing - surgery is the absolute last resort. I was fortunate that the epidurals worked for me, because it was the worst pain I have ever felt.
- BrandoElFollito 3mo ago
  It's a good idea to ask a few AIs to get extra feedback. They may be wrong, your doctor may be wrong -- it is better to have a set of inputs and, to some point, check it against sources.
ortusdux 3mo ago
I helped a friend through a microdiscectomy, and it could not have gone better. Laparoscopic procedure, short recovery, lifechanging reduction in symptoms. The biggest hurdle was that their insurance required PT/rehab prior to authorization, even though all the experts involved agreed that it would not help.
amluto 3mo ago
The heuristic I found when researching this a few years ago was slightly more nuanced than your quote: back surgery is very likely the wrong solution for back pain. But if you have nerve problems caused by an issue with your spine, you probably want to address them before they become worse or irreversible, and back surgery may end up being the only option.
IAmBroom 3mo ago
[dead]

vitally3643 3mo ago

This kind of comment is only marginally better than "well, I asked ChatGPT and...." You acknowledge the parent commenter knows more than you, but you decide it's somehow helpful to post contradictory information anyway sourced from someone else who also likely knows more than you.

matwood 3mo ago
You don't have to listen to Steve Kerr. Every back doctor I have seen has said the same thing - surgery is the absolute last resort. I was fortunate that the epidurals worked for me, because it was the worst pain I have ever felt.
BrandoElFollito 3mo ago
It's a good idea to ask a few AIs to get extra feedback. They may be wrong, your doctor may be wrong -- it is better to have a set of inputs and, to some point, check it against sources.

ortusdux 3mo ago

I helped a friend through a microdiscectomy, and it could not have gone better. Laparoscopic procedure, short recovery, lifechanging reduction in symptoms. The biggest hurdle was that their insurance required PT/rehab prior to authorization, even though all the experts involved agreed that it would not help.

amluto 3mo ago

The heuristic I found when researching this a few years ago was slightly more nuanced than your quote: back surgery is very likely the wrong solution for back pain. But if you have nerve problems caused by an issue with your spine, you probably want to address them before they become worse or irreversible, and back surgery may end up being the only option.

IAmBroom 3mo ago

[dead]