IMHO, the most important thought expressed in this thread is:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rudy Pohl
My sense is that even if I were to do the year-long program, a great deal of my improvement would be as a result of me diligently doing core-strengthening exercises.
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Yes... you can do the program and if you do not follow through on your part, the program will fail.
Yes... you can set up a self-directed program and be disciplined and generate the same results as the full program.
You might consider doing a mix... getting professional help in setting up the self-directed program and then periodically checkpoint with the professional to monitor your progress and tweak the program accordingly. If they are not willing to participate in this way, screw them... they should be about helping you within your budget. None of them hold the magic feather. (But you do need to be careful...IMHO, too many "no pain, no gain" therapists hurt the average spine patient. We are not professional athletes. Finding the good therapist is an independent issue from the $$$. Many expensive PT's suck, and many more reasonable PT's are angels in disguise.
Sadly, you can do everything perfectly and still continue to spiral towards surgery. IMHO, you owe it to yourself to do everything you can to avoid surgery. You also have to consider the financial implications. If you blow your wad on therapy or less invasive procedures, AND still need bigger surgery… if you can’t afford to get it then, you are screwed. IMHO, less invasive surgeries should be pursued before the more invasive ones, but only for the good candidates. (OK… morphing into another discussion here…)
Whatever you do.. .GOOD LUCK! Please keep us posted. Thanks for participating in the iSpine community!
All the best,
Mark