On my annual trip to my doctor, she recommended Spine-health.com to me as a great internet resource on back pain. I am currently not diagnosed with any particular condition, but it was great to read up about all of the various back pain conditions, especially sciatica and spinal stenosis. From talking with my doctor, I know back surgery may have to occur somewhere down the road and I just want to be as best prepared as possible.I have been running for the last 15 years and it has taken a toll on my body. Lots of things ache and pop all over on me. After reading about the conditions on Spine-health, I stumbled into their forums. I have used forums before but I have never seen a community like this one. The people are so open and encouraging and it gives me a boost to hear about the back pain success stories on there. If you or anyone you know has ever suffered from a back pain related issue, definitely send them over to Spine-health.com and you won't be disappointed.

runnerguy209

Palatine, IL

Spine-health.com is, by far, the best web health site for dealing with spine health issues that I have found (and I have looked at many).  As a spine pain sufferer, who subsequently has had two spinal surgeries, I found the vast amount of information (text and videos) to be extrememly helpful for me in understanding:- what my condition was- what my proposed surgery was all about- recovery following surgeryFurther, the spine-health.com message board (forums) was, again extremely helpful for me.  Being able to communicate with fellow sufferers allowed me to better understand the above points, plus allowed me, in turn, to support others.  I have not come across such a caring forum community on any other message board.

FredDagg

Johnston, RI

I first started using the Spine-Health web site over 5 years ago.   I was looking for information regarding Thoracic disc problems.  I had looked all over the internet, but Spine-Health was the only site that provided me information.  From that point on, I used only Spine-Health to do research and to find more information regarding spinal problems.  I have had 7 spinal surgeries, so having a site like this was outstanding.Then about 2 years ago, I saw an item in which people could start commenting on how their spinal problems impacted their sleeptime.  I registered for the Patient Forums at Spine-Health and today it has become an every day stop and for periods of time.Getting to know other people who share some of the common medical problems is so very important.  We may never see the people we 'chat' with , but there is a bond that is very strong.  People care about each and honestly want to see the best of the other person.The forums on this site provide one of the best support groups I have ever been associated with.  People dont judge one another.  So many times, members on this site reach out to other members, because they feel that they have become a burden on their own family.  It is great to have a family support system, but at times, you want to talk to someone who knows exactly what you are talking about.I have learned so much in the past two years from being on this site.   The technical information is growing, and as I said, its a one stop shopping.  You can review medical articles, watch videos about conditions and treatments and so much more.I am very thankful for Spine-Health, not only has it provided me with information to augment what my doctors have told me, but also allowed me to become 'friends' with so many other people.

rdilauro

New Milford, CT

Spine-Health.com has provided me with the tools necessary to understand my spinal condition and learn how best to live with it.  I came upon this wonderful website when I was researching Brown Seguard Syndrome as a result of a cord injury during surgery.  Not only did I find the symptoms and what to expect from this, I also found volumes of doctor written articles explaining the anatomy of the spine, its diseases and conditions, and possible treatments.  Anyone who has had spine problems completely understands how all-encompassing it is to one's life.  When I found myself in a position where I didn't know how to deal with it all, the members forums quickly became my lifeline.  I have been a part of the online community of spine-health.com for around 2.5 years.  The more seasoned members answered my plea for help and gave me the support and encouragement I needed to learn how to deal with my limitations, and always stressed the importance of never losing hope.  From simple things like understanding what a disc herniation means, to what to expect during an MRI, to how to take care of oneself after surgery, the information is here.  I have a great support system within my own family, but because spine problems go on for so long, I don't like to discuss my medical conditions with my family because I don't want to sound like a broken record.  I have found that it is difficult for me to give a truthful answer when an acquaintance asks me "how are you today", because I really don't think they want to know so I just give off the standard "I'm doing okay, how about you" response.  But on spine-health, the members genuinely care and they understand because they are living the same things I am.  They can calm my fears when I am scared, or encourage me to see my doctor when I am concerned.  Without spine-health, this journey would have been much more difficult. I consider myself one of the more experienced members now and I stick around because there are many people who are just as scared at this time as I was when I first started out with this.  The members are from all walks of life, some young, some old, some educated, some not, some wealthy, some poor, all ethnic groups, people from different countries.  What bonds us is that we are all suffering from a spine issue, and  unfortunately no one is exempt from finding themselves in the same situation we are in.   If you have a back or neck condition, come on over to spine-health.com.  Research your condition through the volumes of articles and even interactive videos.  Then pop in and say hello on the member forums.  I think you'll like what you find there.  

cspinecindy

Preston, ID

Spine-health has meant so much to me in my quest for information. As a suffer of chronic pain from a car accident, I have found a tremendous amount of support. Spine-health has some incredible articles explaining all types of conditions. As some who has had five neck surgeries I was able to research all the surgeries there. The information has helped me become a more educated consumer. I can't tell you how many friends I have made there as well. If I'm ever having a bad day someone from Spine-health is always jumping in to give me a little pick-up. Spine-health has easy to use member forums, with a hole hoist of member categories for members to post in. Within minutes someone comes along and jumps right in and tries to help. Spine surgery is scary enough, but to have a place where people can go and talk to like minded individuals is so nice. Spine-health is like my second home.

sissydaug

Florissant, MO