Bulging, Prolapsed, Sciatica.. the lot

[Takikio]

Hiya All,

Newbie here, just found your forum in the desperate search for answers!

I'm 24 and have just (yesterday) had the results from my MRI, L2-L3 Bulging Disc, L3-L4 Bulging Disc, L4-L5 Prolapsed Disc, L5-S1 Prolapsed disc.

Both Prolpses are pressing on nerves and giving me numbness in my left foot and left thigh.

I've been in daily agony for 1 whole year.. (in the UK, the NHS is just appauling..) they have given me painkillers and Anti-Inflams.

They have said that if it gets worse they will consider surgery. However that is ALL they said.

Should they be doing more? Is this all that can be done? I've paid for private physio/Chairo with no relief at all..

I'm to young to be on codine for the rest of my days, anyone have any tips on what I should do/ask for?

Many Thanks

Claire

 

[Joe Schmo]

Ive got a prolapsed disk and degeneration of the lower five disks. Ive tried physio, private med care as nhs were useless with waiting times, and im due to try acupuncture next time i go. The physio hasnt really done anything, im on codine and diclofenac and have been for three months now. Ive asked different people what to try and swimming was one, a corset to hold the back up better was another option but i havent tried that. Have you been working while you have been in this pain? I was told working would make it a lot worse but my job involves very heavy lifting. It seems to be happening to younger people all the time now, prolapsed disks etc used to be for older people. Ill let you know if the acupuncture helps any, traction was the only relief i had but that was only while stretched out, as soon as i was 'back to normal length' the pain was back, it did feel good to be able to relax for a few minutes though.

 

[MUKUND]

Thanks Kev,

Thats exactly the same medicaltion that I'm on! I have been at work, but only have an office job, so no lifting involved. Cant sit for more than about 30 mins without having to stretch tho, (and swallowing pills whenever i can!)

I'm willing to give anything a go now, seems like the Dr's really dont give a damn!

When are you having your acupuncture?

Claire

Oh, I forgot to say, I'm going to be doing a Course of "Alexander Technique" shortly which is basically about improving your posture and the way you stand.. I'll also let you know of thats helping!

 

[ellena]

Ive got to wait for the insurance to okay it yet, but it shouldnt be a problem. It should be in the next week or so. Im suprised your working with your problems, i was told that if i carried on doing my job i would end up beiong stretchered into the doctors and that the pain im in now would be nothing compared to what it would be if i started lifting again. My problem is a bit different to yours though and the consultant said it will never recover, hopefully my second opinion from another consultant will be able to give a bit more info on how long ill be in pain and if ill be stuck on medication for life or not.

 

[mpc717vc]

Hi Claire
I sympathise with you, I had a trapped sciatic nerve for 18 months so I know the pain you
are going through. Yep, NHS suck for this problem. They don't solve the source of the pain
just give you painkillers.

I tried all sorts of alternative therapies, bought the NBT trainers, bought so called Back Cure programmes - I couldn't do the exercises !!!!

I'm not cured & do have to be careful BUT am loads better.

I built up walking gradually. To begin with I could only manage about 100yds before the pain in calf & thigh was excrutiating. I can now do 4 miles no problems.

I did some callanetics,some bits were painful so I swopped for Yoga classes & Pilates.
I have found these both help.

Oh yes, I was really popping those pain killers like toffees till I read an article - afterwards
I gave up Alcohol (as this aggrevates a bad back) increased amount of water I drink (flushes out toxins) and stopped taking the pain killers.

After a day or so the pain lessened, I only take pain killers now on the odd occassion - mainly when I have driven 200 miles round trip visit Mum in hospital alternate days, after 4th trip my back really is sore.

I hope this helps.
Just find what works for you.

Jane

 

[midnighteden]

Hi All,
most people I see with bad backs seem to be geting younger, and most have desk jobs, just thinking out loud here but could it be the posture combined with lack of movement which tend tokeep discs supple?
Less builders and gardeners come to see me with bad backs than IT consultants.
Any thoughts from others ?

 

[The answer Grape]

Bad posture when sitting at a desk all day will not help one bit. Ive always been in very physical jobs, mainly working with concrete and the lifting in that has produced very strong muscles in my back but ive still had my back give way. My consultant thought i did weight training when he saw my mri scans as the muscles were very well developed and prominent in the mri picture of my back. Ive lifted and carried balls of concrete in excess of 100kgs sometimes on a daily basis but mainly lifting upto 70kgs at a time, so this has probably caused my problems in my back but without it my muscles would not be as supportive if i had not done the lifting, a bit of a catch 22 situation.