Prolapsed disc, which therapy?

[maggiebridget09]

I'm wanting some advice and suggestions please. I have two prolapsed/herniated/whatevertheycallitthisweek discs, one of which presses on the sciatic nerve. I've already had one caudal epidural injection, which really helped for 6 months, hardly took a painkiller for the first 4-5 months! That's now worn off, and I'm now in pain again. The pain has been excruciating at times this last week, probably because I've had a cough now for several weeks.

Anyway, my question is, not so much which therapy is best, but more on how they would work on that sort of problem. Physiotherapy so far just seems to be exercises. Chiropractic I kind of understand, but believe it's more to do with pain relief rather than actual "fixing it though I could be wrong there!", I don't really know what an osteopath would do for this condition at all.

Is someone able to explain one or more of the different therapies out there, how they would help, how they would work and what they'd actually do?

I'm suspecting that eventually I might need surgery, but would like to avoid that if possible.

Susan

 

[jurrecluche]

is thisthe result of an accident or gradual onset, there is so much you can do yourself by mobilising the spine, PM me for more advice or post here with general background info
regards
BGFL
ps I had client last night with 2 prolapsed discs and sciatica since june 2011, she couldnt walk in but walked out and it was mainly postural problems adapting the neutral spine which can be sorted easier than if an accident caused the problems
and she is now not looking at surgery which had been recommended by ......her surgeon

 

[Spencer]

Thanks for the reply BGFL!

A bit of history. For many years, I had on and off problems with my back. The occasional trapped nerve, and muscle spasms from time to time. Occasionally my back would go out of line, I'd stand kind of bent, and one hand came lower than the other! It would then be ok again.

Anyway, in late 2005, officially obese, I went on a calorie controlled diet. Lost average of 1½lbs a week, so not fast or anything, and over a year lost 6 stone. By this time I'd taken up running, used the gym regularly (working on strength, including abdominal strength) cycled quite a bit too. In 2008 I ran London Marathon in just under 4½ hours, so was reasonably fit. During this period I had very little problems with my back. Just occasionally I'd get muscle spasms, but usually if I'd done something I could put my finger on, like lifting wrong.

Now, in November 2009, I was having just a few problems with my back, it went out of line again, and I went to the GP, he gave me diazepam. A few days later a child at the school where I worked (special needs) "hung" on my neck in fun, for a few seconds taking his feet off the floor. I felt something in my back at the time. It took a couple of days before the problem showed itself. I couldn't put my sock on or shoe to go to work!

Turned out in time that I had two herniated discs. Problem is around L4/5 and also L5/S1 Doctors have said it was probably a problem waiting to happen, due to history of back going out of line.

Anyway, that's the main history! Have been told that if I do manage to take up running again (at the moment not a chance, and suprise suprise, I've put weight back on, not quite to where I was before, but I'm no longer fit!) that marathon running is out.


Susan

 

[Back Attcha]

It sounds like you are a chiropractor? I think anyone with a disc problem has to be careful as it has been shown, and reported in threds here, that some chiros can do more harm than good and irritate an already prolapsed disc into herniation.

Now, I am not anti chiro,s I have my own that has seen me on many times hobble in and then walk out, but also I have found that the relief can be shortlived as the manipulation just allows the swelling to reduce and it then builds back up as the problem is not solved. However, once he had seern my mri he refused to treat me with any manipulation techniques and only would do massage.

I really do recommend this book, I found the title on HP lol and it has helped me understand my back and the docs!

Sarah Key's, Back Sufferer's Bible
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sarah-Keys-Back-Sufferers-Bible/dp/0091814944/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327491606&sr=1-1




Time is the best healer but few of us give our bodies a chance these days

 

[Im back for my TC title]

Sorry but your supposition is wrong, I am a rehab specialist, specialising in sporting injuries and particular interest with postural issues which in turn affect the sporting performance. I reitterate there is much WE can do that doesnt involve manipulations, education is the key

regards
BGFL

 

[DarkMagix]

Hi Susan,

In March 2010 (I was 26yrs)I started my worst period of back pain or should I say leg pain, I was in agony no painkillers touched me and I was struggling to walk or sit. I spent a small fortune on oestopath appointments that I really dont know if they did anything. I was referred to a specialist in May who did an MRI and showed my prolapsed disk and pinched nerve L4/L5 (I had numb toes) I had an epidural about 3 days later as i was barely functioning . I was told it helps to reduce inflmation around the disk. The pain eased but never went away. I had never really wanted surgery but after lots of discussion, research and soul searching I went with it (Not something I took lightly). I had been told that the longer you continued to have pain then the nerves get more damaged and then sometimes the surgery isn't as effective as you are left with some pain/tingling in the leg. I had the surgery in June (was a massive descision for me did lots of research and questioning the specialst) As soon as I came round from the op bar the pain in my back from the operation my leg didn't hurt at all and I was so relieved. I made a great recovery and even sat on my horse 6 weeks after surgery, I contiued with pilates and had a very active 2011 competing in horse driving trials and working with children during the week. The last 2 weeks I have had back pain (i sneezed whilst putting on a sock) and since the weekend pain in my right leg and buttock again. The physio has said that it is likely to be a prolapsed disk (the same one I had operated on (l4/l5) we are giving it 6 weeks with physio exercises and pottering about. The doctor said 'keep active' however the physio has said to listen to my leg and lay down when i need a rest. As it is believed to be the same disk and it has already been operated on they say it has a better chance of slipping back in (for want of a better word). The physio exersise are very similar to the pilates I have previously done. The cocktail of drugs are at least dulling the pain a little. Drinking lots of water i'm told helps to up the fluid intake. Listen to your body was nice to hear from the physio as the doctor was only half listening when i tried to talk about previous painkillers i'd tried and had reactions to and the pain. I think different things work for different people, I had acupuncture and other treatments with the oestopath but this time I am trying physio. It is so very depressing to back in this situation. Thankfully there is so much on the internet and so great books you can read to help.