Prolapsed disc

[AussieGirl]

Hi I am new on here. After suffering a prolapsed disc L5/S1 which resulted in weakness and a foot drop in my left leg i made a good recovery but slowly over time the symptoms are creeping back and getting worse, i'm getting regular "twinges" which are very painful and more sciatica, i'm worried its all going to happen again. I am 29 years old, am a community nurse (not good for your back!!) and me and my husband are starting to think about having a baby. I get very depressed at the thought of giving up nursing but really feel i should be taking responsibilty for my back not getting any worse and really would not know where to start looking for something else, i'm also scared about the effects of a pregnancy on my back - also very depressing as desperately want to have a baby.
Would be great to hear from anyone in a similar position or had gone through this and come out the other side with a positive outcome?
Thanks

 

[Ice Cold]

Hello,
I have disk prolapse L5S1 and sciatica. Just found out I was 2 weeks pregnant. Have no idea how these things would efect each other, but seeing neurosurgent soon and will let you know.

 

[Part Time Cynic]

Hi Sarah
I understand the 'work' (I'm a community OT with the NHS amongst other things and work closely with DNs in my area ) and it can be a huge strain. Years ago I had a accident and crushed C6/C7 and the disc got re-absorbed, and through protective postural changes I developed a prolapsed disc L4/5.
I had lots of physio, which didn't help, and then went to see a chinese doctor who did tui na (traditional chinese massage) and I became a new person. He introduced me to chi kung (qigong) for back pain as well as treating the problem directly.
If you are wanting to do this yourself I would recommend "Back Pain Relief" by Dr Yang Jwing-Ming (isbn: 1-59439-025-8), and as a second choice 'Healing Back Pain' Dr John Sarno (don't have the isbn handy) - very different approaches.
I used, and still use, the principles from qigong on a daily basis and I'm unlucky if I get one bad day every two months. I even took courses in traditional chinese massage as I was so impressed with it.
Don't give in or give up, but do take control.
All the best wishes.

p.s. re sciatica - nice easy thing to try is to get a soft tennis ball-sized ball, and sit down somewhere comfortable. Feel for a tender spot behind and below your hip and tuck the ball in there and settle your weight on it for a few minutes - it can work wonders (but do not persevere if it's really really painful to do) - if you Google images for 'Huantiao', this is the gall bladder 30 point for sciatic pain, you'll see where my poor explanation should have guided you too.