Quote:
Originally Posted by PainBecomesMe
I am a 49 year-old male who has been fit and in good health my whole life. I was working out 5-6 days a week and leading a normal, active life. 10 years ago, I had an MRI of my spine showing a slight herniation (2-3mm) in 1 disk in my lumbar and several other disk bulges. Besides occasional back pain which I was able to live with, I felt it had not impinged on my life, though I did occasionally go to a chiropractor to alleviate occasional low-back pain.
5 weeks ago I was simply horsing around playing basketball with my 10 year-old niece and I suddenly felt something happen in my left, lower back (like something popped or ripped or tore in one specific spot). I was able to continue and even worked out a couple hours later (though the dull pain persisted). By that night, I was unable to stand up. Went to the ER, they did an MRI and it showed I had 2 herniated disks (L1-2 & L4-5) that were 5mm protrusions + 4 other disk bulges on the other disks. I have occasional burning/tingling/numbness down the left leg into the foot, but it is not consistent.
I have already been to one Neurosurgeon, as well as a Chiropractor, Physiatrist, and Physical Therapist. The neurosurgeon prescribed 12 weeks of PT which I started 2 weeks ago, but I don't know how this is going to make my disks herniations go away. The surgeon said if PT doesn't work, then there is an epidural, then finally surgery. The chiropractor seemed more optmistic that he can make the herniations go away through pilates, deep-tissue massage, laser heat, and accupuncture. I had the first session a week ago and felt good when I left, but then the next 3 days had intense burning sensation down my left leg and foot. My physical therapist said he should have never done deep-tissue massage near the herniations. I won't be going back to that chiro!
I am really scared that I will never be the same and be able to do things I once did or live a normal life. In fact, because I also have disk degeneration, I fear that eventually that all my disks will give me trouble (in 5-10 years). It seems there are so many contradictory answers and opinions and false hope out there and it's difficult to wade through all of it, especially since surgery seems like it could never truly fix the problem and very possibly, make it worse and irreparable. I wanted to know if anyone on this forum has ever recovered from multi-disk herniations that are 5mm without surgery, and if you feel there is something you might be able to recommend?
Thank you very much.
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I have a friend who is going through exactly what you are and she is avoiding surgery at all possible costs and while it is a long road she is prepared for it. discs do heal themselves but you have to put the effort in and most people take a quick option and go for surgery as a quick fix. back surgery is very hit and miss. so far your replies are telling you, no chiro, chiro, decompression and surgery!! You can D.I.Y. with pain mgt, excercise, huge caution, major posture correction, BUT if is effort and requires dedication and hard work. P/T definitely (chiro - seriously how does bone cracking help? deep tissue massage achieves the same thing without pressurizing the joints like that) Decompression, sounds good to me but I have not tried it so cannot comment. surgery, (that has a 50/50 of doing more harm then good) for a disc that can in time heal itself ? (Dr.s tell you 80%+ success but those statistics are based on if your pain is 10 before and 7.5 after it is successful)
I cannot stress POSTURE POSTURE POSTURE enough, wether you are standing lying sitting, do so properly, get a P/T to show you how to do all of this. It totally eases stress on all discs and helps to reduce wear and tear and should help with the problem disc over time. it takes a few weeks for correct posture to feel comfortable, you will feel like your neck and shoulders are stiff all the time, but that is normal. also, try gentle walking and build it up, again using good posture. dont lift heavy items, bend, use sweeping motions, make a bed, rake etc all of these will inflame the disc and slow the process. COMMIT to doing it yourself, ask your P/T for a time frame if you do it right and see how you go before deciding on surgery.
good luck!