Lumbar Disk Herniation
 

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.

Hi ~ I''d continue with the physical therapy for as long as was recommended. At home, I'd use ice on the back, for 20 minutes every 2 hours or so. DO NOT USE HEAT as heat draws blood to the heated area, and that area already is swollen in there and drawing blood to it creates more swelling. Ice reduces swelling and also numbs the area. Use the ice when you get back from physical therapy.

You're right ~ you never should have gone to the Chiro. Don't ever go back. I had 2 different Neurosurgeons tell me that unless I wanted to be paralyzed and/or in a wheelchair, don't go to a chiropractor. They both said that anyone with back problems should stay away from them!!!

It is hard to recommend anything since you have degenerative disc disease. With all the discs drying out, that in turn reduces the disc space height and makes the spine unstable. Discs tend to herniate when the spine is unstable. I've had 2 open surgeries due to herniated discs, and these surely did NOT make things better for me. If anything, it made things worse, as my spine became unstable due to the surgery. Even if you have fusion (which I did not) your spine is left unstable and the discs above and below are apt to herniate or at least bulge. Pain is NOT a reason to have surgery either, as surgery only corrects mechanical problems. It does NOT correct pain. If any doctor tells you he can relieve your pain thru surgery, he's lying. Many times you're left with the same pain, or worse after surgery. So it's difficult to advise you what to do UNLESS the disc is impinging on the spinal cord and then you MUST have surgery. Also surgery is a MUST when you have cauda equina syndrome, where you've lost control of bowel & bladder function.

If I could, I would avoid surgery until I'd exhausted EVERY other avenue, i.e. spinal cord stimulator, morphine pump, epidurals, etc. If none of those work, then I might consider surgery. But I'd also try pain management first too. Surgery should be a last resort. God bless, and I hope you find an answer. Take care. Hugs, Lee

PainBecomesMe....
 

http://dl3.glitter-graphics.net/pub/...ss0jzyq4uq.gif
Just droppin by to give you a welcome hug ..... :hug: ... a SOFT one that is!
I am so sorry about your back issues......
You've found a wonderful place for support and great information.....

You've been through alot....

One of the things from your post that jumped right out at me was when you mentioned getting so many conflicting opinions and false hope....
ain't that the truth....!
One of the best things about this forum is , you won't get 'false' hope....
....just HOPE. :)
The wonderful people here just never let up :grouphug:

Caring
Rae

I had my l4 operated on and 90 percent of it removed. Mine was off by 11 mm and my whole trunk was tilted to the left. Surgery went great. That kind of surgery is a lot better now plus they can put spacers in like they did to one of the guys in the ufc. Almost all the time nothing works but the surgery. I believe you are wasting your time unless you can go the places that have spinal decompression machines. Good luck with the surgery.









QUOTE=PainBecomesMe;648316]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.[/QUOTE]

Hi I'm new, my name is Deja and recommend chiropractic care...preferrably with a chiro who practices The Pettibon System which is a full spinal reguvenation program. Id also find one who practices decompression and knowledge therapy!! Unless a disc herniation has extruded intp tbe cauda equina, I do not believe surgery is necessary. Greatest blessings to u!

Hi there, first off I'm so sorry your having this pain and symptoms.
Second, as a Chiropractic Assistant, I would suggest that you go back to a chiropractor who has a DRX9000 Spinal Decompression machine. ** This is a SURGICAL ALTERNATIVE treatment that helps with your condition. Chiropractic care along with treatment will do you wonders. I've worked with many many patients who have been through this treatment who have had 100 percent recovery. Spinal surgery is a very very serious thing and has a very low success rate, so this is something to look into.

If you need help finding a chiropractor in your area who has one, please let me know and I will help you.

I hope everything works out for you.

Facet Arthrosis
 

Does anyone know anything about Facet Arthrosis? I was in a car accident in 2005 and have had cervical surgery replacing 3 of the discs in my neck with artificial discs. I have had a lot of pain and problems with my lower back also. At this point I can't walk but 2 to 3 feet and have to stop and either bend over or sit down, the pain is absolutely unbearable. It runs down my legs into my feet and my hips and lower back are so bad I can't stand it, even when I sit down it hurts. It seems lately I have felt a pressure that makes it feel as though I have to go to the bathroom but when I do, I don't really have to go that much.
I went for an MRI that showed Bilateral L-4-5 and L5-S1 facet arthrosis. I have read and read on it but just do not seem to be able to see what my options are. I just had 4 injections into my spine this past week which does not seem to help, I am having the same problems with walking and standing and even sitting with my back against anything. Is the last option for this type of diagnosis another surgery? I was told when I had the original surgery on my neck in 2006 that I would require more surgeries in the future, but am just wondering if anyone else has dealt with Bilateral Facet Arthrosis and what has worked for them or what hope they were given.

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!