Herniated Disc (HELP)
 

So I am a mess over here first off I have bulging C1-C5 in neck and L5 close to herniated.It is completely numb with pain now.I have tried the cortisone shots and for the L5 it made my bottom get bigger from steroid, I have a back brace, and my physiatrist gave me pain medication that does not help my pain. I do not know what to do because if I get another cortisone shot in L5 it will make it worse like last time.Any suggestions because I am going to appointment Fri.Any feedback I appreciate.

If the injection did NOT help your pain, DO NOT have another one!!! The next injection will not work either, and steroids are not good for the body. So do NOT let them do another one.

Why not ask your doctor to refer you to physical therapy? Many times therapy will help the pain. If your physiatrist hasn't tried therapy, then talk to your doc and ask for physical therapy. Pool therapy is very beneficial too. Also pain management can work too, although they usually want to try injections and they don't seem to work on you --- so don't let them do it if you should go to pain management.

You might want to take your MRI films to a Neurosurgeon ONLY for an opinion. Do not jump into surgery. Just get an opinion and if he DOES suggest surgery, get 2 more opinions from other Neurosurgeons and see what they say. Never jump into surgery without at least 3 opinions.

I wish you the very best. Let us know what happens. God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee