[jayd0484]

Hello, I am new to the forums and I was hoping to find some support with my condition.

As described in the title, The disc at L5-S1 protrudes 9mm to the right side and impinges the S1 nerve root. It's been a problem since August of 2013 and I've done the standard treatments so far. The first two months was bed rest/strong meds while they did an EMG confirming early stages of nerve damage. I got my first injection in Nov, and it gave me great relief, but only for about 4 weeks. By week 6 I was worse off than before. I got the 2nd injection in Jan, and this one has lasted a few weeks longer. The pain is still present but it's not anywhere near as severe as before. This could also be partly due to better management of my medications.

The first physical therapist I tried didn't know much about my condition and it was an unsuccessful endeavor in every way. Luckily she did know someone in town that specialized in back and spine and I've been seeing him since my 2nd shot. He really knows his stuff, and he's been working with me mostly on passive and assisted mobilization.It's been over a month and he says progress is much slower than he'd expect. It's still impossible for me to straighten the right leg and have more than a 30% bend without extreme pain.

I've also been using acupuncture to help with the pain and overall general health. it has been helpful in its own way. I've also changed my diet and lost 20 lbs. to help with the everyday bodily compression, though I feel I am now at an ideal weight (5'6" @ 140 lbs) and no more can/should be lost.

I take 5-loxin for inflammation and have cut out grains to reduce systemic inflammation in an effort to help the effects of the epidural last as long as possible. I also supplement with fish oil.

Despite all this my PT and I are frustrated because we can't make much progress. The nerve is still hung up and it severely limits my ability to do much of anything.

I am scheduling another EMG to see if damage is progressing. I want to avoid surgery if possible and will try whatever I need to that end.

Can anyone give any recommendations? Has anyone had non-surgical success at resolving this condition? Any and all info is GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you!