Do you have a herniated disc?

Well, I definitely feel for all of you. I was just recently diagnosed with a "large" herniation of the L4/5 disc w/a mild bulg at L5/S1. I initially injured my back two years ago; but at the time didn't know it was my disc; even though I had suspisions. I heard a "pop" and couldn't stand up. It eased up and off and on I would have issues. This year I started having more issues again. The final straw was when I went boogie boarding and playing in the waves at Nags Head this summer. At the end of the week on our drive home (3-4 hrs) I was in so much pain I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital. It felt better after about 2 weeks, but only for a week. Then for almost 3 months I have been in extreme pain. I have been doing physical therapy, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers as needed. After my visit to the neurosurgeon this week it has gotten even worse. Now I can barely move and I had to resort to Demoral for pain relief. I am being conservative though and trying an epidural steroid injection in two weeks to see how that does. If for some reason I get this and it doesn't work; I will get another. My doctor did say though that if a couple of injections don't work then more than likely my body will not be able to "heal" itself (reabsorb the herniation) and I will probably need surgery. My neuro though is excellent and doesn't want to perform surgery unless it is absolutely necessary.

Don't be in a rush to have surgery. I had a herniated disc in my lower back and yes the first couple of months was very painful, so i opted for physiotherapy. They helped me alot and showed me exercises to help relieve some of the pain. I slept with my legs raised up on cushions (3-4 sofa cushions) and that also helped. I was also on pain meds which helped a lot but also made my drowsy and sometimes sick. I also thought it was because I was "a bunch of nerves" meaning because we just moved to USA at that time, i had a lot on my shoulders to take care of and i was always obsessed with keeping our house clean everyday so i cut down on all of that, and tried to make my life a lot more stress free. I was amazed to find that also relieved a lot of pressure off my back. Its been 6 months since I had a herniated disc and its pretty much 99% better. Now and then I get the odd pain when I overdo it so..I have also started up walking to try to lose some weight as I think that also played a huge part on my back. I had xrays done, MRI to confirm the herniated disc and was referred to a neurologist and the first thing they suggested I do was to have an operation. They didn't think anything else would work, but i thought otherwise. I think too many people rush into having an operation without seeking other non surgical procedures. I opted for physio, rest and to take better care of myself and I am glad that I did not have the surgery!!!

Yes its the worst pain you can have.I had two in my neck which I finally had surgery. I am sooooooooglad I did. I dont have to take any thing now. Im loving it. I suggest you check it out. But first you have to go to the best doctor that you know. If you dont know do some research. Sounds like it is inyour lower back. Am I right? I could not even turn my neck. It looked like I had a stiff neck all the time. If you have any questions I am here for you.