L5 S1 Disc Herniation

[Naught-Nole-Buc]

Anyone currently have or have gone through this? Had some serious lower back pain a few weeks ago that quickly developed into shooting, burning pains down the side of my right leg down into my knee. Got the MRI results back today and it's a bulging/herniation of the right nerve in that region due to degenerative disc disease.

Dr prescribed Lyrica for the nerve pain... PT to work on rebuilding strength in that area... and is sending me to "pain management" for an epidural steroid injection. Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. What sucks is that I commute about 45 mins twice a day now - I've already purchased a little pillow to put between my lumbar region and the car seat.

 

[Huck Said]

BTDT. I've had two L5-S1 surgeries. It sucks, and I can totally relate to what you're going through. It's the most pain I've ever had to deal with (for prolonged periods, where I couldn't even get to sleep at night).

I would say to try to keep moving, nothing strenuous, but just to avoid atrophy of your supporting core muscles. Try to avoid sitting for too long (I see you've got the long commute), as that puts that L5-S1 region under a lot of compression.

To his credit, at least the Dr. isn't eager to get you under the knife. I would definitely exhaust all other options before getting surgery.

Good luck. (oh, and Bourbon. Lots of Bourbon).

 

[ericram]

Went through it a few years back. Sounds like you are doing all the right things. Follow the Dr's orders and do your home PT. Last resort get the surgery. I did and while there was improvement that disc is going to fail and will require a fusion later.

 

[grady327]

Eventually the nerve liner rubs off and numbness sets in. Unless the compression is from Inflammation and not the disc physically touching it. I went through 3 months of crutches and dragging my leg. Once my Pain went away most of my foot and calf started going numb. I demanded to be cut! It hurts from time to time, but I always ice it after working it tight and wedge a pillow behind my back when sitting always. You will never heal from this. But hopefully you will learn to manage it. I'm sure others will disagree, but PT is horrible. They made my issues worse. A close friend had the same issues with PT. that's my two cents, and it may not be worth that.