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Lower back problems
Posted on 9/26/16 at 4:22 pm
Posted on 9/26/16 at 4:22 pm
Does anyone on here have issues with their lower back? Had an MRI today and found out that I have bulging and protruding discs from L2 to L5. Just wondering what to expect. I am not always in pain but I throw my back out about every 4-6 months.
Posted on 9/26/16 at 4:40 pm to bullyintigertown
Yes, I went through it for several years. Mine was L5 and S1. They'll start you with physical therapy. Be diligent with this. If it's early enough and the herniation isn't too bad, you'll get some relief. Next step is nerve blocks in the back. I didn't have any relief from these. The place I was getting those offered some other procedure(forget what it was, sorry) but my primary doc told me not to waste my time and sent me to an orthopedic surgeon.
4 years removed from micro discectomy surgery, and no complaints. I still get some tightness and moderate pain, but it's far from the debilitating pain I experienced before the surgery and I can usually knock it out with some ADvil or Aleve and some stretching.
Best advice I can give is try to stay away from the narcotic pain killers. I had more of them than I needed, and aside from the addiction risk, they became a crutch. I'd take them instead of doing simple stretches and exercises, so the problem just persisted and got worse. You'll need them for those times you throw it out completely and can't get out of the bed, but I was taking 4-5 everyday just to numb the pain and function regularly.
4 years removed from micro discectomy surgery, and no complaints. I still get some tightness and moderate pain, but it's far from the debilitating pain I experienced before the surgery and I can usually knock it out with some ADvil or Aleve and some stretching.
Best advice I can give is try to stay away from the narcotic pain killers. I had more of them than I needed, and aside from the addiction risk, they became a crutch. I'd take them instead of doing simple stretches and exercises, so the problem just persisted and got worse. You'll need them for those times you throw it out completely and can't get out of the bed, but I was taking 4-5 everyday just to numb the pain and function regularly.
Posted on 9/26/16 at 4:54 pm to The Spleen
I do not take any pain killers other than the OTC stuff. I hope they advise physical therapy. Surgery sounds scary. I remember the 80's when back surgery was the last and worst option. Most of the time I am fine with no pain. When I hurt it I get a steroid shot and dose pack and I am better in about 3 days.
Posted on 9/26/16 at 5:15 pm to bullyintigertown
I always heard that about back surgery, but they've made tremendous advances. I had the surgery on a Tuesday morning, was home by lunch, and was back at work the following Monday. The first couple of days were really rough, but by Friday I was walking up and down the stairs and around the block.
If you're a candidate for the discectomy(my surgeon said only about 15% of back pain sufferers benefit from it), I can't recommend it enough.
If you're a candidate for the discectomy(my surgeon said only about 15% of back pain sufferers benefit from it), I can't recommend it enough.
Posted on 9/26/16 at 5:22 pm to bullyintigertown
I've dealt with the same issue for years. The best investment I ever made, on the advice of a physical therapist, was an inversion table. Avoid surgery if possible.
Posted on 9/26/16 at 6:43 pm to bullyintigertown
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This post was edited on 1/10/21 at 1:05 pm
Posted on 9/26/16 at 6:55 pm to bullyintigertown
Jefferson Curls really helped my back. Herniated disc at L2.
Posted on 9/26/16 at 8:03 pm to DarthTiger
Last week I sitting in the truck and reached over to the passenger side to put my shoes and shirt down. When I leaned back up my back locked up and i had shooting pains for 20 seconds. I have been walking and had it go out.
Posted on 9/26/16 at 8:20 pm to bullyintigertown
I had the very same problem in my twenties. My orthopedic surgeon prescribed a strict regimen of exercises to correct the problem. I followed his instructions diligently and the problem corrected itself. I've had no problems since.
Posted on 9/26/16 at 9:07 pm to bullyintigertown
Bulging discs will normally fix themselves with rest, stretching, and anti inflammatories. Be as careful as possible and follow a physical therapists rules so it can heal and not get worse. Back surgery is no bueno. Maybe the most important thing to know, which was already mentioned above but worth reiterating, stay clear of narcotics as much as possible .
I've had a 360 lumbar fusion where they took my guts out to remove the bad discs, 360 thoracic fusion where it's pretty much open heart surgery and back surgery in one, and a slew of 360 cervicals which are cake walks compared to the other two. I also now have a spinal cord stimulator. I've had dozens of shots, nerve blocks, imaging shite, etc, etc so feel free to ask any questions about any of this stuff if needed.
I've had a 360 lumbar fusion where they took my guts out to remove the bad discs, 360 thoracic fusion where it's pretty much open heart surgery and back surgery in one, and a slew of 360 cervicals which are cake walks compared to the other two. I also now have a spinal cord stimulator. I've had dozens of shots, nerve blocks, imaging shite, etc, etc so feel free to ask any questions about any of this stuff if needed.
Posted on 9/26/16 at 11:28 pm to bullyintigertown
The steroids and pacs will not fix the problem. I had a laminectomy (sp) done in 2010. I had no choice but to get the surgery, the front of my legs went numb. It's not like the old days, do what needs to be done. I can still function, but my case was extreme from what I was told. Remember no one ever said "I used to have a bad back". Take care of yourself and good luck.
Posted on 9/26/16 at 11:30 pm to retreaux
Reading the posts above mine, you should have hope to get better without surgery. As I said, I really didn't have a choice.
Posted on 9/27/16 at 6:54 am to bullyintigertown
If you take narcotic pain pills, try to wait as late in the day as possible and not do it every day in a row.
Nothing wrong in using them for relief but of you ever start to enjoy them take a break.
Nothing wrong in using them for relief but of you ever start to enjoy them take a break.
Posted on 9/27/16 at 9:04 am to Hardy_Har
The only time I have ever taken narcotics is earlier this year when I had a kidney stone while on vacation in Disney World. I could not get any relief from anything while we were there. The doctor proscribed a minor pain pill and it did not have any effect for me. I don't remember which one it was. Loratab maybe? I only took two and just dealt with it for five days.
Posted on 9/27/16 at 10:34 pm to bullyintigertown
Had back problems for years and been to a couple docs. Tons of stretching daily, crunches, and whatever you can to strengthen legs and core. Walk a couple miles a day. And be careful jerking off; you can't do the all-day marathon sessions trying every position like you did when you were 18.
As awkward as it looks/feels, pelvic lifts are a good regular exercise.
As awkward as it looks/feels, pelvic lifts are a good regular exercise.
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