Does anyone have personal experience with bulging lumbar discs and degenerative disc disease?
I recently got diagnosed (through MRI and X-Ray) with a bulging disc in my lumbar (low spine) region as well as minimal degeneration of one disc in the same area. I’m looking for answers from those who have personal experience with pain management. I’ve done research so I don’t need websites explaining what these things are, just input on what others have done to manage the problem. I’m already on NSAIDs and do not want to resort to any injections as of now. So non-medicinal advice would be most appreciated.
I’m a young adult, a competitive horseback rider and I am active in core strengthening classes such as pilates and yoga. I cannot physically lift weights because of a previous shoulder injury. I am also currently in a physical therapy program.
Thanks!
Tagged with: bulging disc • google • horseback rider • medicinal advice • mri • nsaids • pain management • personal experience • physical therapy program • pilates • script type • shoulder injury • spine • text javascript • weights • x ray • yoga • young adult
Filed under: Low Back Pain
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When I read your question, I thought, gosh, did I just ask this?? I have a bulging discs in my lumbar (4- 5) region, also causing sciatica (due to the discs being pressed against the nerve root), which causes the pain to shoot down my left leg, all the way to the foot. Also, it causes pain in the bottom of my feet, and my feet tend to "go to sleep" frequently. It is so severe that I can’t hardly get out of bed, and the result is that the pain has almost debilitated my life! I was referred to a neurosurgeon 3 months from the onset (Nov. 06′) and now, even after a nerve block, and an EMG (a test that can determine how much nerve damage is present, if so, etc), he is suggesting surgery. I’ve also been seeing a physical therapist, taking prescription pain medication, to no avail. The best advice I can offer you, is to continue your therapy, and with your level of activity, you may consider slowing down a bit, to see if it helps. I’ve heard bed rest is recommended, but that has not helped me in the least. If your Doctor starts recommending surgery as well, please get a second opinion, and consider all options before doing so. Sorry that I couldn’t be more of assistance, I’m also looking at any options that I can find as well.
Wow I am so glad I am not the only one. I was diagnosed about a year ago when I ended up falling down some stairs. Got a MRI(Fell asleep during it thank god.LOL) and they told me I have 2 bulging disks. S1-S4 and L5-L4 and they said that i also have ddd in those disks. Yeah I would not recommend the shots. I got 3 steroid shots with in a 2 month period and all it did for me was I gained 20 pounds with in a month and my immune system has been down ever since then. Something to try is ask your doctor to send you to physical therapy and have them show you diffrent moves to help your lower back. For the past year I have gone through so much pain and regreted getting the shots. Another thing is that this could be in your family. It was in mine my mother had the same thing. I am in the same boat. The refuse to do sugery on me because I am so young. I am only 18 and am already going through this. I hope that this helps and if you want to talk more just e-mail me.