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sciatica pain

Posted , 4 users are following.

prr
prr

hi i had bulging disc over two years ago and i was sent for mri scan  a while later i got cortosone injection into L5 disc worked ok and lasted for a few years,two months ago it returned and is very painfull the doctors gave painkillers and said to exercise couldnt stand up never mind exercise,,im confused on why they are asking me to see a spine specialist  which is taking months and why dont they just do the injection like they did a few years ago  ,anyone any answers?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • patricia4866
    patricia4866 prr

    Posted

    Hello Prr. I am Patricia from the US. I assume you are in the UK? Wow, I am impressed that you had 2 yrs relief from a bulging disc of the lumbar spine. I don't know you age or activity levels but my best guess is that your disc popped itself back into place 2 yrs ago and has now prolapsed again. Unfortunately, our lumbar back takes an awful lot of abuse over our lifetimes and once injured there is a very good chance that we will re-injur in the same area u less we are very mindful of our actions and lift loads.

    in answer to your question about a repeat of the steroid injection, my best guess would be that like in the US, in the UK I am sure that it takes a specialist to do the injection itself and it is usually done under ultrasound or CT Scan guidance. At least my cervical one was. Your physician appears to be taking a conservative approach for now to see what this disc is going to do. Have you tried ice, a back brace, and anti-inflamatory meds such as OTC Ibuprophen? I managed my pain with 600mg Motrin upon waking and before bed every day for 13 months prior to my fusion and disectomy 3 months ago, but I have a very high pain tolerance. What pushed my surgery was that my legs began to fail w/o warning and it became a safety factor....it had progressed to a severe cord compression that can paralyze you if you are not mindful. I am a nurse, so I knew the signs and all of the things not to do that would worsen the condition. I hope this has helped and I wish you luck. If you can, try the Ibuprophen to ease the pain and at least try to save the narcotics for the times you just can't get comfortable enough to sleep, get yourself a sturdy back brace and start icing the lower back as often as you can. These are all things that can help with the discomfort. Again, good luck to you.

    Patricia

    • glenn06752
      glenn06752 patricia4866

      Posted

      Hi Patricia - I have suffered with sciatica for at least 20 years or more. My MRI shows a herniated disc at the L-5/S-1 region. My neurosurgeon has recommended a foraminotomy. He basically said the procedure is quite successful and done as an outpatient. I was just wondering if you are familiar with the surgery and what your opinion was on their success. At 66 years old, I'm not too anxious to have back surgery but it appears my back condition worsens as I get older. I have not tried any injections. I have had some relief with Physical Therapy and chiropractic. I use alleve to manage my pain on my most days. I use ice and heat, on and off. Thanks for your time. Glenn
  • amanda_84583
    amanda_84583 prr

    Posted

    Hi I like yourself had approximately 2 years pain relief from injections , now I am due to go back in on Friday for L4L5 nerve root and facet joint injections, I have been waiting a year for this I can't wait to take a break from all the medication , and just to be pain free for a while  , however they have said surgery is likely in the future sad  try to get an appt to see your doctor again and again mine were sick of seeing me , hope you get sorted soon , I have never known pain like it . Good luck.
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