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Back Brace?

Posted , 2 users are following.

NicolaAnne1994
NicolaAnne1994

Hi I have had sciatica for well over a year now...and in July I found out it was due to 2 discs bulging at L5 and S1 ( I think) I was put on the waiting list....and I am still waiting...the pain is unbearable! I cannot sit on a bus or anywhere for a long period of time...

My boyfriend suggested getting a back brace...but I am not too sure what they would do for me? 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • patricia4866
    patricia4866 NicolaAnne1994

    Posted

    Hi NicolaAnne,

    My problem was L4-L5. I used a heavy duty back brace, as well as gel ice packs often times held in place with the back brace, and Ibuprophen 600mg every 6 hrs to get me through 12 hr shifts 3 days per wk. I was a.Bedside RN on an Orthopaedic Surgical and Trauma unit looking forward to retirement when my pain begain. Ieven in the US, it took 13 months from onset of discomfort to excruciatingly agonizing pain before My Laminectomy and fusion.

  • patricia4866
    patricia4866 NicolaAnne1994

    Posted

    Hi again NicolaAnne. Sorry about that but I will finish now. U less your.Disc bulges start at a higher level...say L4-L5-S1, i think you could try a back brace but bc of S1, I don't think it will help. I had two kinds. One was a flimsy white elastic one that was pretty much a waste of money and a heavy duty one that was black a made for folks that have yo lift heavy things...it offered the most support and comfort. I PAID $35.00 (US) for the black one. Good luvk and please let me know how you are making out. Patricia
    • NicolaAnne1994
      NicolaAnne1994 patricia4866

      Posted

      Hi thank you for that...I understand what you are saying...I am on no pain relief as nothing works for me and my GP won't try me on anything stronger than co-codamol. My biggest bulge is the L5 I just cant remember the smaller one! it's next to the L5 though?? 
  • patricia4866
    patricia4866 NicolaAnne1994

    Posted

    Hi NicolaAnne. My best guess is that you are dealing with a smaller disc bulge between L4-L5 with the larger one between L5-S1...which causes you the pain while sitting. I had to look up your co-codamol to identify its equivilent here in the States. Ibuprophen, and Tramadol are in its class but it is a combination pain med containing Acetaminaphen so my suggestion is to try alternating Ibuprophen 600mg every 8 hrs with your

    co-codamol that way you are getting the effects of some kind of pain

    relief every 4 hrs. And don't forget to ice the area when pain in bad...it

    helps. Pls feel better soon and do stay in touch.

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