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I have L4,L5 slipped disc. Do I have to go for operation?

Posted , 10 users are following.

wilsonljx
wilsonljx

I would say my lower back is giving me problems for around a year or so but at that time i thought it was muscle tear as I am someone who work out in the gym frequently. However, the pain doesn't goes off and I continue to work out in the gym thinking that it is just a normal muscle tear.

Just a few weeks ago, I decided to go for MRI as now my left leg couldn't even stretch straight and there will be a sharp pain from the left side of my lower back to my the whole of left leg. I have diagnosed with slipped disc L4 and L5 and the disc is pressing my nerves which is why causing the pain.

I have been going for physiotherapy for around 3 times and i spent around 10 mins doing some stretching that will strengthen my lower back but the pain doesn't seem to go off. I still couldn't stretch my left leg straight. Is it very severe and I have to go for operation? I am just 21 years old and I do not want to go for operation if it can be avoided especially it's at lower back. Would need some advice!

3 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • terrielou
    terrielou

    Posted

    Hi did your gp send you for the mri?If the gp did you may have to go back to them and ask to be referred to see a specialist who deals with the spine there are lots of other things to try before surgery is considered.I am waiting for surgery which is due in feb 14 when my surgeon returns but ive tried everything else .It wont get better on its own.You will find out what is your best option from a spinal specialist .I feel sorry that you have suffered so long with this pain.Hopefully you will get sorted soon.
  • wilsonljx
    wilsonljx

    Posted

    Yes, I went for mri which is why my specialist is suggesting operation. I have tried physio as well but it isn't getting better. You have decided to for for an operation already also?
  • jacqueline19869
    jacqueline19869

    Posted

    Dear fellow suffers,Wilson you seem very young to have an operation usually it is the last resort,has the

    consultant suggested an epidural steroid and anaesthetic injection which is done under xray conditions in hospital might mean staying over night.Good luck Terrie let us know how it goes going to my doctor today foran inflammatory injection,having to rely on friends to take me,hope it means I can eat my Christmas dinner

    sitting up!Happy Healthy Christmas and let us know your progress.

  • wilsonljx
    wilsonljx

    Posted

    I see, I am not sure if there is such treatment in my country. I am living in Singapore and the doctor only suggested physiotherapy and operation. Physiotherapy doesn't seem to cure the pain. Thanks for your advice and Merry Christmas to you too!
  • jacqueline19869
    jacqueline19869

    Posted

    You can only ask they could get from abroad Physio and chiro are useless for sciatica and discs
  • terrielou
    terrielou

    Posted

    jacqueline19869 I will do ! I have had all the shots epidurals cortisone ,not a thing helps I am now on Solphadol zydol lyrica vimevo plus last month my gp added on buprenorphine patches which are helping a bit but are not taking the pain away completely ,I am going to have another epidural in the next week or two hopefully not sure it will do anything but i am willing to try ..hate that my life is on hold for the last 6 mths esp since i have kids but im lucky my work said i can take as much time as need ( love my boss shes an angel smile What has been going on with your back ?)..wilsonljx i tried the Physiotherapy it didnt work sad it just made me worse I really hope you dont have to wait long to get answers and help for it !
  • jacqueline19869
    jacqueline19869

    Posted

    Hi Terrie24757, Had the MRI scan which shows that i have sciatica, and was put on co-codamol and got an appointment with the specialist

    Unfortunately I went to a chiropractor who had a very good reputation since seeing him I

    am now

    bed/house bound in agony,my doctor who is wonderful gave me two home visits with inflammatory

    injections which have not worked.I have not heard of the pills you are on ,hope you have been given

    Omeprazole to protect your tummy,I am now on co-codamol 30mg/500mg,Tramazdol,Robaxin,and

    diazepam.

    I am lucky my kids are adults but still live with me so they have helped but like you my life is on hold,and

    dreading New Years Eve when I will be lying on the sofa!

    I am going to ask the specialist for the injection under anaesthetic,did you have that one?I am raiding

    my savings to go private if necessary It does help to talk with fellow sufferers will be seeing him 6th Jan,

    will let you know,let me know your progress.

    j

  • bhartiyacool
    bhartiyacool wilsonljx

    Posted

    dear sir,

    I m also going through exactly the same problem like you.

    I am from India & i am going through this pain for over 4 years.

    My age is 24.I wish i could get a permanent relief from this pain as soon as possible.

    I wish you luck & pray that you get well soon.

    I dont wanna get operated.I would like to go for natural treatment.

    I found your article helpful & I wish you share things further.

    I would be following you on this.

    thanx & regards

    Paresh B

  • laura49003
    laura49003 wilsonljx

    Posted

    Hi Wilson

    i am sorry to hear of your pain i too had a prolapsed l4/5 disc touching the sciatic nerve with pain shooting down my buttock and left eg and into my toes, it was miserable. Sitting in my car trying to drive was hell for me. 

    After months of strong medication and injections i had a micro discectomy it took away all my nerve pain. Unfortunately 8 months later i developed discitis and my disc and s1 had horrific sharp pain so i had a spinal fusion for stability as i had bone rubbing bone. Week 7 since op and its as low recovery but i am optoptimistically wish you well 

    • bhartiyacool
      bhartiyacool laura49003

      Posted

      hi laura...

      its sad to hear what u r going through.

      i hope u recover soon.

  • danino000
    danino000 wilsonljx

    Posted

    Schedule and appointment with a chiropractor. I had the same concern which I still have remaining PT sessions, and scheduled for a chiro... Were you prescribed pregabalin as part of your rehabilitation thing?
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