L4 L5 Bulging Disc with Annular Tear
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I have been suffering with lumbar back pain on and off for around 16 years, after I fell off a horse while learning to ride in the Army.
Since then I have definitely had periods of no pain, and periods of debilitating pain. In the last 3/4 years it has become constant, most of the time it's a dull ache. Sometimes it's a dull ache with sciatica in my right buttock and down the front of my right leg (quadricep), it doesn't travel below the knee.
I have now been told it's muscular, it's sacroiliitis or I have weak core muscles. I have been tested for Ankylosing Spondylitis (direct family history), I've had hydrotherapy, gym based physio at the local hospital, a lumbar epidural (lasted a day) and I've just been referred back to my GP after another 7 weeks of Physio.
I have seen an Orthopedic surgeon who gave me 3 options:
1. Do nothing.
2. Have yet more physio.
3. Spinal fusion.
As I write this I'm off work sick because my lower back is excruciating. I can barely move, although I am trying to keep active.
I'm lost I don't know what to do. I have diclofenac for the pain, that hasn't worked. This morning I took some over the counter co-codomol (not with the diclofenac!!), which took the edge off slightly.
I'm seeing my GP on Monday as my Physio has written him a letter. I haven't been privy to any of this correspondance but the physio read out what the Orthopedic surgeon wrote and that was that I have a "disc bulge with annular tear". How long for, I don't know...possibly 16 years?!
I'm going to ask for re-referral back to orthopedics, but, so far, nothing has worked for me. Is my only option now an operation to fix this? I know for sure I cannot carry on like this.
0 likes, 5 replies
horsehannah ShotoAndy
Posted
ShotoAndy horsehannah
Posted
david50463 ShotoAndy
Posted
I wish you look which ever direction you take .
David
p.s I have it and I rest excise and take Parocitemol (excuse spelling) I have tried all the nasties including Tramadol and they do not work for me.
ShotoAndy david50463
Posted
Thanks for the comment.
ptolemy ShotoAndy
Posted