Prolapsed Disk

I slipped a disc and I've been suffering for 10 months now. 

Like you, I also had the epidural injection and felt nothing and surgery is my next option but it's not something I want to go through. 

A lot of people have suggested swimming as the movement can encourage the disc to go back AND the water takes your weight meaning your legs and back don't take as much strain. Also, hydrotherapy is something to look into, appearntly it's the most relaxing thing you can ever experience and it really helps with the pain. 

I've done a lot of research over the last few months and it's actually the gel around the disc that is prolapsed and it can go back in over time (any where to 18 months) but it is vital to rest until you feel ready to do some gental exercise, just don't over do it. 

I hope you feel better very soon

I have 2 on my neck and I at the bottom. If I'm not mistaken, I think it's C 5 & 6 and L 5. Had terrible pains and even had difficulties concentrating at work as well. It was very depressing as I've heard horror stories about how bad it can be and once you get it, it's for life. Ever since then, I've gone to the internet and done some researches as well on disc herniation and the recovery process. Truthfully, my Neuro otho surgean requested that operate and I said no. The good news is, based on my research and forums like this, I've discovered that 90% of ppl with these conditions heal. It says that in order for healing to happen, you spine needs oxygen to heal. Ever since then, I've taken up a little stretching techniques (Pilates) that I've taken off YouTube (something simple and not too complicated and does not strain your back) 3 times a day and swim 5 times a week. On the days I don't swim, I walk about 3km after my evening. I watch my meals and kept my weight down. It's been 3 months now and touch wood, my pain has gone and I live a pain free life. There are occasions I feel a slight pain, but it's very bearable. But this happens very occasionally only. My advice, surgery should be you last option and try these things first.

Do not under any circumstances swim breast stroke or any frontal stroke!!!. As an ex professional swimming instructor as well as someone who has had a double prolapse at L4/ L5   I Can tell you that this way of swimming places too much strain on the lower back. Best way is to lie on your back and just gently kick your legs up and down like backstroke. Use a buoyancy aid to help behind your neck like a float.

I had a spinal fusion last September and am now back at work and relatively pain free. I am still in recovery of up to 12 moths but I am feeling so much better than I was. Spinal surgery was only considered by me after waiting 5 years and just having caudal epidurals. They didnt fix the discs which the Surgeons found when operating and so I had an fusion procedure as opposed to a micro disctectomy. I would recommend surgery as your last option.

Best of luck.

I had no time off work other than the 8 weeks after surgery. The best thing you can do is keep moving. I think the only way they will know what your spine is doing is to give you an MRI scan. I had 3 prior to surgery.over a 7 year period .

I hope your not in a bad NHS area. I'm in Dorset and they have been excellent although a bit slow on the appointment side.

Mine was L4/5 L5/S1 a double prolapse but they took out my disc at the L5 level and now I feel so much better. the surgeon told me I'm now jacked up to my correct height as my spine was collapsing and pressing in the nerves, don't put off surgery as for most of us it works !

Just make sure you know the exact diagnosis and to do that you'll need a recent MRI scan . Get your GP to refer you to your local hospital. Sooner the better. You need this xxxNice before you see your Consultant In March .

Best of luck

If you had an MRI recently then I doubt youll get another done before you see the consultant. They however may decisde to have another one done but due to the cost of these things its unlikely to happen before you see him.

Like you I also had a bad experience with a Physiotherapist who well meaning back in the early stages tried traction on me as well as some other completewly wrong treatments. I wont reccommend physio to anyone unless they know exactly whats wrong with their spine.

My MRI showed that I had instability in the L4/L5 section which may have been caused by a fall I had in my early 20's. I also had decompresssion performed at the same time as my spinal fusion. I guess March is not so far away now, I worked for an American company who dont have a generous sick pay scheme and so I was unanble to stay off work any length of time. So what I'm saying is probably best to stay off if your work involves a lot of siiting down or lifting things. You could try Ibuprofen to see if that helps. I dont think Paracetamol is any good with these things although I was on Co-Codamol 30/500 mg just before I had the operation. I had been on thses strong painkillers for several months but really the only thing that worked was a warm wheatbag believe it or not.Just go easy with the Ibuprofen as they can cause tummy issues which i'm sure you dont wish to add to your condition.My Discs never went back after waiting 7 years. Dont discount having an op but lets wait and see what the Surgeon thinks. If your MRI shows the nerve being pressed by the disc then a micro-disctectomy will probably sort you out far quicker than any other method. Good luck and keep us posted.