Severe Disc Prolapse L4/L5 compressing CE

Hi Gemma. I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I have been suffering from what I thought was sciatica for quite a few years and in 2014 it got much worse. Since 2015 I have been on Amitriptyline, have had injections in my back and after a MRI in 2015 I saw a doctor at Guys Hospital who suggested surgery because of possible incontinence due to a bulging disc. I must say the last thing I wanted was surgery so I never had it done. I had injections in my lower back and I take Co-codamol when the pain and stiffness are too bad. I still exercise, aqua as well as line dancing and I try and walk as much as I can because I find it helps. It hurts more if I sit too long. I don't know anything about IDD Therapy but would certainly like to know more if others reply to you. I hope you get an answer. Joyce xx

Hello,

I have been having herniated disc L4 and L5 for two years now. One doctor suggested tht it is L5 and S1. I saw so many specialists and though they were rarely agreeing on treatment method, all were against surgery. After many treatment options including epidural injections and hydro therapy without cure, I decided to manage the condition. I registered in a health club with what I thought were competent instructors. So I do targeted exercises almost daily including swimming in a heated pool. I also do steam bath a lot. I got a standing work station at work so that I can alternate sitting and standing as I work. I became careful with my diet and weight and cut down so many activities that would see me exerting or sitting for long. So I avoid chairing meetings, driving for long distances etc.

Though the pain is not gone fully, I am much better and managing. Stay strong. Surgery only as last resort.

Oh goodness Gemma,

So sorry to hear you have been going through what must be an awful time with your back right now. I have had lower back pain for over a year and seeing an osteopath, been lucky in that surgery or anything like that hasn't been suggested as an option as just really a disc bulge at the L5-S1 is the main thing showing on my MRI.

It has still got me so down at times though and physically and mentally been a real challenge and I do empathise Gemma, can only imagine what this last few days must have been like for you. I just hope and pray so much that the pain can ease and that God can guide you in terms of the right thing to do. I haven't tried IDD, my osteopath has been talking to me about it and something I was thinking about. Something worth looking into for sure and getting advice on from doctor, osteopath and a few different people. Bowen therapy is something that has helped me a lot for sciatica over the years and that is a very safe and non evasive thing, maybe worth a try or looking into seeing if there are any local practitioners of that. Also a book my osteopath recommended is called Back Pain Decoded by Robert Shanks, haven't read it all but it looks good gives lots of alternative ideas / gadget suggestions / practical advice, a little different from other more complex books. I think black and white copy can be got from Amazon for about £20 (UK money).

Thinking of you Gemma, hang in there and just hoping and praying for a breakthrough and for your pain to be eased and healing. Remember God is the great healer and knows the bigger picture, I believe you are going to get there and be pain free Gemma, praying God can guide you to the right treatments and that you don't need to get surgery. Just take things one day at a time is all you can do and thinking about you.

Craig