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Slipped disc - "learn to live with it"

Posted , 6 users are following.

B094530
B094530

Hi.

How long does chronic lower back pain take to heal when left and told (by doctors) to learn to live with it.  I am 24 years old male from UK, who likes to keep and exercise, particularly football. 

12 Months ago - due to heavy lifting - I damaged my lower back, but I then continued to lift, run and play football for the following 6 months, on the basis that it didn't hurt whilst exercising (although running did shortly after and the next day). My back was in pain during this 6 months, mostly when standing up and sitting down.

Following the lengthy process of doctors, physio, more doctors, scans and hospital appointments I found that I had a prolapsed / herniated disc (LS4) and a bulging disc (LS5).

After cortisone injections did not fix or relieve my pain to a satisfactory standard I have been told to "learn to live with it" and contact the hospial again if the pain still persists or worsens towards the end of the year.

I've taken up swimming, daily stretching and light resistance weight machines to keep me fit and have noticed slight improvements.

Although my back still aches when sitting down at work particularly the middle left of my spine.

All comments / advice appreciated.

Thanks cool 

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • n8ster
    n8ster B094530

    Posted

    The pain should go away when you die . But that is bs and for them to say live with it is too . You probably need surgery but i guess in the uk they would rather you live with it . I just had the problem with the L 3-4 and had it fused and herniated disc removed and had cage and screw on it . It is better but I am only 10 weeks out . I think you have to be very pushy and exagerate a little if you want it repaired . No reason you have to live ith it .
    • B094530
      B094530 n8ster

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply.

      To have it fused was the surgery option but they would rather not do this as Im only 24 - if I was 44 they would have done it straight away.  I'm guessing its to do with recovery chances being higher when younger.

    • MTK
      MTK B094530

      Posted

      Hiya, I have lived with chronic pain for the past 38yrs. I have had surgery and still live with chronic pain. I'm sorry to say if you can not find anything medically to help you then you will have to find something else that will. I do pilates three times a week. 

      Good luck 

    • B094530
      B094530 MTK

      Posted

      Thanks.  Swimming has really helped, Yoga will be the next thing to do.
  • marshall71
    marshall71 B094530

    Posted

    Had mine 20+years on and off once you got

    Problems with your back I'm afraid you may have it for years

    This time my back is the worst it's been had a mri scan came back with degenerative disc at lumber joint both my legs are numb they say can't find any nerve compromise at nerve root my neck is painful I take amitriptyline to sleep and tramdol for the pain ask them to live with it ? If your in the uk that's the NHS for you

    One doctor told me to "there's nothing I can do for you "

    • n8ster
      n8ster marshall71

      Posted

      My legs were numb too below the knees . I had  a l3 and l4 herniated . I also had stenosis and the mri was pretty obvious when the doctor showed it to me . In my mri you could see a black area where the nerves were being squeezed . Maybe someone else needs to look at your mri or they did the mri in the wrong place .
    • marshall71
      marshall71 n8ster

      Posted

      I was told it was a "top specialist" going back next month to chat about it the letter they sent said nothing about treatment had it over a year now and it's getting worse had been physio and hydro
    • B094530
      B094530 marshall71

      Posted

      My Doctor mentioned killing or limiting the nerve root, so the pain goes away but didn't want to go for this because the cortisone didnt have any effect, so killing the nerve wouldn't either.
  • frank24438
    frank24438 B094530

    Posted

    Hello Bob, I have had a long life encounter with lower back pain, unfortunately your Doc's are right, you do live with it and you sound like you're in the right mental and physical condition to be pragmatic and make the best of it.  Now for the contrary advice, resting is good as is walking,if you have some nice country even better.  Light pushups help keep the back muscles toned up in helping to support your discs, increase the number gradually but you sound a sensible person anyway but not sure about those weight machines as jerky movement can result in a trapped nerve, to be avoided . Anti  inflammatory tablets may help with pain. You say you have a sit down job,is you chair adjusted correctly, use a foot rest ,].  A automatic car helped me, heavy clutch pedals don't help back problems. My work was in engineering same old, same old. best of luck mate don't be ashamed of easing up now and then.
    • B094530
      B094530 frank24438

      Posted

      Thank you Frank, great advice.

      They have a back extension machine at the gym I go to, I found this really helpful and I'm looking to buy one form ebay / Amazon, they can be picked up for £20-£25.

      The weight machines are fairly safe with just weight involced, no control needed (avoid the shoulder press, as this puts pressure on lower back) I do these once or twice a week.  Always stretch for 20mins as soon as I get there.

      Also found sleeping with a pillow under your upper legs or back of knees (or wherever you find comfortable!), reduces the pressure on your back when sleeping, theoretically increasing chance of recovery whilst sleeping.

      Emis Moderator comment: I have removed the link as it was to a site unsuitable for inclusion in the forums. If users want this information please use the Private Message service to request the details.

      http://patient.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/398316-adding-links-to-posts

      http://patient.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/398331-private-messages

  • frank24438
    frank24438 B094530

    Posted

    Hello again, there are supporters of cutting and fusion, not me because none of the patients seem to be much better off. physically and mentally.
  • mt71650
    mt71650 B094530

    Posted

    I suffered lower back pain for years, mostly due to sitting for long hours at work. What helped me was few Alexander Technique lessons and I got myself a Spinalis office chair which is a similar concept as an exercise ball as it has a wobbly seat which is very helpful for back pain. Try to stay away from medicines and rather visit an osteopath instead.
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