Worried about cancer. Again.

Hi, I had similar symptoms. I was diagnosed with a bulging disc and my physiotherapist recommended exercises and stretches. I was advised to keep active and I try to strengthen my back and abdominal muscles. Most problematic discs tend to bulge towards the back while we are bending forward, for example, to pick something up. To get relief and to encourage the core of the disc to move towards a central position I try to stretch my spine pushing the ribcage forwards (which is in effect bending backwards). 

What you are describing is rather typical. In certain positions, the bulging or prolapsed disc is pressing on some nerves and causes pain or numbness further down the buttock or leg and/or back pain.

Regarding pain during the night: Have you considered that your mattress might not provide enough support? Even the best mattress can be useless if you do not have an adequate slated bed base. It is best to have a slated bed base that allows individual slats to be adjusted for more or less support. 

In the worst case, your mattress and the bed base are too soft. That can cause back pain even without a bulging disc. Your bed should be firm enough to stay flat but elastic enough to allow the hips and shoulders to sink in a bit and provide support for your back and neck. If you lie on your back and there is a space between the mattress and your lower back then the mattress is most likely too hard. With the right bed, your lower back should be well supported and you should feel resistance when trying to slide your hand below your lower back.   

Hang in there, try to keep active. I would recommend swimming as well. It should get better, but it will take time. The physiotherapist told me it will get better in a few months. Well, it got better, but I would say in my case it took more than 2 years.  

Emily. Two yrs is way too long to have back pain without seeing a good chiropractor. I used to have slipped disc often, and the chiropractor would fix it every time. A therapist may be helpful, but is not educated as the chiropractor is. The pain in the leg is caused when the slipped disc makes swelling that presses on a nerve and causes leg pain. Please at least try to see a chiropractor.

harrishill

So this doesnt seem like cancer in my spine or anything sinister?

When i get reffered to the physiotherapist i will ask for a possible scan and then see what happens from there.

I have a doctors appointment with a doctor about my thyroid medication so i might ask for a second opinion there