Lower back disc protrusion?

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*Update

I had an MRI yesterday and met with a specialist this morning. I do have a protrusion of the L5-S1 disc. I'm going to start a "Medrol" steroid pack which should decrease the inflammation and mask the pain. I'm going to need to change my lifestyle a bit and work on my core strength.

Not the end of the world, just a small bump in the road.
 
A beer belly can put extra strain on the back. So maybe cut back on those and stop buying oil by the case load. Since lugging those cases of beer and oil around not good for back.
 
Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
How did you hurt your back?

Hope you are feeling better.


I picked a box if diapers up off a mid level shelf at a target.....Yea...I know....

I start the 6 day steroid pack tomorrow. I'm hoping this helps.
 
Keep us updated, dja.

My back has been hurting off and on for about 8 years (I'm 34) - I did something stupid/awesome in the backyard - you should have been there. I visited a spine doc on January 20. I was given the catch-all diagnosis of arthritis/degenerative disc disease. He prescribed physical therapy and Relafen (NSAID). I had been doing McKenzie exercises for about a month prior to the doc visit, which I've continued, along with some more core exercises, and walking. I also purchased an inversion table (after reading this thread).

I have seen no positive effects yet. In fact, my back hurts more today than it did when I visited the doctor 10 days ago. I gave the Relafen 10 days, but it made no difference and so I've stopped taking that. I have taken all kinds of OTC medicine over the years, also, with no effect.

My followup is scheduled for March 1. I'm hoping he'll order an MRI at that time. The xray at the first visit didn't show anything. Tired of the back pain.
 
Originally Posted By: cpayne5
Keep us updated, dja.

My back has been hurting off and on for about 8 years (I'm 34) - I did something stupid/awesome in the backyard - you should have been there. I visited a spine doc on January 20. I was given the catch-all diagnosis of arthritis/degenerative disc disease. He prescribed physical therapy and Relafen (NSAID). I had been doing McKenzie exercises for about a month prior to the doc visit, which I've continued, along with some more core exercises, and walking. I also purchased an inversion table (after reading this thread).

I have seen no positive effects yet. In fact, my back hurts more today than it did when I visited the doctor 10 days ago. I gave the Relafen 10 days, but it made no difference and so I've stopped taking that. I have taken all kinds of OTC medicine over the years, also, with no effect.

My followup is scheduled for March 1. I'm hoping he'll order an MRI at that time. The xray at the first visit didn't show anything. Tired of the back pain.



The progression of treatment was explained to me in the following:

Treatment order

PT
NSAID (your current progression)
Medrol steroid pack (what step I'm on)
Epideral
Surgery

I was super jittery all day as these meds have my mind racing. I feel decent. It seems that my back pain has "localized" which is the first step to healing. I really hope the Medrol therapy works.

I've used the inversion table both morning and evening for about 5 minutes each session. My table allows 15 degree variations at the way to 85 degrees. I would advise starting slow, one minute at the time. Each 15 degree change feels completely different. I'm current at 60 degrees inverted and it provides instant relief. I do feel that a table such as this isn't for everyone. The blood rush feeling bothers my wife. I'm fine with it. My unit was $86 bucks shipped on Amazon and is well made. It's the Amazon recommended unit. I'll keep this thread updated as I hopefully progress.

Best of luck!
 
Thanks, dja.

Sounds like we may have purchased the same inversion table...black and gray Innova? I've only been doing 45 and I haven't felt any change (during or after), maybe I should bump up to 60. Yeah, the blood to the face thing is taking some getting used to. I put my hands on my face (with some light pressure) to counteract the sensation.

I'm probably going to only do it in the evenings. The pain is worse in the mornings for me, and I have a hard time getting myself back upright when the pain is particularly bad (I essentially can't situp without sharp, shooting pain on those morning).
 
Originally Posted By: cpayne5
Thanks, dja.

Sounds like we may have purchased the same inversion table...black and gray Innova? I've only been doing 45 and I haven't felt any change (during or after), maybe I should bump up to 60. Yeah, the blood to the face thing is taking some getting used to. I put my hands on my face (with some light pressure) to counteract the sensation.

I'm probably going to only do it in the evenings. The pain is worse in the mornings for me, and I have a hard time getting myself back upright when the pain is particularly bad (I essentially can't situp without sharp, shooting pain on those morning).




Shooting pain is neurological. I would assume you're experiencing the same thing as me, but more severe. I have a constant dull pain in that area (disc protrusion area) but thankfully no more shooting pain down my leg. It was unbearable and would make my leg buckle.

You need an MRI. You can then start a better treatment plan. I wouldn't wait.
 
Its not going to magically pop back into position. Same as your car, you need an alignment or things will wear out. I learned from my chiro 30 years ago what to do. Today me and my boys crack each others backs once a month. A few simple moves to prevent a lifetime of misery and pain meds.

Doctors know chiro works, why they don't recommend it IMO. They want to get $$$,$$$. out of your ins co with scalpel and meds..
 
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Its not going to magically pop back into position. Same as your car, you need an alignment or things will wear out. I learned from my chiro 30 years ago what to do. Today me and my boys crack each others backs once a month. A few simple moves to prevent a lifetime of misery and pain meds.

Doctors know chiro works, why they don't recommend it IMO. They want to get $$$,$$$. out of your ins co with scalpel and meds..


Nothing is shifted or out of place. Essentially a disc that rests between my vertebrae broke, and the fluid is leaking out, causing the pain.
 
Originally Posted By: dja4260
...I was super jittery all day as these meds have my mind racing. I feel decent. It seems that my back pain has "localized" which is the first step to healing. I really hope the Medrol therapy works....

I wish you luck with oral steroid pack. As mentioned in my earlier post, did nothing for me and had unpleasant side effects I'd rather forget. Everyone different though and perhaps you will get relief.

Based on my experience, if it gets that far I would say not to fear a spinal injection, what you call an epidural. All things considered, I found the procedure to be rather benign. And I had an excellent result which also made it seem worthwhile. It's certainly preferable to surgery.
 
First, let me suggest that those who have disparaged chiropractors and x-rays tune out. You have a real problem and do not need to throw out possible solutions.

I had a serious problem with my lower back two years ago. Three discs dislocated. The specialist had "normal" x-rays taken (front to back) and told me I needed have an operation or take pain medicine for the rest of my life and not twist, stand, or do other types of movement.

After two more weeks of pain (I could not put on pants or socks/shoes) I went to a chiropractor. He took x-rays with me bending as far in each direction that I could. Then he showed me. I had the lower three discs out of place and fused together in that position. I went through a dozen sessions of pulling things apart and felt 80% better. He did another series of x-rays that showed how much my movement had improved and two of the three back in place. another set of sessions finished the job and the x-rays show full movement without any problems. I had a feeling they would because I had no pain.

I have not kept going, as my daughter is an Occupational Therapist, and she taught my wife how to feel and press things back in place when necessary, which she does regularly. Now I do exercises, sit-ups, some weights and stretch bands, swim, etc. without pain.

I think the key in diagnosis was the x-rays from the sides bending forward and back, and from the front bending to the sides. He measured the progress on a translucent paper on a light box as the angles went back together.

Hope this helps. I really understand your pain.
 
I have a bad back as well (https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4259297/People_with_back_issues#Post4259297)

The thing I can recommend is first make sure you have a top notch doctor. Second start with the least invasive thing you can do. Third (with dr blessing) learn correct and helpful exercise, get a trainer if you need to. Also yoga but make sure the instructor knows you have back issues and don't force any pose. Work on your posture as a society that sits as much as we do it ruins our backs.
Medrol packs worked for me in the beginning as did injections.

Exercise, posture are my 2 big suggestions as only you and your Dr can decide the rest.
 
Bringing this thread back from the dead.

I got an MRI this morning. I spent some time researching soon after and have been awarded an MD from Google U.

Herniated disc? I have a followup with my spine doc next Monday.
 
I am no doctor, but it looks like a bulging disc, not necessarily herniated. I have 3 of them, have had for 15 plus years.
Daily excercises and anti-inflammatories (spelling?) keep the level of pain/discomfort manageable. It limits my physical activity, but I can live with that if it means no surgery. I have heard too many horror stories...
 
Originally Posted By: PR1955
I am no doctor, but it looks like a bulging disc, not necessarily herniated. I have 3 of them, have had for 15 plus years.
Daily excercises and anti-inflammatories (spelling?) keep the level of pain/discomfort manageable. It limits my physical activity, but I can live with that if it means no surgery. I have heard too many horror stories...


Yes, could be just a bulge - I don't know. Doc will tell me next week. I was just comparing it to photos online. Thanks for the reply.
 
Originally Posted by ARCOgraphite
Been there big time.

X ray shows you pretty much Nothing, just like a You need careful scan of the lumbar spine area. Unless your legs are numb and you cant toilet, don't waste the time with MRI/CT. I think this is #1 or #2 biggest reson for going to doctor - lower back pain.

Ice pack on lumbar area, ibuprofen (if required - give me a hangover!) no heavy lifting (over 30lbs!), jumping. No Missionary pose
smile.gif

GOOD is: stretching, axially pulling leg (inverse hang on "monkey bars") best shiatsu massagers, Sleep on back (or cautiously on side in fetal position with NO DEGREE OF TWIST in the hips relative to your back plane.

You can gently exercise this out - just no impact. Don't be afraid of the pain - tell your body its playing tricks on you and to move the pain elsewhere.

Most often there is an underlying psychosomatosis and external stressor related.

Does the OP have stress? Sick relative? Big project?

Really DO NOT WASTE YOUR and others $$ and time if you do not have numb leg from the nerve irritation or obvious fracture. EVERYONE exhibits "degenerative spine disease" over age 40. Really. Fact of death. Know that the lumbar discs are dead after age 27 or so - just spongy tough tissue that fill and exude fluid.
Good luck.

Are vibrating massagers good for muscles?
 
I had fusion surgery in Sept. Mine was caused by a farm accident. I slipped off a water tank and landed with all my weight on my left foot. Immediate pain down both legs.

I got into my primary doctor I think the next day and the x-ray revealed a broken back at the L-5 level. I had to have an MRI next and immediate surgery soon after
to stabilize my spine to prevent damage to the nerve cord.

My L-5 vertebrata was literally rammed up against the main nerve cord. After surgery I woke up with zero pain in my legs and was up and walking just a few hrs after surgery. i just recently started PT and all is well.

[Linked Image]
 
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