Disc L4/L5 bulge hernia

Johnmarkham

Hello, I have developed a limp as a result of damage to disc L4/L5 in lower back. I would like to know if anyone else has had a similar experience and were they able to correct the problem.

I've had the issue over a month now, I've had an epidural injection (3 days ago), pain went for 1 day. My main concern is this heavy limp. I spend most of the time laying on my back or on my front on a yoga mat.

Please share your experience.

Thanks,
John.

byhookorbycrook

Core strength will be critical, modern thinking is exercise (see your physio) rather than rest.

brettmirl

Agree with Byhookorbycrook - talk to a good physio about an exercise plan to help you.

It can feel like slow progress, but stick with the exercise plan they give you.

Did your GP refer you to a pain specialist or consultant?

cerise

find a good pilates instructor. they have helped me more than physios and rude money grabbing consultants.

NSAman

Oh Gawd... November last year bulge on three disks. 3 weeks flat on my back and could barely get to the loo without pain and then trying to get off it was impossible.

HEAT LOTS OF HEAT.... anti-inflamatories, pain relief and muscle relaxants galore.

Physio did traction and pin relief with Tens machine. 4 sessions (one per week ) saw a massive relief in the pain levels. Then I took a trainer, core exercises, muscle building and lots and lots of swimming, also daily exercises that I still do and now back is stronger than it has been in years.

this is a slow process. Take your time, do NOT over do things and make it worse.

shamrock2004

Johnmarkham wrote: »

Hello, I have developed a limp as a result of damage to disc L4/L5 in lower back. I would like to know if anyone else has had a similar experience and were they able to correct the problem.

I've had the issue over a month now, I've had an epidural injection (3 days ago), pain went for 1 day. My main concern is this heavy limp. I spend most of the time laying on my back or on my front on a yoga mat.

Please share your experience.

Thanks,
John.

Ouch! yes I went through the same myself MRI revealed big bulge at L4 / L5.

I severly injured my back in august 2012 and had to take pain killers just to lie on the floor - which I did for 3 months at home. In the acute phase I couldn't stand up on my feet for more than 30 second due to excrutiating pain in my ankle / foot. I could only flex my back about 10 degrees! Had big loss of power in my right foot. Couldnt walk properly etc etc After lengthly talks with my physio I refused surgery / epidural injections (the man is a genius - he told me i'd heal when doc said I mightn't get better!)

Anyway I went the natural way and have only recently healed - Nearly 20 months of chronic back pain and sciatica but I'm there now. It was tough but worth it. The body has a remarkable way of healing itself, it just takes time!

best of luck

Spook_ie

I had a herniated disc at l4/5 with an associated synovial cyst which didnt respond to conservative treatments and after many months of horrific pain, I underwent a microdiskectomy and for me it was the best thing I've ever done. Surgery is not something that is taken lightly, however, when the quality of life is so limited and for me I think I was nearly bordering on depression it was absolutely the right decision. Just always make sure you have up to date MRI's and a good Neurosurgeon to advise you.

tile

Hi guys,

Ive been reading through various threads on back pain etc. and i thought i'd fill people in on my own situation. I understand people on here are in a lot worse situation than myself but i may help.
I have lower back pain for over 3 years now. L4/L5 L5/S1 disc bulges. I get severely tight down my right side especially when i run.
Ive had a series of nerve root block injections. 8 in total in 4 visits to Santry sports clinic.
I play a lot of sport so i was just looking to kill the pain in order to play (yes, stupid of me). Its now got to the stage where the pain is affecting my everyday life.

Ive just been to the Cappagh hospital for a caudal injection and will be going back in 2 weeks for a neucleoplasty.

I can give people an update on this if anyone is interested.