What is Disc Protrusion L5-S1. Its painful, whats the chances of fixing this?

Question

I can not work because of this, but I can not get disability. I can not bend over to put shoes on, or even pick up my son which weights 25 pounds. They want me to do physical theropy, and see a specialtist. I have seen 4 different doctors, one said I had Arthritist, 2 said I had a deterated disc and pinched nerve,3 said I just needed to streach,4 said my mucles bunch up when I stress. My regular doctor said that my mri said I had a Disc Protrusion which was not pinching a nerv, just touching it. How accurate is the mri anyway. Back problems run on both sides of my family. Some mornings when I wake up I can not walk. I can not get disability but I can not work either. I have a wife that is 7 months pregent, a son that is 7 years old and a son that is 1 and a half years old. I had the only income until I went down. I get 136 a week with unemployment but I am loosing my insurence now. I figured if I could find a job I would take it anyway.

I figured I would still try to work even thought I can not do the everyday normal things that jobs consist of. My choices are to quit my unemployment and keep my mc+. Or Keep getting unemployment and loose my mc+. I have to take care of my family, and that will be hard to do if I can not hold a job because of this problem. what do I do.

Answer 1

I'm sorry you're in such pain and that this is effecting your life like this. I seriously think it might be in your best interest to see a chiropractor.

Chiropractors are highly trained to detect and correct malpositions of the spine (including herniated disks). When the spinal column is misaligned, the vertebrae can pinch the nerves that run out between them and cause pain, numbness/tingling, or any type of general malfunction in that nerve's corresponding body part. Herniated disks are also known to put this kind of pressure on the nerves and cause discomfort. Chiropractors can read MRI's (so bring them with you if you go) and should be able to remove this neural interference if that is what is causing your pain. Chiropractic is completely safe, non-invasive, and doesn't use surgey or drugs that could have potentially harmful side effects.

Like I said, I can't say that this is a guaranteed cure for you, but even if the chiropractor can't fully fix your herniated disk (although chiropractic care has great success in treating them), a good chiropractor should at least be able to help alleviate your symptoms. I used to work in a chiropractic office and saw how it helped so many people that I ultimately decided to become one and am now in school doing it.

If you do decide to see a chiropractor, ask family and friends for recommendations, visit a few offices, and choose the doctor you are most comfortable with. No matter what happens, I sincerely hope that things work out for you. Best of luck.

Answer 2

Basically, it means that the disc between your lower back and the very top of your tailbone are shifted out of line and are protruding around the nerves of the spinal cord. It may worsen at times due to pyhsical activity or inflammation. The only way to fix the problem is to have back surgery. Treatment that may help you is to get an epidural. It will numb the area for a period of time and will allow you to do more activity. Anti-inflammatories and pain killers are generally prescribed. Heat will help for symptomatic relief, but nothing will take the pain completely away unless you have surgery. Surgery is usually a last-ditch effort after you have tried every theraputic treatment availible. Good luck. In the meantime, always use proper body mechanics when lifting and bending so you dont aggrevate the injury any further.

Answer 3

Ouch! Do NOT go to a chiropractor, an "adjustment" may rupture your disc. This happened to me. Physical therapy is safe and it may help a lot, but keep going to the DR. I would not give up working, because sometimes your symptoms can go away for a long time. Stress and depression (from not working)can make the back pain worse. Ask your Dr. for an epidural injection for the pain. This can be very effective. Back problems are something that you approach on many levels, you have to deal with it, and not let it take over your life. Good luck

Answer 4

I had the surgery for my bulging L5-S1 disc, and it was well worth it. My incision scar is only 1 inch long, but if its touching the nerve, you will only have problems until they remove it from the nerve. My disc was pushing about 1/2 - 3/4 of the way threw the nerve, when I woke up from surgery I knew instantally it wasnt touching the nerve anymore.