I have a bulging disk in the lower back, just found out that the bulge is right in the middle of the disk, which creates pain in the left and right butt cheek, a long with pain down the back of my right leg and numbness in the right foot. WCB is telling me that because the bulge is small that I should be experiencing no pain with it (trying to make it sound like I am making it up -- but that is their job). Does the size of the bulge matter on the pain factor ? I hurt it 6 months ago, have gone to the chiropractor, did 2 reconditioning programs, on pain meds, anti-inflammatories, and now am going to see the Neurosurgeon to see about the epidural steroid injection and/or surgery to fix it. But does the size of the bulge matter when it comes to pain ??
2006-12-16 04:30:39 · 11 answers · asked by Island_Mommy 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
To many doctors tend to dismiss back pain and so it is important that you see a doc that will take it seriously.
First to clear up some misconceptions--a bulging disk is the same as a ruptured or herniated disk--meaning that the disk is leaking fluid.
The disk is the padding allwoing movement and keeping that movement free from bone on bone.
The pain from a bulging disk can be related to the size of the bulge but frankly--when one is inflamed it doesnt matter and a doc should not dismiss your pain.
The good news is that a small bulge can actually shrink back into place is one is careful and follows directions.
I have 3 of them and have had the injections and they have worked well. You do want to try everything before having any back surgery.
The top symptoms to watch for are pain all the way down your leg into the foot.
Loss of bladder or bowel control.
If these happen--get to the ER asap.
Stay away from Chiros--because they can not help a disk that is ruptured and in fact could lead to the disk "blowing out" and then your only option is surgery.
Ice is your new best friend--low impact water exercise can increase strength and help the disk shrink.
Finally--imo--the size of the bulge does not matter when it comes to pain.
2006-12-19 22:33:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have had a ruptured disc, followed by back surgery, almost 20 years ago, and now have bulging discs in multiple areas of the back, along with bone spurs. I have not had the epidural steroid injections, but have a cousin that has. She swears by them.
For my part, I am on Meloxicam once a day and Lyrica 3 times a day with great results. It made me sleepy until I got adjusted to them. However, I have also found that if I take the Meloxicam about 1 hour before bedtime it gives me better results.
As for the size of the bulge, no, I don't think the size matters. If it causes a problem, it causes a problem. A lot of the time a bulging disc will cause pressure on a nerve and that is the root of the pain problems.
Good luck. I hope the Neurosurgeon helps.
2006-12-16 06:40:46 · answer #2 · answered by Sharon F 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Bulging Disk?
I have a bulging disk in the lower back, just found out that the bulge is right in the middle of the disk, which creates pain in the left and right butt cheek, a long with pain down the back of my right leg and numbness in the right foot. WCB is telling me that because the bulge is small that I...
2015-08-26 09:00:05 · answer #3 · answered by Emlynn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am answering this; not as a professional, but rather as a patient. I have suffered with a significant bulge at L 4and5 for about 5 yrs now. I originally hurt my back really bad about 15yrs ago. I had off and on pain for a long time. Then 5 yrs ago I couldn't get out of bed and was finally correctly diagnosed with and MRI showing the bulge. After lots of therapy and steroid pills, I finally got the spinal injection you mentioned. Life became good again within 4 hrs of the injection. The injection was only slightly uncomfortable and the relief was unbelievable. No more sciatic pain either. You really should consider it. By the way, I am no Doc but, when it comes to nerve impingement, i imagine only a slight bulge would constitue misery. Good Luck!
2006-12-16 04:54:43 · answer #4 · answered by robert s 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Inflamed Disk
2016-11-06 22:39:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not really the size of the bulge that can effect, I have very slight bulges on my L4 and L5, but they still manage to bug that sciatic nerve, which can sometimes lead to awful muscle spasms.
It is a poor doctor indeed that dares suggest to a patient that they're making any pain up as pain has always been a very subjective thing. I suggest looking for a new one.
I haven't tried the shots yet, I'm still just doing the physical therapy to see how that goes.
good luck.
2006-12-16 05:03:48 · answer #6 · answered by daisyk 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Herniated discs can possibly resolve themselves, as long as you do what the doctor and physical therapist say exactly. With that many discs involved, surgery is probably a possibility, but if you do what they tell you, there's a chance you can avoid it.
2016-03-15 06:05:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-23 23:03:41 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
never go to a chiropractor!! you have a herniated disc.
the doctor will say bed rest.
i had a ruptured disc. they found it on x-ray. the doctor me to lay down on the floor and put my feet and legs in a chair tha will take the pressure off of your spine and slowly push the disc back into place. and it hurt gor 4 to 5 seconds. then the pain quit. and now am normal again.
so that is probably what the doctor will tell you.
2006-12-16 05:42:43 · answer #9 · answered by david_strickland31 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
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2016-05-06 11:56:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋