They thought I slipped a lumbar disk in Oct. 2006. It still hurts and pain is worse. Any ideas on what to try?

Question

It hurts so bad I have been taking 4 Ibuoprofen 2-3 times a day. I would go to the doctor but I have no insurance until March first. I had to pay for the ER visit when I first hurt it.I need ideas for what I can do until then. The pain starts t my lower back and goes down the side of my hip to the front of my leg to right below my knee cap. Please any help is welcome I will try anything. I have tried PT exercises but they make it worse and if I turn a certain way I am in intense pain for atleast a hour or more. I can't sleep and I don't know how much longer I can go, March is looking too far away since it is getting worse. Thank you for any input

Answer 1

Sounds like you may have a herniated disk with nerve root compression. The nerve root is attached to the spinal chord and (depending on which nerve is compressed) sends the signal from your brain to the corresponding muscles, in your case, your back, hip and leg. The way to verify this is through an MRI. If your insurance doesn't start until March and you have a lapse in insured time, if you have it checked now, it may be considered a pre-existing condition which may be excluded through your new insurance. Believe, me, I know your pain and I live on Advil, too. Better than taking the pain meds doctors prescribe. Since the exercises cause even more pain and you can't bear that, try stretching your back and legs as comfortably as possible. I'll post a link below you may like to view. You can get a free CD from the first link, maybe it will help you. The last link is for medication and I don't know anything more than I read. I'm so sorry you're in so much pain, I know it makes life very difficult. Hope these links will help you find some relief.

https://www.mcssl.com/app/javanof.asp?merchantid=35708&productid=3107034&IP=344.514.329.152&qty=&afid=&vgclientid=

http://familydoctor.org/117.xml

http://www.remedyforbackpain.com/backreliefelite.html

Answer 2

Try using ice as a pain reliever. I have the same problem and am allergic to most over the counter medicines. I use ice for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day. This helps. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do except take different medicines like Naproxen Sodium, Tylenol, Theragesic Cream, that type of stuff helps relax the muscles and some of them have analgesics in them as well. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

I'd go to a ER anyway. If you in or live near a big city there should be a charity hospital there where they can't turn you away. If your on a new job with group insurance and your probationary period is up in March then great, but there is still no guarantee that it'll cover it because it's an injury and it's preexisting. and you gotta get medical help. A slipped disk will cripple you if you don't.

Answer 4

Sounds like you definately have a disc problem. Until you get to a Dr, try icing the area several times a day. Disc injuries tend to swell, so the ice will help that. The ibuprofen will help too, but try not to take too much of that...no good for your liver. And keep stretching so your muscles dont get tight. When you get insurance, ask your Doc for an MRI...that will show exactly what is wrong with the discs. Good luck to you

Answer 5

I suggest seeing a chiropractor as they are a lot cheaper than Dr's. and don't cover up the pain with drugs. Honestly-chiropractors have helped me with severe neck and back pain as I have arthritis-quite a lot-in my neck and throughout my back (upper, middle and lower). In Canada a first visit to a chiropractor cost about 40 dollars with coverage. But since you can't wait for your coverage-please-talk to the chiropractor you see and explain your circumstances. I found they are great at making payment arrangements and taking post dated cheques!
Don't let the lack of coverage keep you in pain!! A chiropractor could definitely help you-without drugs!!

Answer 6

I think you should try a different pain reliever such as naprosyn. It is more of an anti-inflammatory. Also, if it feels like it is inflamed, try putting an ice pack on it. If it isn't inflamed, use a heating pad.
And get to the dr. asap.

Answer 7

if the earth is round it is ok