Is it possible for a herniated bulging disk to heal on its own?

Question

I have a herniated bulging disk. I am in bad pain. Dr. said I need surgery. I don't want to be cut on, yet I don't like the pain. I do not like takeing drugs either. What can I do? Up date. Herniated disk is lower lumba . I have numbness in left leg extrem pain lower back and down right leg.

Answer 1

Hi there. I have had back surgery twice, once at 20 at L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1 and then again at 30 (im now 31) at L4/5 for calcification and a protrusion that I coughed out the other side.
Discs can't heal themselves as such, however dependant on the extent of damage you can work with a physio who can give you exercises to try and reduce the protrusion. They will also give you a series of exercised that wil strenthen your core muscles.
Another option is to have an epidural, the theory being that the disc can be 'shrunk' so it does not press on any nerves which cause the pain.
I can understand you being aprehensive about taking drugs and surgery and everything that goes with it, however, from experience, I think you will find that you are at the point of no return. Unfortunately once you have numbness it is time to take some serious action to correct the problem otherwise you will end up with permanent numbness, I permanently have numbness from my knee on the outside to my little toe.
I would seriously talk with your specialist (Im assuming you have seen a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeon) and see what they have to say about the options available to you. Most surgeons only operate on about 10% of patients with these symptoms, so they may try the epidural which has had a lot of successes. So you may not need to worry to much about the surgery.
If you do have to go for surgery (which I hope you don't) don't panic about it, the procedure is a lot more developed than it used to be when I had my first lot done and recovery is much easier.
I am proof that the surgery works together with working with my specialists and physion, I work a high pressure professional job, play tennis and snow ski...
Good luck with it, talk to your specialist and work with your physio and you will get there.

Answer 2

Gosh, I'm so sorry. I know how painful that can be. I was in the hospital for four days with pain like that.

I would truly get a second opinion...and maybe even a third, before allowing anyone to do surgery on my back. Yes, often herniated disks heal to a large degree, on their own. But, it takes a professional doctor...who can look at your MRI's to properly advise you.

If you don't have surgery, you could be placing yourself in danger of more substantial damage. So, no one on here can really advise you as to wait it out.

Make sure you have the best neurologist available! Ask around. It is YOUR back. Doctors are not offended when you ask to get a second opinion. And, if they are.....that is a red flag that you need someone else, anyway!

God bless!

Answer 3

Well it depends on where its herniated and if its pushing on the spinal cord. Most herniated disc can be done with micro surgery now. If your confident in your doctor then get it done, it will only cause you many years of pain. If its in your neck you need to do it right away, if its in your lower back and your having tingling or numbness in your feet or legs it needs to be done. Of course its up to you, but I can tell you from experience you will be glad when its over with. The drugs for pain are not the greatest thing for your body. Best to you.

Answer 4

Ohh I so understand got back from neurosurgeon told me my herniated disc needs surgery due to pain level and numbness, loss of urinary desire, so basically my nerves are stuffed, there is not much else I can do as I have tried every thing and I just want to start living again so am going for it, I cant stand the medication either good luck in your decision

Answer 5

You have symptoms on both sides, both legs, correct? A bulged disc is not normally operated on unless the bulge is substantial. I would attempt traction with a physical therapy program first, I highly doubt the doc wants to cut first thing, and if he does, you need to get a second opinion. Surgery is not always the answer, and sometimes causes more pain.

Answer 6

I suggest you see a Rehab Med doctor-they have a variety of nonsurgical options for herniated discs like traction, heat, ultrasound Rx, etc. They may be able to help you. However, if all these fail, you may still have to opt for surgery later.

Answer 7

the one option prior to surgery is a series of 3 steroid injections into the back. I have 2 friends that this helped..unfortunately it did not help me and I had to have 2 microdiskectomies and finally had it fused....Good luck either way