Its at my tail bone and over to the left about 5 inches. That is where it starts and there it is a constant sharp pain. Then if I stretch down to feet or sit for to long I feel it down my left leg. Also there is a ton of pressure. It feels like I need to pop my lower back constantly. I was told its a herniated disk L5S1 and its sitting on my sciatic nerve but now they say I need to have surgury to fix it. I am 24 and back surgury is so scarey to me. However its hurting bad now even as I type this...
Any of you had something similar to this and if so what did you do or have done to fix it.
OUUUUCHY lol
2007-05-02 05:30:37 · 8 answers · asked by Shan-C 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Welcome to the wonderful world of sciatica. I developed the same thing last fall after trying to move a very heavy piece of furniture by myself (not smart).
If it is due to a herniated disc, then yes, surgery is about the only thing that will fix it. That said, I don't believe it to be major surgery. The best thing to do at this point is have a long talk with your doctor about what exactly is involved. When you're having surgery, there's no such thing as too much information. You can also look up info on the 'net, but be aware this is not the most reliable of info.
For the time being, the only thing that helps the sciatica is rest, anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen), and possibly icing the afflicted area. Again, though, *consult your doctor* before doing any of this. This, along with physical therapy, what what they recommended for me, but I didn't have a herniated disc, either. Your doctor might also prescribe stronger meds-- mine gave me a heavy duty painkiller/ anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxants to help.
Best advice?? Talk to your doctor....
2007-05-02 05:47:12 · answer #1 · answered by porschefraulein 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you say it's in your left side, do you mean from the waist down? Where does the numbness start? If it's above your waist, and includes your arm - get to a hospital as it could be your heart or a stroke. If it's from the buttocks and into your left hip and downward, it's more than likely a pinched nerve in your low back, like your L5-SI and that's something that's not quite as urgent but you should see a doctor very quickly in the event the nerve decides to stay that way. Keep mobile, do not lay down to help it go away. You need to walk it out, stretch it out, slow deliberate stretches. Look on the web for "The Back Doctor" by Dr. Hamilton Hall and the Canadian Back Institute - they'll guide you on what to do about a pinched nerve in your low back.
2016-05-18 22:47:58 · answer #2 · answered by elissa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
26 is young to start having back problems!
I have had 4 back surgeries!! They aren't pleasant to go through but it sounds like until you have the surgery the disc will not get off your nerve.
I too had pain running down my right leg. Went on for so long I have nerve damage now.
I am not able to work any more. I used to be a nurse. I got hurt at work one day. After each one of my surgeries I would always go back to work. The another disc would rupture.
I have a internal pain pump putting morphine into my back due to being in so much pain still. I am on oral morphine as well. My disc are dissolving as I speak.
I have been told I would be in a wheel chair one day.
So take very good care of your back. Get a second opinion!
Good Luck
2007-05-02 06:12:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, I have had a herniated disc at L4-L5 and had surgery for it. The surgery did not help me at all. I still have the same Problems and more after the surgery. I still have to use massage therapy and chiropractic to help me. I recommend you try a chiropractor and a massage therapist for a short time and see if this is beneficial, before you have surgery.
I've enclosed a link where you can find a chiropractor in your area.
2007-05-02 05:39:17 · answer #4 · answered by Cherokee Billie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can deal with it without surgury, but it will catch up with yoiu one day. Take fish oil every day. It has a powerful effect on deteriourating disk problems.
BUT, there is now a disk replacement surgury available. It's no big deal. You will not feel a thing and be totally functional afterward. Ask your doc.
2007-05-02 05:37:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back pain and back surgery are not to be taken lightly. You're young and will bounce back quickly. But you have to be careful about addressing your pain issues early on in your condition.
I have been asked a similar question although not really exactly the same but it dealt mainly with pain and pain management.
You can go here and read it http://www.forumfornurses.com/index.php/topic,85.0.html
2007-05-02 05:39:03 · answer #6 · answered by ForumForNurses.com 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd suggest going to see either a fully qualified and if possible a recommended chiropractor or osteopath. Often they can help through deep manipulations that are much less invasive and painful than surgery.
Good luck! ~ Alandriel
2007-05-02 05:35:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you field answers from the NON-medical arena, please tell us if you have injured your back or not. Appears that you have already seen a doctor so the only thing else I could suggest is a Chiropractor. I have come to love mine (Chiropractor).
2007-05-02 05:37:23 · answer #8 · answered by s7lmb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋