Back Problems?

Question

I had surgery to fix a herniated disc last year. I have permanent numbness on my right side from the herniation (it was L4-L5). Now I am having problems with the left side. The MRI shows two more discs herniated and one is near the nerve root at L5-S1. The doctor doesn't want to do surgery. he wants me to have cortasone shots. ANyone have this type of experience? Did it work. Man, I'm only 30 and other than my back, I'm in good shape.

Answer 1

I have back problems similar to yours. The shots work for a few times and then the effectiveness stops. Gentle traction given by a physical thearapist worked the best for me. Good luck man, I know how ya feel.

Answer 2

I had a herniated disc at L4-L5 and had surgery which did not help me. I have had cortisone injections and they did relieve a lot of the symptoms . But after awhile they stopped working.

What I find helps me the most is professional massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. You might want to consider trying alternative methods. Many people have great results from these.

Answer 3

If you've had surgery and have a damaged nerve, probably severe and the doctor won't operate it's probably because he doesn't think it's necessary. He can't help the nerves.
I've had surgery on my back twelve times now. I have osteo-arthritis in the severe degenerative stages. I have 32 screws and 32 wires in my back, I live in unbearable pain almost everyday. I sleep about two to three hours a night, the PC is my immortal companion.

I would be Leary about a chiropractor, they're O.K. for torn muscles and sore muscles but, he can damage your back and create more pain then you may want. Remember, the nerves are damaged, what can he do for them?

It takes two to three years for nerves to heal, if they do, you have to be patient. If it's that bad then get the upper dermal shots, they're good for three to six months. I've had them quite often, it's better then the pain.