Disc Herniation and leg pain???

Question

Hi,

According to a Lumbar MRI I have 2 bulging discs or quite possibly disc herniations in the lower L3 and L4 and some pain that radiates to the leg as well as the groin area probably from some nerve compression. The pain in the back is now bearable but the intermittent leg pain and occasional pain in the groin area is still persistent after 8 weeks. I have been on steroids (Medrol Dose Pack) and OTC anti-inflammatory meds yet pain still persists in those areas. Can anyone help out with any info??? exercises, meds??? anything that might help please.

Answer 1

talk to your doctor about physical therapy.  

I had slipped and fallen and had 2 discs knocked out of alignment and they were compressing the sciatic nerve.  I had lost all feeling in my leg.  I could control it, but I couldn't feel anything.  He actually sent me to a chiropractor for spinal adjustments and lower back massage and physical therapy to build up the muscles in my back and leg.

I did the adjustments and massage for about 3 months and the physical therapy for about 6 months.  After the first treatment I had sensation back in my leg but it still went numb off and on until I completed my course of treatment.  I'm still doing the exercises but now I'm doing them on my own and I have also started a yoga routine to improve my flexibility.

Answer 2

Talk to your doctor. Does he offer surgery? Maybe physical therapy could help but talk with him first

Answer 3

The pain in the extremeities is a normal side effect of a bulging or herniated disc.  I am sure that the MRI states that the bulges are impinging upon the thecal sac.  Is what is happening is that the disc impinges upon the thecal sac, which carries the nerves to your extremeties.  This results in shooting pain.

Since a bulge and herniation are permanent, the problem will never completely get better, and will probably get worse as you age.  That being said, physical therapy is usually very helpful at treating these problems. PT is usually done 3 times per week for this condition.   I would not recommend surgery or more invasive procedures only 8 weeks after it began.  Your doctor will likely want to do EMG/NCV if it does not improve quickly.  The EMG/NCV is a painful test where they stick needles into your extremties and shoot electricity down them to test the time that it takes for the electricity to travel down the nerve.  Its purpose is to determine the extent of nerve damage and localize where the damage is.  It will help them localize your treatment.

Answer 4

I suggest the steroid shots in the discs.  

Answer 5

Are you seeing a physical therapist yet? If not, I would ask your doctor if he/she would prescribe a treatment of PT. The therapist will know the correct exercises for you based on your doctors prescription.

They will also use other treatment modalities such as ice and or heat and possibly ultrasound, all of which should help you find additional relief.