Back pain, bulging disc and steps to heal

Around 7 weeks ago. I started having extreme lower back pain with pain running down the back of my right leg to my ankle. Step 1: went to chiropracter, 4 visits no change. Step 2: went to PT for 6 visits, no change maybe worse. Pain level up to an 8 out of 10. Have to lie down most of the time. Step 3: Started taking Vicodin, ibuprofin. Had an MRI, results show bulging disc in lower back pressing on nerve. Step 4: Went to pain CLinic, had cortisone back injection. Added Neurontin to other meds. Two weeks later still no change, can only get up 15 min at a time due to pain. Step 5: went back for second injection 3 weeks after first. Increased pain meds. Possibly some improvement but still can only get up for 30 min at a time. What is my next step? Will this heal by itself? It's been 7 weeks now.

[brendanb]

Hi, I take it you have taken your MRI Scan to a doctor? they usually cant read the scans very well and may need to pass onto a neuro surgent to look at, I had a very large prolapse disc L4-L5 and have since had surgery with a slight improvement,

What should you do next get to a specialist with your scans, I am told that the discs can fix themselves so to speak but not sure on how often, I waited 4 months in pain like yours before surgery but finally gave in.

CAUTION - the longer you wait the more chance of perminent / long term nerve damage, and lets just say that this can be really bad if your bowels and bladder are involved!

There is no point laying around doing nothing get up and get to a doctor so they can refer you to a specialist and get the ball rolling.

[noneck]

You have done all the right steps. I would try spinal decompression (traction), usually at a Chiro's office. If that doesn't help then because there is pressure on the nerve confirmed by MRI, surgery is in order. They can do microsurgery or less invasive surgeries today with great results. The sooner this is corrected the better you will be after treatment. Just from experience I'm pretty sure you'll need surgery.

noneck