Car Crash = Disc Issues

Six months back I was rear ended on a highway. Traffic was stopped for a current accident when I was hit from behind at 65mph. I have several herniated discs (3) in my lumbar section and several bulged discs in my neck. For the past 6 months I haven't been allowed to do anything really, I was recently released from disability ( unfortunately my job let me go while out on leave) so I don't have anything to go back too. But I notice extreme pain with the littlest and stupiest things i have to do on a daily basis. carrying laundry up 3 flights of stairs, mopping floors...etc. The pain is so bad I cant to anything, it even radiates in my legs and right arm at times. I'm only 23 and I'm starting school in a month... I fear i wont be able to carry a backpack of books and that my pain is going to distract me. I NEVER SLEEP...i'm up every night until 5-6am and wake at around 10. what are some of my options PLEASE HELP...

[joslen09]

I have some what the same problems you do and it happened the same way. A year ago the 26th of this month i was rear-ended in stopped traffic also. i have a protruding disc, hernitaed disc, and an annular tear in one of my disc in my thoracic spine. Im also about to start school and i am also worried about carring books around and the pain it will cause. im also about your age im 21. i saw my pcp and that didnt help much saw an ortho dr. and they put me on pain patches. Ive had epidural injections, nerve blocks, and a radiofrequency never ablation. Now we are looking at a possible spinal fusion. Alot of ppl say that the epidurals work great they didnt do anything for me but you can try them and see how they work for you.

[MamaAng]

Are you seeing a Pain Management Doctor?  Did you do any Physical Therapy?  Have they offered to do Spinal Injections?  

If you are not on medication you need to ask about pain mgmt.  I'm not saying narcotics necessarily but things like Gabapentin and muscle relaxers can have a huge impact on quality of life.  PT could really help you.  Traction has helped some with my discs and my PT does deep muscle massage which helps my upper back "unlock".  I have done 6 injections and 4 of those have been very successful in reducing my pain levels.  

I am so sorry you are in so much pain.