Herniated L5 Disc

Oct 2010 I was helping someone move filing cabinets.  Two days after the move I felt a lot of pain in my right butt and hamstring.  The pain never went past the knee however my mobility has been greatly hindered.  It almost felt like i pulled my hamstring muscles or glut.  The pain was probably a 9 out of 10.  5 months later on March 2011 The pain is like a 4 but I only feel it in the right buttox and sometimes in the right hip area.  The Ortopedic diagnosed me as a Herniated L5 disc pinching my nerve causing pain from results of MRI.  However I am confused.  Since the disc has shifted, is this permanent? What causes the disc to shift back in to place? I do a lot of jogging and pushups and situps.  Should I continue these activities or is there any specific excercises I should concentrate on? Treatments?  The doctor doesn't think i need surgery but he never gave me a clear answer if surgery is the answer.  He prescribed me a steroid antiinflammatory drug for the week. How long will this last? I had to cancel my Border Patrol boot camp because of the high involvement of physical training. Will I no longer be able to do something like this because of this condition?  I need some opinions on this.. I am a little confused on how this cures itself and if this is permanent. Thanks

[Larry0517]

I had a herniated L5/S1 disk back in 2009 and had micro surgery to relieve the disk from pressing on the nerve causing the pain after first trying a steriod shot that did not work. After this surgery my leg pain went away but my back pain was still there. In January of 2011 that same disk herniated again with the pain down my left buttox and leg. After aonther MRI the surgen said he needed to remove this disk and fuse the area together. I have not been out of pain since then. Now the pain is in my back and my right buttox and leg. Just went for a 3rd MRI yesterday to determine what is next. I have been out of work for 2 1/2 months now and my job is not waiting for me. My suggestion to you is that you do everything you can to avoid surgery! The physical theropy people may be able to help. Good Luck!!!!

[Michelle_P]

Hello- I'm sorry, I have no great advice for you. But we seem to be experiencing almost identical symptoms. I felt slightly crazy trying to explain to the Physical Therapist that it hurt in my buttock...LOL. I'm happy to hear someone else say the same thing.

I'm in the process of trying to find out exactly what is wrong and how to fix it (long process). I have a post on here somewhere w/ MRI and X-Ray results.

I hope you have some answers and some relief soon! Also, hope you make it to Border Patrol boot camp (Ga.?).

Peace,
Michelle