Herniated disk

I have been dealing with a L4 L5 herniated disk for about 5 months. I hear it can take up to 6 months some times. I can get around and only have some cramping and sciatica left. Will it EVER go away entirely? and how important is taking IB everyday? I have ben taking 1-3 800mg/day but on good days I skip dosages because I dont want to be damaging something else......I do stretches daily....anyone have and advice on who is better....spine doc, chiro, acupuncture or regular doc?


Also are there any meds / foods out there that can help speed up healing process
Mike

[sam1224]

I have been through that: herniated disk. For me at first I went to a chiropractor and I did have some positive results (intermitently) meaning some visits were beneficial for a few days and some were not. However, once the chiro ordered an MRI and found out it was a herniated disc he did not want to continue manipulating my back because he felt it could cause more pain/damage....remember that. He suggested i go to a neurosurgeon and get a consult: and I was told I was a candidate for a discectomy:I did not want to take the surgical approach so I opted not to. But after about a month more of pain: i caved in and I had the discectomy.And for me, this was my answer. That was 4 years ago and I was able to return to all my normal activities, yard work, kickboxing, running.....everything. Unfortunately I had to return to my neuro back in November because I developed other problems and I just had a spinal fusion. But that aside: if I were you I would begin with my primary and then go from there. How do you know you have a herniated disc? you must have had an mri???? who ordered it??? This time around I did try cortisone injections, perhaps that is something for you to consider.....but again I think that you need to take steps. Start with primary, and then go from there. Good Luck. Also, if I were you I would consider acupuncture: but that is after you see your primary. Some doctor needs to know what you are going thru and follow you.
good luck
sam