L5-S1 Herniated Disk (Wk1 =Extreme Pain, Wk6=No Pain)

(Week 1) =>  have extreme referred leg Pain - caused by assumed sciatic nerve pressure from bulge from diagnosed minor Bulging L5 / S1 disc. Cannot Tip Toe on Left foot. I have pins and needles in my left foot small 5th toe and calf muscle consistantly. I get severe Glutenal cramping from walking so awkwardly to lessen the impact as sitting and walking seems to aggravate sciatic nerve due to added pressure on the disc. Lying down relieves leg pain.

(Week 2 ) => Attended Physiotherapy and Swim regularly. Take Oral Pain killer

(Week 3 to 5) => Stop taking all Pain killer. Attended Physiotherapy and Swim regularly. Pain reduce progressively.

(Week 6 to 7) => Only minimum or no numbness on left foot small toe. Can TipToe 2cm slightly on left foot. Can walk 8km in forest terrain. Can climb up staircase to level 10 or higher. Can Jog slightly.

Herniated Disk shown on MRI occupy 50% of canal, consulted 5 senior doctor said that it's very serious.
But Physiotherapy is showing excellent improvement.

Should i go for Microdiscectomy?





This discussion is related to Second opinions for a Herniated disc treatment.

[seano]

I would hold off on any surgery until all other measures have been tried. Surgery did help my pain, but it started a "chain reaction" in needing multiple surgeries after the original procedure. Part of it was my own fault going back to work too early, etc. If non-surgical options exist and are working, exhaust those things first.

[garfieldsing]

THANKS
Week 10
Now i have physical recovered almost 98%. No pain. No Numb. Can run. can walk 10Km. Treatment by physiotherapist and exercise regular with positive attitude has lead me to road of recovery. Doctor was amaze. Have faith in physiotherapist.