What should I do?

[Hope4theBest24]

I have had back pain for about 6 years now. 3 years of it being severe chronic pain. I recently had an MRI done on my lumbar, and it should Buldging discs in my L4, and L5 and L5 and S1 veritbras. I am curious as to what I can do personally without the help of a doctor. For example like at my house on my own time. Also, what would be the best procedure I should look into with a doctor. For example, should I go for surgery? Would Physical Therapy work? What about epidural, steriod injections? My recent post hasnt been answered yet, so I am hoping someone can help me with this, and give me some ideas, and useful tips. Thank you so much in adavanced!

[jt8389]

I have had 3 back surgeries (98,99,00) and I can say I wish at the time there was something else that could of been done, but I had tried the injections with no relief. I did give in and have the surgeries and after about a year I felt better not fully 100% but better. I could walk again without a cane or walker. I still had pain but took a low dose pain med when needed. well now it's 2013 and my back popped about 2 years ago in the area of the fussions. Now my pain goes from a 7 to 10 if I do too much. One of the cages has shifted toward my spinal cord and scar tissue has wrapped around it. They can't go in and fix the problem could cause paralazation. Now on hydromorphone 4mg every 4 hrs. Please check everything before being cut. Good luck, Jess

[barkleyt]

For me I went to see a Chiropractor as my Spine Doctor is sending me to a surgeon.  The Chiropractor said there is nothing they can do for me due to where the bond spears are in my back.  I have bee to see a pain doctor who only kept upping the narcotics which was causing more problems.  Make sure if you see a pain Doctor that they don't just give you pills.  I see a spine surgeon on the 16th of May.  Injections in my back gave me relief for 1 day on the first injection and 3 days on the 2nd one.  I am going in today to have a wire put in then heated up, between 3 different vertabra (sorry can't spell this morning) then heated up, the wires are removed after the heat.  Very nervous about this.  My blood pressure is to high due o the severe pain.  Let us know how things go.

[JJonWheels]

I would suggest you consult with a licensed chiropractor. They are very effective with non-surgical treatments, in most cases. I would suggest that you seek professional assistance, because putting it off could further the damage.

Chiropractors are what is known as "first contact" providers and as such, you do not need a referral to see one. If you make an appointment, be sure to take any MRI/X-ray results with you (both films and reports if possible). If chiropractic treatment begins, it is very important that you keep up on it even though you may "feel weird" for the first few treatments. Chiropractors will not attempt to treat you unless they expect a positive result. Please feel free to get in touch with me anytime if I can be of any further assistance. Good luck! You can believe me when I tell you, I've been going to a Chiropractor (medical initials DC or Doctor of Chiropractic) for 5 years and its worked great for me.

J.J. Whipple

[Cinderelly70]

Yes, surgery would be my last suggestion.   I've had 3...and still have 6 bulging discs, 2 are rupturing,  1 on my sciatic nerve, causing severe leg burning.   I also have a fractured vertebrae and the fragments are starting to rupture my spinal canal.  I know what you mean by suffering.   My neurologist has sent me to a pain clinic, I go this Tuesday,  prolly for more injections,  nerve burning,  spinal cord stimulators, you name it, but for me, helped very little.   For the bulging discs, I'm not sure what they would do for you.....seems they wouldn't let them rupture,  huh?  Have your primary dr refer you to a good pain clinic.....not a pill mill, as this only exaggerates the pain by making you feel more pain than you really do, thus needing an increase in meds.  Read my profile,  its not worth it.  Pt and injections are prolly your best bet.  
Let me know,
Cindy

[bigsissie]

If I were you surgery would be my last course. PT would be very helpful and they will also give you things you can do at home to help. Injections for the back I personally know nothing about mine is in too bad of shape for them. I would suggest decompression therapy. I have just finished my first course and I liked it. For the pain there is pain pills, T.E.N.S unit or shots. All of which depend on the person and what they are more comfortable with and what the dr recommends. You can do exercises at home to strengthen your back as well as stretches. I hope this was helpful. Best wishes, Sissie