chronic sciatica

I am a generally fit, slim male age 49, height 6 ft 4 ins. I have had constant sciatica due to a slipped L4/L5 disc, and not responded to physiotherapy, osteopathy, chriropractice, Bowen Technique. MRI description below:

'The  L4/5  disc  is  degenerate  with  some  loss  of  height  and  hydration.  There  is  a  generalised  disc  bulge  present  at  the  L4/5  disc  and  this  together  with  some  posterior  lament  hypertrophy  is  leading  to  compression  of  both  L5  nerve  roots  in  the  lateral  recess. The  other  lumbar  discs  are  preserved  disc  heights  and  hydration'

I am due a cortisone injection in May. What is the likely long-term outcome? Any advice would be welcome. Thanks Rob

[strictlyforpain]

Man I'm in the same boat you are. Probably worse for me. I have disc issues at T11-12, L3-L4, L4-L5. For some cortisone is the end of the road they are all better. For others it sort of helps. I've had 2 injections and now they want to do radio frequency abelation. Like you I'm active and fit. Exercise all the time (despite the pain) and have for years. I've lived with the pain since I was 17 and am now 33.

Taking Avinza and soma which does an okay job on the pain (frankly I cannot function without it). I sure as heck wish I could find a cure.

My facet joints are a total mess down near L4-L5 and well anyway... I don't have answers just large medical bills and more questions. I'm self employed so just thinking the word "doctor" costs me $90.

[msfergy]

Does your pain radiate to butt and leg? I have had this problem for a yr now and very limited to what I can do, I exercise and everything I am on percocet and flexeral, I have the facet joint disease bilateral in L4 L5 and the ortho doc acts like that is not the cause of my pain also have c spine issues to.

[dmjames]

Check into Piriformis syndrome online.
Sounds like this may be the cause of your problems. And there is a surgery to remove the muscle.
Good luck.
denise

[dmjames]

You too may want to check out Piriformis Syndrome online. I finally found out I have this for 2 years now and finally will get relief with surgery. I just got on here trying to help all the 1000's of people who may have this and not realize it. It is a very overlooked problem that mimics a disc problem among other things.
best of luck.
Denise