I am 21 years of age and have 4 bulging discs in by back and POSSIBLY suffering Sciatica.

[beck7769]

When I was 19 (2009) years of age I was regularly experiencing chronic back pain, I attended the emergency department on 2 occasions to be basically told i am a hypercondreact, and there is nothing they can do for me and would not X-ray me for an un-neccessary reason, I then went and seen my GP that afternoon who immediately refferred me for a CT Scan, for my results to come back showing 2 bulging discs in my back (L4-5, L5-S1)  and slight arthrosis on the spine. Two years on (2011) I had a recent CT scan, to find I have 4 bulging discs in my back, and now I am suffering from chronic leg and knee pain, and my knee gives away alot causing me to lose balance on the left leg, and making it hard to even change gears in my car. I have been to physio on 2 occasions but found it aggrivated my back. I currently work with in the health industry as a hospital assistant (domestic) and have spoken to a few RN's Registered Nurses on a few occasions who think my symptoms are very much like "Sciatica" My employer flew me to Sydney to see an Independent specialist who advised me I also have Knock Knees does this have anything to do with my back injury?, I am very confused and  emotionally distressed, being 21 and having all of these complications affecting not only my work ability but my life aswell and relationships in it, i still feel i have 40 years or so of work left in me but i am worried that my back injury may bring it all to an end... Is there any treatment or type of doctors/specialists that anyone can recommend? - Thanks for reading.

Beck.

[beck7769]

Thanks heaps, I have an appointment with my GP next week to try and get to the bottom of this. What kind of pain management are you doing? I heard acupuncture is on the cards of pain management.

[stayathomemommaof2]

I am totally in the same boat.My back issues started when I was 17 I am now 32 I have 4 buldging discs with 1 pressing on sciatic nerve I started pain manegment and curently my pain is under control you shouldtalk to your docter about seeing a pain specialist because I am now about to actually lives simi normal life:-)