Any other options?

I am a 28 yr old female and for the last year I have been having pain in my lower back, my left hip and down my left leg to my foot including pain and numbness. I have been diagnosed with siatica and told that I have a tear and buldging disks in L4, L5 and S1 which is my tailbone and the two disks above it. I was reffered to an orthopedic/pain management specialist that has injected cortozone shots and they haven't touched the pain at all. I personally don't want to be put on Narcotics and was wondering if there were any suggestions on something else I can do. Should I see a neurosurgeon? When I was 16 I was also diagnosed and had surgery for Chiari Malformation but that is my brain and upper spine and don't think it is connected. After being diagnosed I was suggested to see a Endrocrinologist but my PCP wouldn't reffer me.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment on the appropriate management plan. While mild to moderate cases are usually managed conservatively and surgery is reserved for severer ones, a surgery may be avoided if it is believed to be of little benefit or is too risky. Since conservative management/ pain management has not been helpful, you may seek a review with your orthopedician/ neurologist/ neurosurgeon, if interventional/ surgical measures may be useful at this time.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!