Can I live normally and exercise with a herniated disc?

[lavalla]

My MRI opines a L5-S1 posterior & right posterolateral disc herniation with mild caudal migration. I have pain the length of my leg down the sciatic nerve and am numb down my calf and ball of my foot, three toes suffer pins and needles.

Since it happened, I have had terrible pain and suffered restless leg syndrome from the onset. I cannot sleep in my bed, but sitting up on the sofa. I cannot sleep longer than for 2 hours. I was given Tramadol and Arthrotec for the pain. I now take Arthrotec and paracetamol after suffering a vomiting fit. I am tired of waiting to receive an appointment to see the hospital neurosurgeon to whom I was referred. I was told to get an ambulance back to hospital immediately if I became incontinent or numb in that area. What does '...(disc herniation ) with mild caudal migration along right posterolateral aspect of S1 segment is seen effacing the anterior epidural fat and indenting the relevant aspect of the thecal sac as well as entangling right S1 nerve root within its lateral recess.' mean? Can I start walking again? Can I take exercise classes?

[Kalvin]

In between each vertebra in our backs and necks exists a spinal disc. These discs act as a cushion or a shock absorber between the bones. As we age our disc lose water and deteriorate. As the discs lose their elasticity they can rupture and push out, sometimes the herniations can compress the spinal nerves, as well as the spinal cord.

So, you have a disc herniation I’m assuming at L5-S1 with mild caudal migration, in other words, the herniation is mildly migrating downward, along the posterolateral aspect of the S1 segment. Which means that it’s migrating downward along the back and to the side of your S1 vertebra. It is also indenting (pushing) on the thecal sac. The thecal sac is the outer covering of the spinal canal. This disc herniation is also entangling (compressing, disturbing the path) of your SI nerve root within its lateral recess. The lateral recess is an area that the spinal nerves travel through.

This entanglement of the S1 nerve root is probably what is causing the majority of your pain, your symptoms are typical for S1 radiculopathy. Is Tramadol even strong enough, I’ve heard it not very effective for severe pain?

I can’t really state whether or not its safe you to increase activity, I don’t see any problem with walking, but you really need to discuss this with your GP.

You must be an amazing person to be in the pain you’re in, and wondering if you can take exercise classes.


Take Care

[recoveredfromamonster]

In short disc herniation means you have a disk that has come out of place and is pressing on your Sciatic (S1) nerve. (That's what's causing the radiating pain down your leg more than likely). A "herniation" usually happens from trauma. I have had four back surgeries and it's nothing fun. Have you tried over the counter Aleve? Ice? Heat? The pain you are having is nothing fun and can be extreme. Tramadol is a generic form of Ultram. It is effective for some minor pain. Your doctor can tell you the correct exorcises to do and discuss further treatment. Chiropractor and surgery would not be out of the question.