L5S1 Problem

[crisl5s1]

I was diagnosed (by MRI) with a bulging disk (L5S1) in 2000. I did some Physical Therapy. It got better. Years went by & did'nt think of it much. About 3-4 years ago I started walking everyday, hilly walk. If I missed 2-3 days my back would ache a little. Ache went away with regular walking. Got a new job/hours stopped walking regularly about 2 years ago (stupid, stupid, stupid.) This past October (2007) found myself with indescribable lower (toward left side) pain, mainly with bending (forget sitting on a soft surface) the worst was trying to get into bed, then once I got there moving was out of the question (more than one night I was STUCK in bed with a full bladder all night, not much sleep.) Did I go to a Doctor- NO - 'It'll get better" I told myself. Eventually went to a Chiropractor - 2 weeks ago. X-RAYS showed a degenarative L5S1. I'm currently going in 3+ times a week for adjustments. As an aside, I've also given up my beloved Diet Cokes and am losing weight.

 

[mamakitkat]

HI,
Welcome! I hope you find alot of help here. Well walking is the best exercise for your back, I'm sorry you have degenerative disc troubles. Knowing what I do I have to tell you that a chiro isn't going to make that disc bigger no matter how many times he manipulates your spine. I did have that done a few times in the begining too, it was GREAT for a day or two, but sadly it always wore off. The more he pushes things back into place the more chance of him putting wear on that joint and will need more medical attention than he can give one day. Can I ask why you haven't seen a spine dr. ?

I would find me a good spine dr. with a fellowship and only does spines, take you newest film with you and go from there. I would get two opinions one ortho & one neuro.

Great news about the weight! I too am in weightloss mode, it's tough enough without back problems too. Good luck!

Please keep us updated?

God Bless

Carol

 

[Justoneofus]

Hi there. Most of us on here are not advocates of chiros for people with any disc issues. They do have good merits for many things, but usually bulging discs is not one of them in my opinion and from my own personal experience.

Plus an "xray" isnt going to show a bulging disc to any benefit of properly diagnosing it. You need an MRI to really see what is going on with your spine.

DDD is a loose term to say your back is starting to age, like all of us. It happens to us all. The discs dry out. For most, it's causes little to no pain, then others it creates more pain and also can lead to further complications, such as bulging discs etc. And majority of all humans have bulging discs and this is considered normal, not abnormal. As to how bad its bulging, etc.. determines if it is considered abnormal.

You should not have to be in pain like you are and losing sleep is not good for your health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally.

I would seriously consider seeing a proper doctor (orthopaedic spine doc or a neurosurgeon is the best choice) that deals with spines to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. You've been suffering long enough. You need some relief.

Please keep us posted.

 

[billk1977]

severe left side back pain led to an ER visit one night...xray show very narrow L5S1 space..later MRI revealed NO disc there...neurologist said it's "basically gone"...neurologist then said cortisone shots. why the shot if the disc is gone? i would think that sooner or later, something neeRAB to be physically done. i am NOT a fan of surgery, but i wonder, is there any other way?? pain is constant, i can sit but must readjust position to "calm" the pain. i can lay on bed or couch but movement must be all at once or the twisting wakes me it hurts so bad. the pain meRAB- Tramadol, Ltabs, Somas only make me loopy enough to pass out for 2-3 hrs then awake again. I got 1st cortisone shot monday, the pain is worse in the L5 area but the injection site is fine. if i bend or move wrong way, pain is even worse....the neurologist said i'm in great shape so phys ther would be a waste, i agree there.