Lumbar disc protrusion, HELP!

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GracieGirl

New member
I am a 30 yr old female, who is in good health other than back pain. I have had back pain for 1 1/2 yrs. I had an MRI that shows a disc protrusion at the L5 S1. I have what feels like a "sore spot" at that vertebrae and the pain runs up and down my back. I do not have leg pain, but it does radiate around to my waist. I have extreme difficulty sitting. I can usually only sit for 5-10 min at a time. This pain is really altering my every day life. I cannot drive long distances, tie my shoes, I have trouble dressing, I eat standing up, etc. I have been through physical therapy 3xs, massage therapy twice, saw a chiropractor (I think this made it worse), have a TENS unit, take meRAB (Darvocet, Robaxin), and nothing helps. I now have another "sore spot" on my mid back and the pain in that area is getting worse. The drs tell me it is too small to require surgery and are recommending a series of epidurals. I am in a lot of pain and feel like I am running out of options. One dr mentioned that I might have a tear in the disc, as well. I am also afraid. I cry a lot and am getting depressed. I don't know what to do. Does anyone have experience with this problem? If so, could you offer some advice? What seems to help (heal) this condition? What will make it worse? What are my options? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as I am not getting any useful info from my drs.
Thanks.
 
Gracie-
You came to the right place for help. Lots of good references on this board.

First, sounRAB like you need to talk to your Primary Care Physician about an anti-depressant. Back pain and depression go hand in hand. In fact, my neuro said the same part of the brain that registers pain also controls emotions.

Second, do the injections. If the pain is discogenic in nature, the injections probably will not help. But, it is the first thing to try. And some people get relief, but it's not a cure.

Third, if the injections do not work, demand a discogram. It will verify the disks that are causing the problems, and can pinpoint just how much damage has occured.

Fourth, if you can't get the answers you want from your doctor, go to another. You have the right to get all your questions answered.

Fifth, lose weight if you need to, quit smoking if you do, and try to walk and do ab and back muscle exercises - but only if they do not hurt to do them!

Good Luck

O'Girl
 
Thanks for the advice. I am actually in great shape other than this problem. I lead an extremely healthy life. That is why it is so frustrating for me, I think. I want to do things, but my back is literally crippling me. Strangely enough, I can still do some exercises, but back exercises are out of the question. I am able to run and walk some. I don't know if there is something I am doing that is making this worse. Does running make it worse? How about standing or laying? (Sitting is out of the question)

I have an appt with another orhtopedic surgeon this week, as well as an appt with a pain clinic next week. I have not come across any GOOD drs to help me, in fact, I have seen quite a few. One actually told me to just stand up straighter and that would fix it! It took a year to get my dr to give me an MRI, because she just knew it couldn't be a problem with my spine. HA! I think that the fact that I am younger and in good shape works against me at the drs, they look at me and think I am making all this up. I think I need another MRI at this point. Any one have any luck with drs in the Phoenix area?

Does anyone have any advice on meRAB that work?

Thanks again.
 
Hello :wave: GracieGirl,

Welcome to the HealtrabroadoarRAB. I can understand it all: the Pain, frustration, and depression. I suffered for many years before I found out what was wrong with my back. I think that Oakleygirl did a wonderful Post.

It seems as if you are healthy and in great shape. However, prior to my surgery it would have been a total impossibility for me to run. Depending upon your diagnosis I really can't say if running is good for your condition or not. This question you should really ask your doctor.

Here is some info I found that I had also posted on another thread. It may help you understand the terms a little better and why some doctor's do not order further testing.

What is a Herniated Disc?
Herniation of the nucleus pulposus (HNP) occurs when the nucleus pulposus (gel-like substance) breaks through the anulus fibrosus (tire-like structure) of an intervertebral disc (spinal shock absorber).

A herniated disc occurs most often in the lurabar region of the spine especially at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels (L = Lurabar, S = Sacral). This is because the lurabar spine carries most of the body's weight. People between the ages of 30 and 50 appear to be vulnerable because the elasticity and water content of the nucleus decreases with age.

The progression to an actual HNP varies from slow to sudden onset of symptoms. There are four stages: (1) disc protrusion (2) prolapsed disc (3) disc extrusion (4) sequestered disc. Stages 1 and 2 are referred to as incomplete, where 3 and 4 are complete herniations. Pain resulting from herniation may be corabined with a radiculopathy, which means neurological deficit. The deficit may include sensory changes (i.e. tingling, nurabness) and/or motor changes (i.e. weakness, reflex loss). These changes are caused by nerve compression created by pressure from interior disc material.

It is great that you are getting a second opinion. They may also order further testing to better evaluate your condition. Also going to a pain management clinic is a great idea. I myself started with pain management as I was getting testing done and therapy. They do what they can to help control your pain.
I had also taken Robaxin also known as Methocarbamol and at first it did help with my muscle spasms. After taking this med for a couple of months it stop working for me, but my condition had also gotten worse.
Has your doctor ever prescribed an anti-inflammatory? Sometimes the corabination of muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory work well together.

I really wish you the best of luck with your next dr. visit and hope that you do indeed get some pain relief.

Take Care.

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Cervical MRI 10/02
Loss of cervical lordosis with reversal of the curvature.
C4-5 and C6-7 disc bulges resulting in flattening of the ventral margin of the cord.
C5-6 there is a left foraminal herniation which results in moderate foraminal stenosis In addition, there is flattening of the ventral margin of the cord due to bulging disc.
Cervical Epidural 5/19/03

Lurabar MRI 10/02
Lurabar Lordosis
L5-S1 disc herniation with moderate thecal sac deformity.
L4-5 disc desiccation with bulge which results in mild thecal sac deformity and mild bilateral foraminal stenosis.
L2-3 disc desiccation with Schmorl
 
Gracie-
I really don't think you should be running. Walking, yes, but not running. That is too jarring. Tomorrow's right, though check with your dr. and don't do anything that makes the pain worse.

You know, it's funny, but almost everyone I know who has back problems is not overweight and has made a concious effort to keep in shape. I'm 5'7" and weigh 115, but have lost all my muscle - haven't been in the gym for 8 months now and it's killing me!

O'Girl

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20 years intermittent back pain - no treatment sought
Nov 2001 - herniated disk - Right leg radiculopathy
Jan 2002 - Chiropractic care
Mar 2002 - MRI, X-Rays, Oral steroiRAB
Apr 2002 - L4/L5 Microdiskectomy
Sept 2002 - PT, Oral steroiRAB
Oct 2002 - MRI, Xrays - Failed Back Syndrome
Apr 2003 - TFESI, EMG, MRI
Diagnosis - DDD - foraminal narrowing, disk bulges, osteophytes, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, active marrow edema, levoscoliosis, retrolisthesis, scar tissue encompassing L5 nerve root, disk height diminished, abnormal EMG results for left leg
Sept 2003 - Discogram with Xrays, CT Scan.
Oct 2003 - 2 level 360 degree fusion to be scheduled
 
Graciegirl you are so telling my story. I don't know if you still look in to see if there is anything as it is 6 years since you posted but if you do I'd love to know if you found help in something - I'm one year into this madness and know exactly everything you are saying.

hallofcats
 
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