Ongoing bulging disc pain

[Jhpc]

I had 6 lower facet joint injections plus an epidural in December, under the pain management team, had 4 glorious weeks pain free, pain returned so had another MRI and referred to spinal clinic.

Received a call from spinal clinic yesterday I have a small disc sitting in the main canal lower back, which is sitting on a nerve, because of its position

It can’t be reached by normal surgery.

I’m now being referred to another consultant to see what my best options are going forward.

I did ask does that mean I will have to have surgery, no not necessarily.....

I should receive my call in the next few weeks.

Don’t know what to expect..

Hope you all have a good day. Take care.

[svfarmer]

I’m so sorry your in such pain with your back - I slipped a disc when my children were little and I’ve never experienced pain so intense before I had to lie on my back in hospital for a week on traction - not pleasant . Hope that your back gets sorted soon, take care xx

[Jhpc in reply to svfarmer]

Sounds painful. Everyday chores are difficult I have to keep sitting down. When walking I’ve got to stop for a rest. It’s an effort. I’m lucky I can walk though, many can’t. I work 2 days from home, which is good. Just wonder if they might try manipulation to try to get the disc back in place....

Thanks for your reply. Take care.

[Lupusrelative in reply to Jhpc]

Please do not try manipulation, it will makes things worse. Ask about traction. There is a modern machine which does this. They will put you in a harness, lie you on your back and the machine will gently stretch your back. This allows oxygen to reach those discs which helps a lot. It may take a once a week visit for up to six months and you may not notice a difference at first but it really helped me a lot.

[Jhpc in reply to Lupusrelative]

They haven’t suggested manipulation it was just me wondering which direction I would be going next...yes I’ve looked at traction this is a good possibility. I’ve phoned the spinal clinic secretary this morning to try to find out where I’m being referred to she will get back to me. Did you have a bulging disc also. Glad the traction worked for you.

[Lupusrelative in reply to Jhpc]

Yes, in the bottom of my spine and neck. Hope you find some relief soon xx

[Jumper99]

I’m so sorry to read that you are in so much pain. I sympathise a lot. I have hypertrophy of the three facet joints and degenerating discs and it’s hell standing or walking more than a few yards. They have said no surgery for me and they are also telling me no injections because I’m on warfarin. I hope you have more luck and they can do something to help you. Xx

[Jhpc]

That must be so hard to deal with, you are worse of than me, I find when walking at first it’s very painful but usually after 20 mins or so it eases a bit or if I sit down for 5 mins then walk again, I can walk further. It’s like burning pain also as if water is running down your leg but it isn’t lol 😂 thank god.

I thought maybe that’s what they would have offered, I would have the epidural again just to get a few weeks pain relief. I should have asked who he was referring me to, I may phone up on Monday to try to find out.

Thanks for replying jumper99 hope your pain eases for you.

[Hamptons]

Try acupuncture as it can switch off the nerve. Worked for me.

[Jhpc in reply to Hamptons]

I tried this years ago for nerve pain in neck also shoulder it didn’t do anything for me. Glad it works for some people though.

[Jhpc]

I’m to get a telephone call from consultant at spinal clinic in Taunton they will advise way forward. I live in the Channel Islands. Apparently they come to the island every two months next one was supposed to be August but this has been cancelled.

[Kels1974]

I k ow how you feel.i have degenerative discs in lumbar spine and had surgery for mine last year.looks like I probably need a 2nd operation. I hav e been I pain with my back for over 5 years

[Jhpc in reply to Kels1974]

I’ve heard a few people who have had to operated on more than once, pretty scary....it’s not an easy pain to live with. Take care hope you get treatment soon.

[Kels1974 in reply to Jhpc]

I hope you do also,it is awful being in constant pain. I had a discectomy and facetectomy operation and had 6 months pain free but pain

s is back again.

[Jhpc in reply to Kels1974]

That’s awful after op your now in pain again after 6 months!