Herniated Disc

[kirst67]

My partner was diagnosed with herniated disc about 3 years ago. It is so bad that there are days when she can barely walk, especially when the sciatic nerve is involved. She has tried most pain killers but instead of getting better it's getting worse. Has anyone else experienced this, some advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Hidden]

I'm afraid it doesn't get better, it does get worse. Has your partner had any MRI scans or Xrays? Heat helps me, a pillow between your knees in bed eases it too. She needs to go back to her GP and insist on seeing a specialist. Especially if there is any numbness or pins and needles involved.

[valerie8502]

My sciatic nerve was wound around the disc material and this did not show on the MRIs and was only found when the Consultant operated. Twenty weeks I waited as they take a very conservative view in the first instance, and because of this I have been left with permanent damage to nerves in leg etc. So please kick up a fuss, present at A&E and keep going back until they help you. Thinking of you both as if left untreated it will affect you both in your quality of life.

[sianr]

If the symptoms are becoming worse and with increased frequency with neurological symptoms then its best to go to GP and ask for a Physio referral . The Physio service can vary once seen by a good physiotherapist they can refer on to an orthopaedic Physio who can organise MRI's etc and any other further care required. I an sympathise with your wife it's not easy however Physio and exercise does actually help try hear a well I love my hot water bottle when I'm at home and heat patch without the added drugs which helps . Hope this helps .

SA

[sianr]

Oh and it does get better time management and good advice . Your wife may need further treatment than previous or even surgery depends what specialists find. Everyone an their experiences are different and it sounds like your wife can have a better standard of living with the right intervention.

[Bobcat38]

Have had back problems for over 50 years, to rid your self of this, will require,

Surgery, this is expensive and there is a risk attached. Your GP is unlikely to help you, because of this,

I would suggest paying for a private consultation with a back Specialist, make sure he is a good one, look him up on the web first, make sure he do's NHS work as well, when you see him tell him your story, but also tell him that You can't afford to go private, with a bit of luck he will treat you on the NHS,

There is some medication that you can take, but it's not widely known, believe it dissolves, the offending piece of disk, my son had it but can't remember the name, it do's not completely cure it, but made a massive improvement to him, he hardly ever gets a bad back now, you have to be carefull with your posture,

The best of luck

[ZedT]

In my experience (you're welcome to read my older posts for the full story) my GPs were very slow to react as it seems to be common practice to treat this conservatively. I now see a specialist in this area, on the NHS, and will be having a spinal block soon as a temporary measure whilst I am waiting for surgery.

Things that helped me:

Medication:- getting the right balance for HER is essential. What works for me is Pregabalin, Naproxen, Zapain, Diazepam (for emergency use), and oral morphine (for severe breakthrough pain). It has taken the GP and I ages to get this balance right and it regularly needs tweaking. Your partner will possibly need a neuropathic pain killer as well as an Non Steroid Anti Inflammatory Drug alongside a conventional drug such as paracetamol or cocodamol.

Physio:- Not terribly helpful for actual pain relief, but good for giving me correct exercises to stretch and keep flexible.

Heat and Ice:- i have two large good quality gel packs, on in the freezer, one for the microwave, which I rotate at 20 minute intervals, whenever I am relaxing. Cheap, no side effects and can be done yourself.

Keeping active:- although many still use the old ways of bed rest, I found that for me, lying in bed made things a lot worse. I feel that short periods of rest with short periods of activity work best. My pain is intolerable if I sleep for too long, and the more I do the better I feel.

Mindfulness:- This is a yoga like technique which focuses your mind and teaches you to understand your body's sensations, helping you to breathe and control pain. Google it!

My husband:- a constance source of support and love, willing to do everything and empathy in bucketfuls. Not available on the NHS but quite reasonably priced. Comes with small children which have some irritating side effects at times !!!

If you go back to your Gp ask for an MRI and a referral to a specialist and start from there. Some people DO get better, but more do not, so be proactive, research her condition and be assertive in seeking the treatment she needs. Good luck, and I have to say, she has a good start having a caring partner in you who is helping her already. X

[angelrobert]

Ohh sorry to hear, I'll personally recommend you to consult your physician as soon as possible because he can suggest you the best option. orthopedicsurgerysandiego.com/