Buldging disc

[Isherwood11]

I have a buldging disc trapping a nerve, four of my disc are dehydrated what does this mean?..... I'm going to have an epidural to ease my pain going down my leg can anyone advise me on this please x

[RAYJAYC]

Hello

Dehydrated discs basically means they've lost a lot of their water/fluid content for whatever reason. This means they lose their 'bounce ability' so don't shock absorb as they should.

Generally it happens as we get older through wear and tear.

Ask to see a physio and seek some pain management strategies.

All the best

RayJayC

[RAYJAYC]

Oh, if you're also asking about the bulging disc - the discs that I've already described as dried out are usually in a space between vertebrae (spine bones) and do a great job keeping us upright. Sometimes they bulge out of this space and touch the nerves that come from your spinal cord which unfortunately is really painful!

RJC

[Isherwood11 in reply to RAYJAYC]

Thank you for reply... what about the epidural for pain relief as I'm on 25 tablets a day so it would be great to reduce some....

[Hidden]

Epidurals are anaesthetics causing numbness. It will stop the pain for as long as the anaesthetic lasts. As it wears off, the pain gradually returns. There may be other sensations/pain during this transition. They should give you an idea of how long it will last for. There may be side effects from this - disturbances to toileting, walking etc.

You can get similar numbing effects from a TENS machine if your body can tolerate it. You can use this as often as you like and you can match the strength to the pain and your tolerance. No side effects. These are quite cheap to buy from Boots or other chemists.

Meditation can also result in numbness of the body. It's maybe more difficult to fit into a daily routine as you need to take time out to do it, and much longer than the half or hour session of the meditation. Quite often it's used as an aid to sleep, and if doing it during the day, lie down in bed in case you do fall asleep. If you are gentle with yourself, the effect can last for quite a while after the meditation. Loads of these on you tube. Listen to the beginnings of a few and decide what voice you like, what background music. Start with relaxations and build up to multiple brain waves. Takes a while to learn.

[sianr]

Epidural may work for you , some experience a little effect others none at all . I hope it is successful for you , if it is some get at least 3-4 months of pain relief from it. If it has a positive outcome for you and your planning on reducing meds , please speak to your doctor as they have their own side effects depending on how long you have been on them. The last thing you want is to feel terrible from the meds . Good luck 😉 oh it may not work straight away sometimes it can take up to 48-72 hours or longer to take effect , you should feel a difference sooner rather than later x

[Hidden]

When you get the spinal epidural you may get a corticosteroid which is what I get. This drug in an anti-inflammatory medicine and if that works for your pain relief you could be pain-free for anywhere from days to two or three months or more. If your pain is severe you may be happy if you can get twenty day's relief! It is not unusual to have this done more than once over several months.

A previous poster is right that the anesthetic wears off. Having had the med and the anesthetic together, I can tell you that the latter wears off quickly.

The med and the procedure have more risks. I started with non-invasive measures.

[onamission]

I suffer with similar disc problem I have nerve/ spine blocks they do help with the pain but not for long I get around 6 to 8 weeks pain relief from them.