Anyone have experience with herniated disk treatment?

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  1. peeples profile image92
    peeplesposted 11 years ago

    Anyone have experience with herniated disk treatment?

    Was there a certain treatment that you would recommend?

  2. TIMETRAVELER2 profile image85
    TIMETRAVELER2posted 11 years ago

    This really is a question you should address to a medical specialist.

    When it comes to orthopedic issues like this, the remedies usually are physical therapy, steroid shots or surgery.  It all depends on how serious the herniation is.

    1. peeples profile image92
      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Of course I will be seeking advice of my doctor. I simply wanted to hear other people's experience as to what worked for them and how severe their cases were so I could be better informed when I went in for my follow up appt.

  3. MissJamieD profile image56
    MissJamieDposted 11 years ago

    I was in a bad car accident in 2001 and now have 2 herniated discs in my low back. You definitely want to have an MRI done so they can see exactly what's damaged and can apply the appropriate care. You'd probably need some type of physical therapy like I did, but I quit because it was too painful. I try to stretch my back as often as possible and try to avoid certain acitivites that make my back go out on me. It can change life forever. It has for me. I can't lift anything unbalanced or my back will go out on me, then I'm unable to walk for hours or days. I can't bend in a certain way, I can't jump a lot or it squishes the discs and causes alot of pain so trampolines are hard on me. And I have kids so I always wanted to jump with them, I'd do it but I'd pay for it. I have to be very gentle with myself. But once you learn what your restrictions are it's not so bad, you just avoid those things.

    1. peeples profile image92
      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My MRI is tomorrow and I'm kind of nervous since I already know what's on the xray. Thanks for sharing your experience.

    2. MissJamieD profile image56
      MissJamieDposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      No problem:) I wish you the best. You'll be ok.

  4. ExpectGreatThings profile image76
    ExpectGreatThingsposted 11 years ago

    My husband had two herniated discs that caused him severe and chronic pain for about 7 years. He ended up having a disc replacement surgery. That was after he had multiple MRIs, epidurals, pain medications, some kind of radio frequency treatment, chiropracter and therapist appointments. Even after the surgery he was in pain (though not as severe) for about two years. Fusion was an option for him, but it would have really restricted his movement, and since he was so young, he opted to wait for the other surgery. I just mention that because you look very young in your picture smile

    I do not envy you! Back pain is terrible and affects you not only physically but also emotionally and socially. I think you asked about going to a far away good doctor v. a nearby decent one. If the answer to your back issue isn't clear cut, I would definitely recommend going to a doctor you trust, no matter how far away he/she is.

  5. ii3rittles profile image78
    ii3rittlesposted 11 years ago

    Proper posture along with a good diet and light stretches will help your herniated, or slipped disk, be put back in place. It takes time and effort on your part. Surgery should never be an option because it is very very risky an often does little to no help. The risks out way the benefits. Ice and heat will help with the pain. You can give rebounding a try. That is using a miniature trampoline. This will help stretch out the spine with little effort. I use one for my neck pain & it helps out a lot. You can also look into getting yourself a TENS unit to manage the pain. You can find them online for as little as $60 but I would advice talking to a physical therapist & getting one that your insurance can pay for. The quality will be much better. Also, reducing stress will aid in the recovery. When we are stressed we tense up without even being aware of it. Practice some slow breathing & listen to relaxing music. You can give MSM a try as well. It is a natural mineral (sulfar) that is helpful for anyone suffering from any kind of bone or muscle injury. Jockeys often give this to their race horses for better recovery. I would look into it. Its 100% safe and there is no way you can overdose on it. I used the "NOW" brand in capsule form. Hope this helps! smile

  6. Billie Kelpin profile image84
    Billie Kelpinposted 11 years ago

    Peeples, as you mentioned, seeing a doctor is your priority, but since you wanted to know people's experience - here's mine.  About 20 years ago, when I was about 48, I decided it would be a good exercise idea to try to touch the ceiling in our low-celing bathroom.  Bang, herniated disk.  I couldn't stand up!  A friend took me to the emergency room, and I could have screamed just standing up for the e-xray.  So they sent me home with pain killers and that helped for a few hours.  I went to the doctor the next day and received more medication.  I tried that for a day or two and then decided to go to the chiropractor (my first time). After the first day of treatment, I could stand up straight. I saw that angel of mercy everyday for a week, after which I was fine. One thing he had me do at home which seemed to help was to lie on my stomach with my feet over the edge of the bed, toes pointing down. It apparently opens the spine, I think.  Through the years, I always knew when I had a herniated disk (none were ever as bad as that first one).  I've had them different places up and down my spine, but always tried that edge of the bed, foot-hanging deal and after a few days,  it worked for me.  I also immediately changed whatever type of shoes I was wearing.  If I had been wearing shoes with heels, I switched to flat shoes and vice-versa.  However, last year when I was CERTAIN I had a herniated disk as terrible as the first one, I went to the emergency room and TOLD them what I had.  NEVER tell the emergency room what you THINK you have. Days later, we found out that it was not a herniated disk, but a gall bladder attack. (Don't ask me how they can feel the same.)  Oh, by the way, my friend whose daughter has a PhD in physical therapy says to think twice about back surgery. I'm just saying...Again, like you said, a doctor's advice should be sought.

  7. profile image0
    Sarra Garrettposted 11 years ago

    I ended up having a laminectomy at L3 L4 L4 L5 and a fusion L5 to tailbone.  Rods and screws and thankfully they could use my own bone for the fusion.  I lived pain free for 5 years which is basically the length of time that this operation lasts.  Unfortunately, I have a lot of degenerative problems in my spine so my thoracic region is all messed up.  You can only get 5 levels repaired in your back.  A herniated disc is another word for a compression fracture with most happening in the lumbar region.  There really isn't much that can be done.  I did heat, ice, massage and physical therapy.  Swimming is actually the best way to relieve any of your pain and provides the best physical therapy.  If you have a YMCA or YWCA around I'd go swimming several times a week and let your spine decompress in the water.  Best of luck and Best wishes to you.  Back problems really are not fun.

  8. artist101 profile image59
    artist101posted 11 years ago

    https://usercontent1.hubstatic.com/7777872_f260.jpg

    I've had back "problems" for years. About 10 years total. This last time I was getting out of the bed, and heard it pop. I knew it as soon as it happened. I couldn't even bend over to tie my shoes.
    Among the many different things I've tried include:
    Physical therapy, with an exercise ball. All you do is lay on it, and roll forward, and back. Very helpful. I actually heard my back pop.
    Chiropractor, it took about ten visits, but I could finally tie my shoes.
    Among the most helpful supplements are B complex, magnesium, and tumeric for pain. The tumeric was very helpful, two 500mg capsules twice a dayhttp://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Curcumin-500mg-Capsules/dp/B0013OVSUS/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=. As well as an adequate intake of water, staying hydrated helps with muscle contraction, and spasms. Cherries have the same cox 2 inhibitors as many of the NSAIDS. Can be taken in supplement, or eaten.http://www.amazon.com/Solaray-Tart-Cherry-veggie-caps/dp/B00014FV5E/ref=pd_sbs_hpc_5
    Many have found benefit from stretching exercises, and yoga.
    As far as surgery goes, I don't have any personal experience, but a friend of mine had it done, she said it truly helped her. I am considering it, as it has effected my lifestyle. I can't walk long distances, and have to be careful in what I lift, or ways that I bend.
    An Mri should help to reveal what you are dealing with, then the course of action will be clearer for you.

  9. Arc4life profile image54
    Arc4lifeposted 9 years ago

    A great treatment to try for a herniated disc is traction.

    http://arc4life.hubpages.com/hub/How-to … d_22886214

    Something a little more specialized is also called non surgical spinal decompression that works slightly differently than traction and has found to be very effective. . This is done is a Doctors Office with the drx 9000 or Vax D often. Not everyone is a candidate for this treatment but it has worked very well in my experience for the right candidate. You can treat a herniated disc or bulging disc in the neck or the lower back. Like I said, find a provider that has this treatment in their office if you are looking for something that does not require surgery or medication. Having an MRI is important before doing this treatment. Hope this helps.

 
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