Herniated/Bulge Disc

[406flyfish]

Look in your caudal epidural injections and PRP. Ive had a herniated l5-s1 and now severe degenerative disc disease in l5-s1, and moderate in l4-l5. Steroid injections did nothing, PT did very little, but so far these caudal injections seem to be helping. Where in MT are you?

Bozeman.

Had my follow up today. Unfortunately, the shot didn’t do much justice for me. Still experiencing significant pain while walking, to the point where my leg collapses after 40-50 feet. Doc stated surgery is my best course of action after 3 months of continuous PT and marginal improvement.

Feel bad for anyone dealing with workman comp. Continuous battle getting them to approve the basic necessities. My doctor has recommended going to the neurological department in Billings for a discectomy.

Unfortunately, I’ll be paying this out of pocket as it will takes months to get it approved and scheduled though workman comp.

So frustrating. I appreciate all the advice and suggestions.

 

[Stikbrandon]

Bozeman.

Had my follow up today. Unfortunately, the shot didn’t do much justice for me. Still experiencing significant pain while walking, to the point where my leg collapses after 40-50 feet. Doc stated surgery is my best course of action after 3 months of continuous PT and marginal improvement.

Feel bad for anyone dealing with workman comp. Continuous battle getting them to approve the basic necessities. My doctor has recommended going to the neurological department in Billings for a discectomy.

Unfortunately, I’ll be paying this out of pocket as it will takes months to get it approved and scheduled though workman comp.

So frustrating. I appreciate all the advice and suggestions.

Get a lawyer, your employer will pay for it. Believe me….

 

[D S 319]

Blew out my l4-l5 and went on a bear hunt 3 months later, with no epidural shot until I got back. They offered surgery (of course) I said no thanks. I have more good days than not and my friends who underwent surgery aren’t any better off. Im around your age and I would say I’m easily 90% of what I was prior to my injury.

My advice would be to work on your core. Maybe skim through the book back mechanic as well.

 

[stank.243]

Bozeman.

Had my follow up today. Unfortunately, the shot didn’t do much justice for me. Still experiencing significant pain while walking, to the point where my leg collapses after 40-50 feet. Doc stated surgery is my best course of action after 3 months of continuous PT and marginal improvement.

Feel bad for anyone dealing with workman comp. Continuous battle getting them to approve the basic necessities. My doctor has recommended going to the neurological department in Billings for a discectomy.

Unfortunately, I’ll be paying this out of pocket as it will takes months to get it approved and scheduled though workman comp.

So frustrating. I appreciate all the advice and suggestions.

I had my microdiscectomy done at Billings with Dr. Stewart. He was awesome! If you’re curious on cost I can dig up some and get you an idea. Hopefully workers comp can get figured out!

 

[junior]

Been in the same boat with herniated L5-S1. Learned a lot in the last 10 years. Started as a bulged disc and going to chiro completed the tear. There is really zero long term benefit from chiro or ‘manipulation’ of any sort.
Injections seemed to help somewhat but the numbers are pretty strong supporting that 80-90% of sciatic nerve pain improves in 6 months with or without injections or similar treatments.

Surgery is an option and necessary for some, but with any surgery there are risks.

As soon as you can, work on stretching and strength. Once you’re out of the woods with the true shooting nerve pain, try to load with weight. It seems counter intuitive and you don’t want to overdo it but as a general rule- if it hurts, load it with weight.

I’ve had several short episodes over the last 10 years but with McKenzie stretches, hip range of motion stretches, and lifting. Deadlifts and ‘suitcase’ deadlifts are key.

Stay positive. That’s the worst pain and depression I’ve ever had and feels like it’s never going to get better. Hang in there.


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[chriss2455]

I am experiencing a similar issue. Stretching and exercise is a must. I also dropped some weight and felt a noticeable difference.

 

[K9kodi]

Weight is huge in joints. When I get to 220-225 my knees are screaming! When I get down to 205, I feel like I’m 18 again

 

[Weldor]

2000 same issue, waited to long. Did all the pt and shots before insurance would pay for surgery. The surgery failed unfortunately and my right leg was completely numb for 7 years. Finally came around and could feel it. foot is still numb. L5-S1 is a money maker for surgeons. The new techniques are way better than when the did mine. The best thing that helped me was a pt gal who told me just do this simple stretch. Lay on the floor and gently bring your leg up to your chest (or as far as you can) and hold it with your hand on the back of your thigh not your knee for 3-5 seconds. That is the only stretch that did anything. still do it today. It is suppose to move the nerve in the sheath. They spent nearly 3 million bucks trying to fix the damage the surgeon did, but nothing but time really did anything. Be very cautious who you choose to do surgery and vet them seriously. Best of luck.