prolapsed discs -help

[This dog kicks]

Dear all,

Im new to all this but after finding this page on the internet it has helped me understand a little more about prolapsed discs but i am still unsure what to do, and i know every incident is different for others.

My story so far, last friday I bent over to pick my mobile off my bed and my back popped. That was me in crippling pain. I managed to get myself on my bed just screaming with the pain. I managed to get an emergency appointment with the doctor, who couldnt do anything except prescribe me codine and diclofenic (spelt wrong). Saturday came and it seemend to ease a little, I was sat on the sofa then it was just like my back crumbled. My loving fiance took me to hospital, again they could not do very much (didnt even examine me) except prescribe me diazipam (3, 4 times a day) tramadol (2, 3 times a day) and told me to rest.

I am 31 and have suffered back pain since I was 18, my mum has suffered with it too all her life, but she has really put me off going to the doctor due to her unfortunate experience after surgery, But i thought its about time I started getting it recorded on my medical records.

I have visited a chiropractor since 18 I have usually crawled in and amazingly was able to walk out after every session only problem is it is sooooooo expensive. I tried physio, yet I ended up in more pain after the sessions. Prior to my experience last week, I visited tHe doctor once before, however he just seemed to dissmiss me and told me to take pain killers, then proceeded to say I could have an op but it was 50/50 whether I would end up paralysed. I cried my heart out when I left the surgery as I was made to feel like a hyprocondriac (sorry spelling is rubbish) So as you can guess, i am currently not a fan of doctors when it comes to back pain issues.

Any way, thursday I managed to get into the chiropractor, who examined me and advised I have prolapsed L3 & L4 discs. But, he has advised that he will have me better in 2 weeks. Do you think that would be right? I am now signed off for the two weeks and have been told not to sit down but to lie down. I am so bored and depressed! He also told me to stop taking the tablets and couldnt believe I was prescribed diazipam!!

He recons once I am better I should do pilates 2-3 times a week to keep my back strong. But trying to get in to a beginners session is proving impossible!!! I have been on waiting lists for 1 and half years!!! Can anyone recommend a DVD so I can teach myself?


Thing is, I am getting married in 6 weeks and am hoping I will be better for that. Do you think its possible? I am also now scared as god willing I am hoping to start a family once I am married and am scared how that will effect my back, one chiropractor once suggested that I should not give birth naturally but should have a C section otherwise it could cause more damage to my back. Grrrr!

Ive not been back to the doctor since getting the prescriptions last week, but I really think I should push for an MRI but then Im not sure what they can do for me after that?

If the chiro is right, I must not be as bad as many. I have heard horror stories of people being off work for four months!!. I work in an office and obviously as I am not allowed to sit down therefore have had to be signed off.

I really do feel for anyone out there who is suffering a bad back. I have never known pain like it! Or felt so degraded, needing help changing, bathing, toilet etc!

Any advice anyone has re queries above would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in anticipation. x

 

[Juan]

Hi Melbelle,
Welcome to healthy pages.I'm sure you will find lots of help and information on the forum and other pages. Have to tried Reiki...i am sure it will help...

 

[Iko C]

Hi Melbelle

Most studies have found that sitting places more pressure on the inter-vertebral discs than either standing or laying, which is why the chiropractor recommend laying down. Although even when laying down studies have shown that the pressure inside your discs can be as much as 25% of your body weight, due to the pressure applied by the ligaments surrounding the spine.

Many back problems start from poor posture and a lack of core muscle strength. So that is probably why your chiropractor recommended you start Pilates.

Pilates is excellent for core body strength, although I really do think you need a class so that the instructor can observe your form and posture during the movements and positions and correct where necessary. It is potentially quite easy to exaggerate positions and practice with bad form which could aggravate your injuries. My wife Deb tried the Body Control pilates DVD's and found them a bit hard to follow, compared with a class, and was never sure if she was doing the exercises correctly. She was going to try the Darcey Bussell DVD as that had good reviews but started using a Flexi-bar instead. If you really cant get to a class try getting a friend to watch you and check that you are accurately following the DVD.

Good luck!

 

[Rawbert]

Hi Melbelle
With back pain one golden rule is not to do any one thing for too long, dont sit for too long, dont lie for too long, dont stand for too long. It is important to keep moving so the body doesnt "lock up".
Preventative exercise is a must ie pilates, With an instructor, some will do initial one-to-one sessions and then you can attend a class. Dont try on your own at home as you can cause more damage, as with all types of exercise bad technique is not good!!
Morrell Reflex Touch which is a gentle form of reflexology has advanced moves which put the back into traction, ie lifting and separating the vertebra, reducing pressure and allowing vital healing to take place.
The Alexander Technique is also a good idea as it teaches you how to move, sit,stand and lie, unlearning bad habits that can contribute back pain.
Hope that helps, something else to bear in mind, I know its not something we like to discuss but make sure you open your bowels regulary, constipation is the last thing you need when suffering back pain, some painkilllers/anti-inflamitory medication can cause this and should be avoided if poss

 

[Clare [:]

Hey Melbelle,

There is one important thing to remember...You are not alone!

There are many people on this site that have been through or are going through similar or the same thing!

I myself am in the armed forces and had an episode similar to yours. I was lifting and shifting on my ship when my back went 18 months ago.

I was given Ibuprofen and told to man up basically.

6 months later...after repeatedly going back and going back, I was medically downgraded and placed shoreside to work a desk job. They kept telling me it was mechanical and the pain was all in my head.

By this point simple things like lifting my left leg whilst showering...the pain was phenomenal and still is. I found that putting a little plastic chair in the shower helped.
Anyway...a year down the line and still nowhere near to getting back to doing my job on board.
I have only just had an MRI scan which showed that I have a prolapsed disc L5 S1 and multi level disc degeneration.

For 18 months 'its been all in my head'!!!!! And then this showed up.
It caused depression and I thought I was going crazy!!!

I know how your feeling, keep perservering hun, it can only get better.

I'm waiting to see a specialist and am terrified of the thought of surgery on my spine.

Hope it all works out, just remember, your not on your own!!!

Ali xxxx

 

[minilady]

Hi Melbelle

Have just read through your post about Pilates and back pain. I am a pilates teacher who also has had a microdisc on L5/S1 in June08. I can honestly say that Pilates will help strenghen your core and back mucsles but you really should not attempt to do these exercises from a dvd unless you have experience in doing them. You may end up doing more harm than good especially with a back injury. Where do you live as I may be able to recommend someone if you live in my area. PM me if you would rather.

My back recovery was slow and tedious but can honestly say I am 99% back to previous strength and mobility. I have no sciatica or leg pain and just get a bit stiff if I do too many classes. I am back to teaching 15+ classes a week and feel fab. Best decision I made to have the op but it's stll not for everyone.
Your Chiro will absolutely not have you better in 2 weeks if you have prolapsed discs. He sounds like he is after your money for treatments etc. You need to push for the MRI and then talk to a surgeon who knows more about the surgery than a chiropractor.

Hope you manage to get things a bit better for for wedding.
Take care
fitbird xxxxxxxxx