4 conditions when you need surgery 1. Cauda Equina syndrome a) loss of bowel and bladder/urinary control and, b) numbness in the front&back private areas ( " saddleback numbness"). Don't feel toilet tissue . b). Pain down both legs. This is a medical emergency, - act within 24 hours. . 2. Extreme weakness in the leg in one of the muscle group in the legs- lost complete control, ex. Foot drop, legs giving way ( knees giving way, tripping when walking) . 3. Extreme unmanageable pain- not managed by meds and normal pain relief techniques, cannot sleep, pain longer than 2 weeks, cannot walk, cannot move because of extreme pain. Should wait if you can for 2 weeks , sometimes improves 4. No improvement after 6 months of physio treatment . After 3 months- improvement, complete improvement after 6 months.
it's astonishing how many doctors i've been thorugh and none of them could provide the information that you did here... The last one recomended me surgery, which got me really scared and depressed. But, with your video, i realize it's not my case at all (i feel only lombar pain since the injury 2 months ago). I'll keep with the physio sessions and try to be patiente. You are an amazing professional and human being. Thank You! Greetings from Brazil.
It's amazing how many doctors I gone through and still not found the problem so I request MRI which I waiting for but everything I searched on TH-cam I know that this is my problem,everything matches my symptoms.from england
@@robdaubo9441 Herniated disc is different from disc protrusion. 90% of these hernias do not require surgery. What is necessary is to do physical exercises to decompress the spine and strengthen the core. Sometimes, if you go to a good physiotherapy clinic and make some exercises part of your life, you will be able to solve the problem. Always be optimistic, good attracts good and believe in God. He's good all the time.
The Brits are masters of our language and Will Harlow does a fantastic job communicating the structure of the back and what the lumbar issues are- Thank you Will for these videos!!!
I was recommended surgery today and my specialist has rushed my surgery date. I am 30😅. I’ve been to the chiropractor and medicated and unfortunately have not gotten better, I have severe muscle weakness.
Absolutely amazing Physio. Thank you so much, you're the main person I listen to regarding sciatica nerve, and Piriformis. Keep doing what you're doing, you're helping a lot of people.
Im over 50 and damaged my L4 in my young teen years, i fell out of a tree onto the roots of a huge willow tree and broke the connecting ligaments for L4. Now I'm very sedentary as I've got a degenerative nerve disease, and 2 weeks ago, i got a slipped disk. I had xrays a couple of days ago and am waiting for the results. I've started doing gentle traction with an inversion table at home, not going crazy! But I'm thing to add more waking to my days, Thank you very much for this info!
"Very important info that I never knew before. Thank you Will." I can sense regrets. What are the main regrets that you have after deciding on getting surgery? I know not going for a self recovery is one, what are the others?
Thank you for this helpful info! I fell in my kitchen 8 weeks ago and hurt my lower back very much. I decided to take some pills which helped a bit, I also wrapped a warm belt which also helped. I had walked every day before so I decided to keep trying to walk again. At first it hurt a lot but I kept it up each day. I walked up and down the hall each day. After a few walks I could feel that the pain wasn’t so bad so I just kept on walking up and down the hall each day adding one lap each week. After about four weeks I noticed that the pain wasn’t so bad. After walking each day the pain began to go away, so I am so thankful Hank yo!
Thank you, you have given me hope. It’s been almost 4 months since my back went out. I have made good progress and now I have hope I will continue to get better. 😊
I'm in year 5 of a herniated disc and sciatic nerve pain. Have had setbacks and flareups, even recently. But I still believe I can overcome this without surgery and that it will heal by the grace of God. I'm determined more than ever to do it right this time and let it heal and avoid the triggers and causes of the setbacks and flareups.
This is such a great video, informative and straightforward. I've suffered with sciatica for around 4 months. I didn't know what it was at first, and thought I'd hurt my hip, so put off seeking help. I've been to see my physio, and after six sessions, my sciatica is much improved. Patience is something I don't have, but I'm learning !
You just need to try snake pose or the Mckenzie extension on elbows first then progress on hands under shoulder extension if your low back pain relief in extension of spine..then make sure stretch tour glutes muscle group plus the hip abd,add strenthening like bridging,bird dog and planking if you can tolerate use thera band to give resistance so that you can. Strengthen your muscle faster. If you can just use cold packs to tolerate pain and relieve inflammation the better as sometimes pain is your friend as it tends only to mask the pain and not addressing the root cause of it. Also if you jphave rice pack to use for heating to relax muscles before your stretchinga nd strethening are a must but if you can’t tolerate just cold pack then you can take ibuprofen 400mg every 4-6hrs but don’t take if you can tolerste the pain as it was indicator that you need to be careful with your low back than masking it and further injuring the nerve and make cause spasm and further guarding. In 1.5weeks I imoroved alot just strethening ghe hips and back extensor muscles and just the mckenzie prone of hands hold,make sure when you press up you needed to look up to extend your neck then when you exhale make sure you will press down your pelvis or hips deep under the flooor,do this every 2hrs and ice pack for 15mins and you will see improvement fast. If you can afford to buy TENS machine for pain relief and spasm the better as it was a good investment in the future also instead of taking pain meds and tgis will help you tolerate better exercises. Drink a lot of water and drink turmeric tea to help for yor inflammation also. This are no pain No gain scenario do this and you will get rewarded. Goodluck and good health you can do this👌🙏
Your content is incredibly easy to understand and very detailed. I wish I would have had all this explained to me before I had my surgery, but at least I know now why it was necessary. Unfortunately after the surgery for a L2-L3 herniation my legs went weak, especially my right, and I now have foot drop. I have a lot of PT ahead and things are getting better. Had I known much of your advice before this happened I wonder if I could have prevented it, as the pain had been going on for a couple weeks until finally one day I couldn’t move without excruciating pain in my legs, and finally the inability to urinate. Thankfully the surgery was successful at remediating the issue. However, knowing what I know now, I would have not been doing a lot of my activities leading up to when I was hospitalized. Thanks for the excellent information.
Thank you so much dr.Will,the information on recovery time was explained very well.Im now into my 10th week of recovering from Sciatica from ddd.Went through some very severe and crippling pain, couldn't do anything the first 8 weeks,now that I've found your channel and started walking around,and doing the exercises you offered I am now finally able to do the everyday normal stuff, still have some pain but it's manageable.Im so relieved to get over this ordeal. Thank you again doctor.🙏
Herniated disc is different from disc protrusion. 90% of these hernias do not require surgery. What is necessary is to do physical exercises to decompress the spine and strengthen the core. Sometimes, if you go to a good physiotherapy clinic and make some exercises part of your life, you will be able to solve the problem. Always be optimistic, good attracts good and believe in God. He's good all the time.
@DoNotAlterDNA Praise God for your faith. I do not blame you. The fact that youve held off for 5 years not without surgery is amazing! May you walk in His healing soon. I was recently diagnosed with a bulging disc and i have been praying and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for healing as well. Blessings~
I was admitted w what surely was cauda equina back in January (4 mos ago). Saddle region was numb, foot drop, could not urinate or anything on command. Truly devastating. My neurosurgeon was first to remark that it could be CE but then slowly backpeddled and had me do 3 epidurals over 4 mos time. I feel 1st epidural brought me out of the suicidal thoughts and allowed me to go home and stay in bed for most of 4 mos. As each week went by, i would attempt dishes, laundry, being w family in my living room. I was on round the clock oxycodone and methocarbomyl (spelling?). This past week was first time i could begin taking less medicine and then today hardly any meds! Today i have been pain and numbness free. I have surgery booked for end of May and cant decide if i should still follow thru with (removal of some disc plus extra and a sliver of bone). I dont want the surgery but as a flight attendant, i dont want to be FAR from home and be in a cauda equina situation again. So this is rock & hard place thinking. Ill say physical therapy was painful but i stuck it out for 5 appts hoping itd do something. Nerve glides and stretching made me worse. If i got ahead of the pain, those appts wrecked it. I have spent past 4 mos mainly reclined w neck support (pillows) and very limited housework…. No heavy lifting at all. Hope my story gives hope to someone!
How are you doing now that it has been five months , I’m in your shoes right now I’m feeling a lol better could walk more straight, but still in pain and those suicidal thoughts are real , don’t want to live with this pain anymore but my family needs me and if I my gets to. Point of surgery and paralyzed I rather be paralyzed then dead cus my kids need me 🙏🏼🌼
I had L4 L5 spinal fusion since epidural and also a Laminectomy/Discetomy surgery for L4 L5 herniated disc's originally but they reherniated so that is why I decided with my neurosurgeon to fuse L4 L5. It was the best decision for me and no pain
I have a bulging disc from L5-S1 that was identified on an MRI in October. I've been in pain both in my back/left leg for about 2 months. Most of the pain is centralized down my leg from my buttocks to the bottom of my foot. I've got constant pins/needles, numbness, tingling, and the best way to describe what I feel is an electric shock to my leg (nerve pain). The pain was so bad yesterday that I was in tears from the pain. That is only happened one other time. One of your other videos said that it can take up to 6 months to heal. I'm waiting to see a spine surgeon in January and have an appointment with my doctor in December. I've been taking Celebrex and Flexeril to help deal with the pain. It is extremely painful to stand for a long time and I find that I have to be sitting/lying down to relieve my pain. I also get relief when I'm leaning back in a chair. I was thinking of going to see a chiropractor to fix this problem. Will a chiropractor be able to do anything for a bulging disc?
I had a 5mm disk ‘herniation’ occur April 14th, 2024. A week later I could not walk without severe pain. I stayed in a recliner for 2 weeks, and gradually was able to walk while assisted, which persisted for another few weeks, eventually being able to walk unassisted around the 2 month mark. At 3 months, I re-injured the area, causing even more severe pain. The cause? Turning on the water to brush my teeth. I spent another 3 weeks on the recliner in a neutral position before having a microdiscectomy performed today, July 31st, 2024. The relief of the severe pain has been immediate. The lasting effects currently are weakness from limited ambulating over the past 3 weeks as well as numbness/pins and needles from my knee to my foot. To anyone going through the worst of it, please know that your experience is valid, and it can get better. I have read so many of these comments, but they have helped me keep ‘faith’ that bright days laid ahead. It’s early days of my recovery, but I want to encourage you that there is a time ahead where you will reclaim your life. All the best ❤
am suffering from disk bluge the gap got reduced to 4.5mm from 10mm between the spinal cord and disk. I can stand, sleep properly but can't sit for a long time like a moore then hour. It's been 3 months. DoI need surgery ? I couldn't get you part of 5mm What you mean Do you mean let's a normal distance is of 11mm and you had only 6mm between spinal and disk
Hi, I am a 33 year old male. I have a l4/l5 disc bulge since September 2022. Did 6 weeks of PT along with muscle relaxers and anti inflammatory - the pain was manageable but worsened as soon as my exercises got less regular and the effects of the anti inflammatory wore off. Restarted my PT from April 2023 and in PT currently. Primary symptoms - back pain when sitting and numbness in a patch on my left big toe. The numbness has been around since September 2022 - definitely reduced from before but still there. Numbness increases and reduces in intensity at times lately noticing pins and needles there too which is new. It’s been about 9 months and still not completely pain free but definitely at a better place than before. Trying to manage pain without medication for the last 2-3 months. Still find my back tightening with even a little bit of fast motion- like dancing and the pain comes back. Doctor said so long as you can manage pain and symptoms improve, stick to conservative approaches. Haven’t taken steroidal injection yet. Any thoughts on my case? Would love to have your perspective.
My back pain was prayed over. I don't know if you're religious but your closest pentecostal church will have people who are experienced in laying hands. The only reason I risk sounding insane recommending this on the internet is because it worked for me.
I’ve been dealing with an L5-S1 pain for about a year now and I’ve tried different methods such as decompression, physical therapy, chiropractor, medical therapy and even a steroid shot and I don’t want to think about getting surgery and it’s a terrifying thought. I’m not sure if you have an input but this video does seem very reassuring and might get a discography to see a more clearer solution.
Thank you Will, this was a very informative video. I have a herniated disc L3/L4, which came on suddenly on 5 Jan 2023. I am currently having physio session with very slow improvement. I was taking over the counter medication to manage the pain but I was worried about liver damage. My GP has now prescribed strong pain medication and a mild anti-depressant. My pain in not so much in my back, more in hip, thigh and my knee is in a constant cramp. I struggle to sit for longer than 10 mins. I was on the verge of making an appointment with a Spine specialist to see about surgery, as I was told by my Neurosurgeon that it should fix it's self in max 3 months, I am now in my 4 months, with some feeling back in my thigh, but the pain is unbearable some days. Now you say it could take up to 6 months. I am petrified of having an op done, so I will try and bearing it few months longer.
So sorry to hear about your situation. Hope it improves for you very soon. It can take a long time to fully recover but most people do get there eventually.
Similar story here. Am at 11 months. Seeing gradual slow improvement. 1. No CES symptoms 2. Ocasional weakness, one leg. With sciatica symptoms, 1 leg only. 3. Very little pain. 4. Definitely more than six months, but gradual improvement. PT. PT. PT. So ..I'm still willing to avoid surgery.
I lived with this pain for 20+ years. Surgeon told me i had 50/50 chance of ending up in a wheelchair if i had the surgery. That put me right off. At least i can still use my legs. But i am now leaning towards surgery as the pain is now constant all day everyday, and i'm sick of all the medications, and the lack of quality of life. Scary thought about having though. But sometimes you have to take a chance in life eh.
I'm going through the same thing, everyday I wake up it's literally pain and miserable. Over the counter meds aren't working neither is physical therapy. I pray to God we both heal from this terrible condition. 🙏🏾
why the surgery is the last resort knowing the fact that surgical correction of buldged disk is a minimally invasive procedure and makes the pain to go away for good. thanks.
So many different kinds of surgery now availaible, from major to minimally invasive. Wish that the video made some type of distinction when talking about surgery as a generic term.
I had a biokineticist tell me at our first meeting that I should just get surgery because it is "inevitable" even though I told her that my pain is not very bad and I believe that physical therapy will help me... I walked out of that office, never to return. Thanks to your video, I know I made the right decision.
Video is so good. Needed all your good information. Thank you so much. Will keep working on my problem with your suggestions. Had polio when young. Bad fall. On spine off bike around that time. They said it was polio? Was left with numbness in varying degrees from waist down. Mostly hips and knees and surrounding areas. After a year in a wheel chair began walking gained strength back. Was active in swimming skating etc. Did physical work through the years to make living and support my children. Never had enough energy for a social life. Now due to falls over the years bad ones, everything from waist down feels very compressed. And I burn from stomach all the way down front of legs numbness too. Hard to walk but I do without a cane. This morning I walked across street to feed squirrels and it was very hard and noticed everything so compressed and numb. I took baby steps. I have to push myself as no one to give me relief. Does lifting heavy things, and for me that's a Gallon of bleach, 10 lbs potatoes etc cause more compression on the discs.?
Chiropractic care gave me ten years and i recomend it L5 was messed up. But as a mechanic im not always able to please my spine. And in april of this year L4 had enough and it blew over to the right and ruptured the thecal sac between L4 to L5 so i had to have an L4 to S1 dicectomy no fusion and i was walking 24 hours after surgery.
I have bilateral herniations L5/S1. Left side is large herniation. Right side not so big. I was in an auto accident. This isn't my first go with herniations. I had 3 others go away after a long while of opiods and working out. Was never fun. Now it is next to impossible to even get medicines. Pain worse than I ever felt. Have been told surgery by every doctor except the surgeon. The surgeon wanted me to keep doing epidural injections that didnt help much, were super expensive, and acts as a bandaid while carrying its own risks. So I asked about surgery, and I am doing it. I cant afford to be laid up for weeks at a time every time there is a flare up. Plus, there is every day pain. Left leg hurts all the time, right leg goes numb. Had a cuada equina scare, they trama transported me, had no reflex in my left leg at hospital. Scared of surgery for sure, but when you cant get medicines, have a scare like I did at the hospital, and have every day leg issues. Etc..
I've been 2.5 years with 3 bulging discs and finally got an mri and seeing a spine surgeon on the 20th, I have pain down legs and some numbness in the nether regions, too, cant stand up for more than a few min at a time!!
Thank you so much for this. The surgeon that did my steroid injections has offered me a surgical consult after only three weeks of treatment. I feel like this is an insanely fast and reactionary option. I have none of the symptoms you’ve listed in this video. I now feel a lot more confident to go back in And resist!
Might be good to get a second opinion. And ask what they think the consequences of doing nothing might be. Also, don’t make any assumptions while you’re taking steroids. Whatever your symptoms are, the may get worse once the steroids wear off. Good luck. I’m on a third round of oral steroids - partly so I can make it to my scheduled surgical consult still almost a week away.
Thank you. I have been dealing with sciatica pain for about a year. It is very frustrating. At first onset, I couldn't walk for about 5 wks. Then it slowly got better but acts up unexpectedly. It never completely goes away.
Thank you! I wonder if you could do a clip on why surgery should be avoided? What are the various risks involved in percentage, and relevant to the different age groups? I think 6 months of suffering, even when it’s not that extreme is a long time. Especially if you have small children that require a lot of attention.
Do you think surgery heals that fast? Most cases, they will cut a piece out of the vertebra and then attach rods and screws. It will be rigid permanently in that area. Complications like infection are possible. There are a lot of websites and videos if you need more info. Not to dissuade Will though. I'm sure such a video would be excellent.
@@user-ov4wr5yu4r I had no idea that laminectomy was that common. Do you know how common it is? I’m trying to find statistics, but can’t seem to orientate among all the medical journals. And is every laminectomy unsuccessful or what are the risks involved with that? Infections, yes. But how high is the risk of an infection in general? And what are the risks involved of an operation if you are in your 40’s and the surgery is performed at a renowned clinic? I feel like I would love to know more about these aspects.
@@DoNotAlterDNA I’m so sorry to hear that. I was in pain for six months and decided for a surgery. I was instantly better and avoided permanent nerve damage. Three months later I’m still doing rehab and will be doing it for more or less rest of my life, but at least I can spend time with my children without hating life.
What about when the sciatica has reduced to mostly 0-5 out of 10 levels (usually 0-3), but after 7 months, still haven’t resolved and one still can’t do any normal activities without aggravating it.
Hi really enjoying your videos talking about sciatica and cervical neck impingement . I have suffered with sciatica for the last 20 years on and off . I seem to improve for a couple of months then start having symptoms again . I had C4/5 and C 5/6 fused together around four years ago and now I’m showing signs of impingement in C8/T1 with typical pain down neck across my shoulder down the back of my arm to outside of wrist with numb tingling pinky and ring finger.I dread the thought of more surgery as last time I ended up with partial paralysis for six months . I do think once you have had a problem problems seem to keep re occurring 😢
I have a bulging disc in my neck at C5 and 6- bulging into my spinal cord - 2 surgeons say surgery is needed, 1 surgeon says no. I have been in a collar for 6 weeks and was told to stay in it for another 6 weeks.
Ive gone to 3 different pain management doctors using different therapies. Medical , physical therapy and various injections on different locations in my lumbar area. With no measurable improvement. Each dr. I visited would suggest basically the same treatments. Ive gone to 3 different neurosurgeons and have gotten the same diagnosis. Im not a candidate for surgery. Ive been dealing with this issue for nearly 4 years now. I have complained about recent bladder control issues and even with that I still cant seem to get the surgeons to listen
Thank you. Thankfully I don't have any of those conditions. I have a bulging disk and the only way I have took care of myself is by swimming. I swam for 3 years then Pandemic happened and I could not go, since then I have not swam... Lately I had to catch the bus and I had to run and as a result I started feeling numbness on both of my legs, especially the thighs.. It is bearable but I am really feeling bad because of this and all I am thinking is I am going to lose my legs... I will go back to swimming :(
What about people like me…. I am 40, I have a career that demands a fair bit of activity….. I have a disc herniation. I have about 2 or 3 severe flare ups a year. No Sciatica symptoms. No other real issues than crippling muscle spasms that last 3 days or so. This has been going on for years. I’ve done PT, Chiropractor, and injections. Still have a few flare ups a year
I'm a service member. I can't sit in a car and standing is so hard I have to lay on the floor to get relief. Do I need it. Yes the army saw it in an MRI. I could walk at that time I was just given medication that I learned has no history of helping me.
I have a large-left sided protrusion with disk height changes, and end plate changes. I started getting severe pain about 7 months ago. Pain management is helping. But I pushed myself to slowly start walking, gently pushing through. And when I did that the pin came lashing back. And hadn’t backed off even though I’ve gone back to be more careful. I am just exhausted this pain feels like a lightning bolt hits the back of my leg and into my foot. I trip and fall quite a bit. I am waiting to see my pain management doctor for follow up the MRI. I am worried I’ll need surgery.
My doctor that gives me my shot in my lower back tells me a chiropractor is a terrible idea what's your opinion on this is not getting better and he says it could damage my nerves permanently
After suffering with sciatica for 9 years I had fusion on my L4&L5 a year ago. The surgery was very successful. Unfortunately, now I’m having sciatica in my right leg. An mri is showing a bulge in my L3.
Iv been dealing with L5/S1 Retrolisthesis for 12 years, had pain the whole time, tried everything, but I am constantly told it's not that bad and Im not a candidate for any kind of surgery. Been on pain meds for years and nothing is getting better, why would surgery not be a viable option? Thanks for your content, very informative
I have been diagnosed with L5/S1 sciatica with gap reducing to 8mm. The only problem I am facing is I can’t more than 800 m a single stretch and then need to take rest. Any advice on this shall be helpful.
Great info, been struggling with lower back and leg pain since December, kept getting worse to the point where i couldn’t walk, finally got a mri last weekend which showed a bulged disc on the nerve, im a self employed joiner and have been off work for 5 weeks with zero pay and the pain hasn’t improved much in that time so not sure what the best options are? Seen many different physios and kept up with all the recommended exercises but nothing seems to be working
My mom 55yo was recommended surgery for Cervical Radiculopathy, protrusions on C5-C6, C6-C7 for symptoms on hands and arms, and headaches. They are not treating it as an emergency, but they want to schedule it in 6 months or so. Does it sound like surgery is absolutely necessary?
I get sharp shooting pains to my uterus/groin then travels just past my butt. My knees give way too, ive done stretching yoga poses/medication i do what i can but the pain is horrid and its been years
I am suffering from disk bluge the gap got reduced to 4.5mm from 10mm between the spinal cord and disk. I can stand, sleep properly but can't sit for a long time like a moore then hour. It's been 3 months. Do I need surgery
What if a patient has been diagnosed almost 4 weeks ago with bulging disc in the T9/T10 region and had numbness in both legs that started from the lower stomach all the way to the feet and can walk better in a matter of a couple weeks and starting to feel cool sensation (that wasnt felt before) going down the side of one leg and slowly getting better. Bowels are working better (slowly but better) urination is okay but not 100% sensation as before but urinating pretty well and no pain anywhere except for some tightness mid back at times. Does that patient need surgery or can do well with PT? Blessings~
Thank you. such a good information. Glad to know Im doing some things right ( finally ). Ive been increasing my walking every day - and notice I do feel better on days I walk -especially when I walk more. . Herniated L- 2-3 disk April 2022 . . first few months I didnt know it was disk herniation and no doubt made things worse- stretching and trying to work out the pain .. I had horrible front of leg thigh pain and numbness . Finally was referred to a spine surgeon and MRI in end of June showed large herniated disk , and had a steroid injection in July . What are good exercises for that leg pain that is in the front of the thigh ? Thankfully have never had any loss of muscle strength. I do get depressed that it hasnt gone away yet but at least the pain has gotten less... so I guess that is a small improvement. Ill up the hydration , continue walking and see about seeing a different physical therapist for more physio to see if it can help heal this thing without going to surgery - which Id like to avoid.
I’ve got whooping cough and tweaked my back with coughing. Been a week now but can’t stand the pain! It’s in my buttock and goes down legs, with slight numbness in foot. When I stand up, the pain is unbearable! I have to lie down again, even then, the pain is so so bad! Can’t function at all. Made myself have a shower and almost passed out with pain. Can’t sleep, not eating much. Feel fucking awful!
Moderate degenerative disc change at C5-6 with broad disc bulge and endplate osteophytes eccentric to the LEFT which result in mild spinal cord compression (no abnormal cord signal intensity) and severe LEFT foraminal narrowing compressing the exiting LEFT C6 nerve root. Should i be worried my mri told me that information
My husband is suffering from spinal disc buldge with mild spinal stenosis and doctor said operation. I need your opinion. Please. Though within 1 month he recovered a lot
I was told I had a bulging disc in may 2021. I am still in incredible pain but my local hospital couldn’t cater to when i could do physio. Medication they give doesn’t do much either? What do i say to my GP now
Does the feeling of having to urinate frequently fall under Cauda Equina? I can hold it, and go when I need to…but I have the feeling having to go frequently. MRI confirmed L5-S1 bulge. I’ve also done one epidural injection.
I woke up one morning 6mo ago unable to move with excruciating pain in my lower back. After a day in bed I was able to get up and move around, then it happened again during the night. This time I was laid up for three days. Is this something that you have heard of happening? Do people with bulging discs typically heal and have the same issue happen again later or does the disc heal completely?
My issues have been ongoing now for about 15 months... Fatigue weakness sharp spikes of pain numb testicles and penis' pins n needles... utterly fed up with it all.... Got my surgery next week and can't bloody wait
I am facing L4/L5 Disc Bulge and i been to 2 doctors and both have told me to do the surgery but i am still young in my mid 20’s and my condition has been better after a week. I was not able to walk or sit for 2-3 days but after that i was slowly feeling better, and now after 7-8 days i am able to walk way better than day 1 (So my question is that should i wait more for my body to heal itself) or should i go for surgery??
Hello, I have disk extrusion/herniated disc l5 s1 for 4 weeks and my left calf muscle is paralysed. I have tried all the excercises mentioned and I have no pain but the muscle paralyses remains. Is there a need for surgery or do you think it can remain forever?
hi im 16. i do kickboxing and gym very frequently. last week, i did a spinning kick that requires my lower back to get twisted (i forgot to warm up before the kick). I felt a crack from my low back. i thought it was fine and kept training with my coach. but after the training session my low disc start feeling pinned and needled. would you recommend me to see a chiropractor??? is it common pain or inujury? can i still be able to train again
I have a herniated disk which is pretty bad and 2 other disk that are not as bad my cyro just says they need cleaning and I will not heal without surgery can you help and give me any advice I'm terrified of having surgery
Hello,thanks for your sharing sir. For me,I felt back pain in2020 and with medicine help i recovered and with the help of x ray result, I knew I have bertolotti syndrome. But in 2023 February I suffer again backpain L4.L5area (2month long)and my situation is I can sit 15minutes and over 15minutes,back pain start and I can stand(without moving) about 5minutes and over 5minutes, my heels become pain. Should I worry for surgery? Please reply me and sorry for my English skill. Thanks for reading my comment.
Sorry to hear about your problem. I'm afraid I can't offer any specific medical advice for anyone over the internet without a proper assessment. Best to get checked by a professional for issues like this. I hope that helps!
4 conditions when you need surgery
1. Cauda Equina syndrome a) loss of bowel and bladder/urinary control and,
b) numbness in the front&back private areas ( " saddleback numbness"). Don't feel toilet tissue .
b). Pain down both legs.
This is a medical emergency, - act within 24 hours. .
2. Extreme weakness in the leg in one of the muscle group in the legs- lost complete control, ex. Foot drop, legs giving way ( knees giving way, tripping when walking) .
3. Extreme unmanageable pain- not managed by meds and normal pain relief techniques, cannot sleep, pain longer than 2 weeks, cannot walk, cannot move because of extreme pain.
Should wait if you can for 2 weeks , sometimes improves
4. No improvement after 6 months of physio treatment .
After 3 months- improvement, complete improvement after 6 months.
it's astonishing how many doctors i've been thorugh and none of them could provide the information that you did here... The last one recomended me surgery, which got me really scared and depressed. But, with your video, i realize it's not my case at all (i feel only lombar pain since the injury 2 months ago). I'll keep with the physio sessions and try to be patiente. You are an amazing professional and human being. Thank You! Greetings from Brazil.
It's amazing how many doctors I gone through and still not found the problem so I request MRI which I waiting for but everything I searched on TH-cam I know that this is my problem,everything matches my symptoms.from england
@@robdaubo9441 Herniated disc is different from disc protrusion. 90% of these hernias do not require surgery. What is necessary is to do physical exercises to decompress the spine and strengthen the core. Sometimes, if you go to a good physiotherapy clinic and make some exercises part of your life, you will be able to solve the problem. Always be optimistic, good attracts good and believe in God. He's good all the time.
@@robdaubo9441 Same here, in UK had to request mri myself, after doing my own research. 20yrs i have lived like this.
Try chiropractic care it works really well.
The Brits are masters of our language and Will Harlow does a fantastic job communicating the structure of the back and what the lumbar issues are- Thank you Will for these videos!!!
Hang in there. Your channel
will save people a lot of grief. I’ve never had a surgeon tell me bulges or herniations are reversible.
Glad to hear you find the videos helpful.
I was recommended surgery today and my specialist has rushed my surgery date. I am 30😅. I’ve been to the chiropractor and medicated and unfortunately have not gotten better, I have severe muscle weakness.
Absolutely amazing Physio. Thank you so much, you're the main person I listen to regarding sciatica nerve, and Piriformis. Keep doing what you're doing, you're helping a lot of people.
Im over 50 and damaged my L4 in my young teen years, i fell out of a tree onto the roots of a huge willow tree and broke the connecting ligaments for L4. Now I'm very sedentary as I've got a degenerative nerve disease, and 2 weeks ago, i got a slipped disk. I had xrays a couple of days ago and am waiting for the results.
I've started doing gentle traction with an inversion table at home, not going crazy! But I'm thing to add more waking to my days, Thank you very much for this info!
Yes, surgery should be absolutely the last resort. 🙂Very important info that I never knew before. Thank you Will.
"Very important info that I never knew before. Thank you Will."
I can sense regrets. What are the main regrets that you have after deciding on getting surgery? I know not going for a self recovery is one, what are the others?
Surgery concerned talk starts from 6:10
Thank you.
Love you
Thank you for this helpful info!
I fell in my kitchen 8 weeks ago and hurt my lower back very much. I decided to take some pills which helped a bit, I also wrapped a warm belt which also helped. I had walked every day before so I decided to keep trying to walk again. At first it hurt a lot but I kept it up each day. I walked up and down the hall each day. After a few walks I could feel that the pain wasn’t so bad so I just kept on walking up and down the hall each day adding one lap each week. After about four weeks I noticed that the pain wasn’t so bad. After walking each day the pain began to go away, so I am so thankful
Hank yo!
Thank you, you have given me hope. It’s been almost 4 months since my back went out. I have made good progress and now I have hope I will continue to get better. 😊
I'm in year 5 of a herniated disc and sciatic nerve pain. Have had setbacks and flareups, even recently. But I still believe I can overcome this without surgery and that it will heal by the grace of God. I'm determined more than ever to do it right this time and let it heal and avoid the triggers and causes of the setbacks and flareups.
Deep core ,yoga and swimming also walking
How much length of disc was outside? My friend is facing same problem doctor r saying to have surgery
@@divyan8477I mean if they are not getting paint down the leg go to chiropractor and the methods I mentioned before
@@divyan8477 mine was bulging still is
@@divyan8477 21mm disc herniation
Was told today by a Doctor that I needed surgery for mine. Thank you for your video, makes me feel better about recovery.
This is such a great video, informative and straightforward. I've suffered with sciatica for around 4 months. I didn't know what it was at first, and thought I'd hurt my hip, so put off seeking help. I've been to see my physio, and after six sessions, my sciatica is much improved. Patience is something I don't have, but I'm learning !
Thank you for the kind words!
Same happened to me, I thought I hurt my hip, then it eventually shot down my leg lol. 3 months in, haven't tried phys yet.
You just need to try snake pose or the Mckenzie extension on elbows first then progress on hands under shoulder extension if your low back pain relief in extension of spine..then make sure stretch tour glutes muscle group plus the hip abd,add strenthening like bridging,bird dog and planking if you can tolerate use thera band to give resistance so that you can. Strengthen your muscle faster. If you can just use cold packs to tolerate pain and relieve inflammation the better as sometimes pain is your friend as it tends only to mask the pain and not addressing the root cause of it. Also if you jphave rice pack to use for heating to relax muscles before your stretchinga nd strethening are a must but if you can’t tolerate just cold pack then you can take ibuprofen 400mg every 4-6hrs but don’t take if you can tolerste the pain as it was indicator that you need to be careful with your low back than masking it and further injuring the nerve and make cause spasm and further guarding. In 1.5weeks I imoroved alot just strethening ghe hips and back extensor muscles and just the mckenzie prone of hands hold,make sure when you press up you needed to look up to extend your neck then when you exhale make sure you will press down your pelvis or hips deep under the flooor,do this every 2hrs and ice pack for 15mins and you will see improvement fast. If you can afford to buy TENS machine for pain relief and spasm the better as it was a good investment in the future also instead of taking pain meds and tgis will help you tolerate better exercises. Drink a lot of water and drink turmeric tea to help for yor inflammation also. This are no pain No gain scenario do this and you will get rewarded. Goodluck and good health you can do this👌🙏
Pain pain pain, horrible pain. Went to ER They thought was my hip, turns out it's lower back bulg disk. Seeing back doctor today. Wish you well!
Your content is incredibly easy to understand and very detailed. I wish I would have had all this explained to me before I had my surgery, but at least I know now why it was necessary. Unfortunately after the surgery for a L2-L3 herniation my legs went weak, especially my right, and I now have foot drop. I have a lot of PT ahead and things are getting better. Had I known much of your advice before this happened I wonder if I could have prevented it, as the pain had been going on for a couple weeks until finally one day I couldn’t move without excruciating pain in my legs, and finally the inability to urinate. Thankfully the surgery was successful at remediating the issue. However, knowing what I know now, I would have not been doing a lot of my activities leading up to when I was hospitalized. Thanks for the excellent information.
Thank you so much dr.Will,the information on recovery time was explained very well.Im now into my 10th week of recovering from Sciatica from ddd.Went through some very severe and crippling pain, couldn't do anything the first 8 weeks,now that I've found your channel and started walking around,and doing the exercises you offered I am now finally able to do the everyday normal stuff, still have some pain but it's manageable.Im so relieved to get over this ordeal.
Thank you again doctor.🙏
Herniated disc is different from disc protrusion. 90% of these hernias do not require surgery. What is necessary is to do physical exercises to decompress the spine and strengthen the core. Sometimes, if you go to a good physiotherapy clinic and make some exercises part of your life, you will be able to solve the problem. Always be optimistic, good attracts good and believe in God. He's good all the time.
Furthermore, there is no certainty that surgery will get rid of the pain.
@DoNotAlterDNA Praise God for your faith. I do not blame you. The fact that youve held off for 5 years not without surgery is amazing! May you walk in His healing soon. I was recently diagnosed with a bulging disc and i have been praying and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for healing as well. Blessings~
I was admitted w what surely was cauda equina back in January (4 mos ago). Saddle region was numb, foot drop, could not urinate or anything on command. Truly devastating. My neurosurgeon was first to remark that it could be CE but then slowly backpeddled and had me do 3 epidurals over 4 mos time. I feel 1st epidural brought me out of the suicidal thoughts and allowed me to go home and stay in bed for most of 4 mos. As each week went by, i would attempt dishes, laundry, being w family in my living room. I was on round the clock oxycodone and methocarbomyl (spelling?). This past week was first time i could begin taking less medicine and then today hardly any meds! Today i have been pain and numbness free. I have surgery booked for end of May and cant decide if i should still follow thru with (removal of some disc plus extra and a sliver of bone). I dont want the surgery but as a flight attendant, i dont want to be FAR from home and be in a cauda equina situation again. So this is rock & hard place thinking. Ill say physical therapy was painful but i stuck it out for 5 appts hoping itd do something. Nerve glides and stretching made me worse. If i got ahead of the pain, those appts wrecked it. I have spent past 4 mos mainly reclined w neck support (pillows) and very limited housework…. No heavy lifting at all. Hope my story gives hope to someone!
How are you doing now that it has been five months , I’m in your shoes right now I’m feeling a lol better could walk more straight, but still in pain and those suicidal thoughts are real , don’t want to live with this pain anymore but my family needs me and if I my gets to. Point of surgery and paralyzed I rather be paralyzed then dead cus my kids need me 🙏🏼🌼
I had L4 L5 spinal fusion since epidural and also a Laminectomy/Discetomy surgery for L4 L5 herniated disc's originally but they reherniated so that is why I decided with my neurosurgeon to fuse L4 L5. It was the best decision for me and no pain
Your videos are extremely helpful and well explained. It's truly a great public service. Thank you.
I have a bulging disc from L5-S1 that was identified on an MRI in October. I've been in pain both in my back/left leg for about 2 months. Most of the pain is centralized down my leg from my buttocks to the bottom of my foot. I've got constant pins/needles, numbness, tingling, and the best way to describe what I feel is an electric shock to my leg (nerve pain). The pain was so bad yesterday that I was in tears from the pain. That is only happened one other time. One of your other videos said that it can take up to 6 months to heal. I'm waiting to see a spine surgeon in January and have an appointment with my doctor in December. I've been taking Celebrex and Flexeril to help deal with the pain. It is extremely painful to stand for a long time and I find that I have to be sitting/lying down to relieve my pain. I also get relief when I'm leaning back in a chair. I was thinking of going to see a chiropractor to fix this problem. Will a chiropractor be able to do anything for a bulging disc?
hey, how are you doing now?
Hi..i feel same pain
Very helpful to know what is the typical recovery time and what scenarios might need surgery. Thanks!
My pleasure!
My consultant never explained to me as well as you did. God bless you
I had a 5mm disk ‘herniation’ occur April 14th, 2024. A week later I could not walk without severe pain. I stayed in a recliner for 2 weeks, and gradually was able to walk while assisted, which persisted for another few weeks, eventually being able to walk unassisted around the 2 month mark.
At 3 months, I re-injured the area, causing even more severe pain. The cause? Turning on the water to brush my teeth. I spent another 3 weeks on the recliner in a neutral position before having a microdiscectomy performed today, July 31st, 2024.
The relief of the severe pain has been immediate. The lasting effects currently are weakness from limited ambulating over the past 3 weeks as well as numbness/pins and needles from my knee to my foot.
To anyone going through the worst of it, please know that your experience is valid, and it can get better. I have read so many of these comments, but they have helped me keep ‘faith’ that bright days laid ahead. It’s early days of my recovery, but I want to encourage you that there is a time ahead where you will reclaim your life.
All the best ❤
Hope you are feeling better now.
@@ASHISHSINGH-km4oy I am. Thank you!
am suffering from
disk bluge the gap got reduced to
4.5mm from 10mm between the spinal
cord and disk.
I can stand, sleep properly but can't sit
for a long time like a moore then hour. It's
been 3 months.
DoI need surgery ?
I couldn't get you part of 5mm
What you mean
Do you mean let's a normal distance is of 11mm and you had only 6mm between spinal and disk
@ I would talk to a doctor.
@@rnjesus9950 thanks bro much appreciated
Hi, I am a 33 year old male. I have a l4/l5 disc bulge since September 2022. Did 6 weeks of PT along with muscle relaxers and anti inflammatory - the pain was manageable but worsened as soon as my exercises got less regular and the effects of the anti inflammatory wore off. Restarted my PT from April 2023 and in PT currently. Primary symptoms - back pain when sitting and numbness in a patch on my left big toe. The numbness has been around since September 2022 - definitely reduced from before but still there. Numbness increases and reduces in intensity at times lately noticing pins and needles there too which is new. It’s been about 9 months and still not completely pain free but definitely at a better place than before. Trying to manage pain without medication for the last 2-3 months. Still find my back tightening with even a little bit of fast motion- like dancing and the pain comes back. Doctor said so long as you can manage pain and symptoms improve, stick to conservative approaches. Haven’t taken steroidal injection yet. Any thoughts on my case? Would love to have your perspective.
My back pain was prayed over. I don't know if you're religious but your closest pentecostal church will have people who are experienced in laying hands. The only reason I risk sounding insane recommending this on the internet is because it worked for me.
Injections help
I’ve been dealing with an L5-S1 pain for about a year now and I’ve tried different methods such as decompression, physical therapy, chiropractor, medical therapy and even a steroid shot and I don’t want to think about getting surgery and it’s a terrifying thought.
I’m not sure if you have an input but this video does seem very reassuring and might get a discography to see a more clearer solution.
Thank you Will, this was a very informative video. I have a herniated disc L3/L4, which came on suddenly on 5 Jan 2023. I am currently having physio session with very slow improvement. I was taking over the counter medication to manage the pain but I was worried about liver damage. My GP has now prescribed strong pain medication and a mild anti-depressant. My pain in not so much in my back, more in hip, thigh and my knee is in a constant cramp. I struggle to sit for longer than 10 mins. I was on the verge of making an appointment with a Spine specialist to see about surgery, as I was told by my Neurosurgeon that it should fix it's self in max 3 months, I am now in my 4 months, with some feeling back in my thigh, but the pain is unbearable some days. Now you say it could take up to 6 months. I am petrified of having an op done, so I will try and bearing it few months longer.
So sorry to hear about your situation. Hope it improves for you very soon. It can take a long time to fully recover but most people do get there eventually.
How are you doing now ? I’m in two months of pain
How are you now in two months pain for me , I’m waiting to see a neurosurgeon but a month from now in extreme pain
Similar story here. Am at 11 months. Seeing gradual slow improvement.
1. No CES symptoms 2. Ocasional weakness, one leg. With sciatica symptoms, 1 leg only. 3. Very little pain. 4. Definitely more than six months, but gradual improvement.
PT. PT. PT.
So ..I'm still willing to avoid surgery.
@@patriciaortiz1683I’m 3 months in and I’m in awful pain all the time. How are you now?
I lived with this pain for 20+ years. Surgeon told me i had 50/50 chance of ending up in a wheelchair if i had the surgery. That put me right off. At least i can still use my legs. But i am now leaning towards surgery as the pain is now constant all day everyday, and i'm sick of all the medications, and the lack of quality of life. Scary thought about having though. But sometimes you have to take a chance in life eh.
I'm going through the same thing, everyday I wake up it's literally pain and miserable. Over the counter meds aren't working neither is physical therapy. I pray to God we both heal from this terrible condition. 🙏🏾
Good luck brother I'm at 10+ years with this pain
Thank you doctor, seeing my back doctor today scatica left leg issues.
why the surgery is the last resort knowing the fact that surgical correction of buldged disk is a minimally invasive procedure and makes the pain to go away for good. thanks.
I’m also curious
So many different kinds of surgery now availaible, from major to minimally invasive. Wish that the video made some type of distinction when talking about surgery as a generic term.
I had a biokineticist tell me at our first meeting that I should just get surgery because it is "inevitable" even though I told her that my pain is not very bad and I believe that physical therapy will help me... I walked out of that office, never to return. Thanks to your video, I know I made the right decision.
Video is so good. Needed all your good information.
Thank you so much. Will keep working on my problem with your suggestions. Had polio when young. Bad fall. On spine off bike around that time. They said it was polio? Was left with numbness in varying degrees from waist down. Mostly hips and knees and surrounding areas.
After a year in a wheel chair began walking gained strength back. Was active in swimming skating etc. Did physical work through the years to make living and support my children. Never had enough energy for a social life. Now due to falls over the years bad ones, everything from waist down feels very compressed. And I burn from stomach all the way down front of legs numbness too. Hard to walk but I do without a cane. This morning I walked across street to feed squirrels and it was very hard and noticed everything so compressed and numb. I took baby steps. I have to push myself as no one to give me relief. Does lifting heavy things, and for me that's a Gallon of bleach, 10 lbs potatoes etc cause more compression on the discs.?
My bludging disk goes directly into my spinal canal tho I haven’t got those symptoms yet. Thank you for the warning for symptoms to keep an eye on.
Good Explanation, easy to understand,
I'm suffering with disc Bulge for nearly 3 months
bcc
I’m dealing with the same thing. 3 months in. Herniation. Pain down both legs. How are you doing now?
Hi how are you doing now
This was useful - the timescales for improvement particularly so. Thank you.
Chiropractic care gave me ten years and i recomend it L5 was messed up. But as a mechanic im not always able to please my spine. And in april of this year L4 had enough and it blew over to the right and ruptured the thecal sac between L4 to L5 so i had to have an L4 to S1 dicectomy no fusion and i was walking 24 hours after surgery.
I have bilateral herniations L5/S1. Left side is large herniation. Right side not so big. I was in an auto accident. This isn't my first go with herniations. I had 3 others go away after a long while of opiods and working out. Was never fun. Now it is next to impossible to even get medicines. Pain worse than I ever felt. Have been told surgery by every doctor except the surgeon. The surgeon wanted me to keep doing epidural injections that didnt help much, were super expensive, and acts as a bandaid while carrying its own risks. So I asked about surgery, and I am doing it. I cant afford to be laid up for weeks at a time every time there is a flare up. Plus, there is every day pain. Left leg hurts all the time, right leg goes numb. Had a cuada equina scare, they trama transported me, had no reflex in my left leg at hospital. Scared of surgery for sure, but when you cant get medicines, have a scare like I did at the hospital, and have every day leg issues. Etc..
I've been 2.5 years with 3 bulging discs and finally got an mri and seeing a spine surgeon on the 20th, I have pain down legs and some numbness in the nether regions, too, cant stand up for more than a few min at a time!!
What happn now ?
Are you still alive?
Thank you so much for this. The surgeon that did my steroid injections has offered me a surgical consult after only three weeks of treatment. I feel like this is an insanely fast and reactionary option. I have none of the symptoms you’ve listed in this video. I now feel a lot more confident to go back in And resist!
Glad to hear the video helped and good luck!
Might be good to get a second opinion. And ask what they think the consequences of doing nothing might be. Also, don’t make any assumptions while you’re taking steroids. Whatever your symptoms are, the may get worse once the steroids wear off. Good luck. I’m on a third round of oral steroids - partly so I can make it to my scheduled surgical consult still almost a week away.
Thank you. I have been dealing with sciatica pain for about a year. It is very frustrating. At first onset, I couldn't walk for about 5 wks. Then it slowly got better but acts up unexpectedly. It never completely goes away.
Thank you! I wonder if you could do a clip on why surgery should be avoided? What are the various risks involved in percentage, and relevant to the different age groups? I think 6 months of suffering, even when it’s not that extreme is a long time. Especially if you have small children that require a lot of attention.
Do you think surgery heals that fast? Most cases, they will cut a piece out of the vertebra and then attach rods and screws. It will be rigid permanently in that area. Complications like infection are possible. There are a lot of websites and videos if you need more info. Not to dissuade Will though. I'm sure such a video would be excellent.
@@user-ov4wr5yu4r I had no idea that laminectomy was that common. Do you know how common it is? I’m trying to find statistics, but can’t seem to orientate among all the medical journals. And is every laminectomy unsuccessful or what are the risks involved with that? Infections, yes. But how high is the risk of an infection in general? And what are the risks involved of an operation if you are in your 40’s and the surgery is performed at a renowned clinic? I feel like I would love to know more about these aspects.
I’m in year 5 of a herniated disc with sciatic nerve pain
@@DoNotAlterDNA I’m so sorry to hear that. I was in pain for six months and decided for a surgery. I was instantly better and avoided permanent nerve damage. Three months later I’m still doing rehab and will be doing it for more or less rest of my life, but at least I can spend time with my children without hating life.
Thank you for the information. I almost considered surgery.
Greetings from Austria. Thank you very much for your helpful content.
What about when the sciatica has reduced to mostly 0-5 out of 10 levels (usually 0-3), but after 7 months, still haven’t resolved and one still can’t do any normal activities without aggravating it.
Hi really enjoying your videos talking about sciatica and cervical neck impingement . I have suffered with sciatica for the last 20 years on and off . I seem to improve for a couple of months then start having symptoms again .
I had C4/5 and C 5/6 fused together around four years ago and now I’m showing signs of impingement in C8/T1 with typical pain down neck across my shoulder down the back of my arm to outside of wrist with numb tingling pinky and ring finger.I dread the thought of more surgery as last time I ended up with partial paralysis for six months . I do think once you have had a problem problems seem to keep re occurring 😢
Sorry to hear about that. I have just finished a video on how to minimise risk of disc injuries recurring so look out for that soon!
I have a bulging disc in my neck at C5 and 6- bulging into my spinal cord - 2 surgeons say surgery is needed, 1 surgeon says no. I have been in a collar for 6 weeks and was told to stay in it for another 6 weeks.
Ive gone to 3 different pain management doctors using different therapies. Medical , physical therapy and various injections on different locations in my lumbar area. With no measurable improvement. Each dr. I visited would suggest basically the same treatments. Ive gone to 3 different neurosurgeons and have gotten the same diagnosis. Im not a candidate for surgery. Ive been dealing with this issue for nearly 4 years now. I have complained about recent bladder control issues and even with that I still cant seem to get the surgeons to listen
Thank you. Thankfully I don't have any of those conditions. I have a bulging disk and the only way I have took care of myself is by swimming. I swam for 3 years then Pandemic happened and I could not go, since then I have not swam... Lately I had to catch the bus and I had to run and as a result I started feeling numbness on both of my legs, especially the thighs.. It is bearable but I am really feeling bad because of this and all I am thinking is I am going to lose my legs... I will go back to swimming :(
Sorry to hear about that and hope it improves for you very soon!
Thank you. I'm having pain for 3 weeks
Do you suggest ice and heat theraphy? Or just ice?
Doing acupuncture too
What about people like me…. I am 40, I have a career that demands a fair bit of activity….. I have a disc herniation. I have about 2 or 3 severe flare ups a year.
No Sciatica symptoms. No other real issues than crippling muscle spasms that last 3 days or so. This has been going on for years. I’ve done PT, Chiropractor, and injections. Still have a few flare ups a year
Hi guys i understand how our body can shrink or "heal" an herniated disc,but how does it work with a bulge disc?
Can you make a post about some sports we can safely do? 35-50 years old. Is roller blading ok?
Hehe cauda equina. That’s me. Going for my surgery soon. Fortunately my jewels are fine
Thank you
This is really helpful for me to get to decision❤
Outstanding video! Thank you.
I'm a service member. I can't sit in a car and standing is so hard I have to lay on the floor to get relief. Do I need it. Yes the army saw it in an MRI. I could walk at that time I was just given medication that I learned has no history of helping me.
Hello doctor
Thank you for the ray of hope!!!
I have a large-left sided protrusion with disk height changes, and end plate changes. I started getting severe pain about 7 months ago. Pain management is helping. But I pushed myself to slowly start walking, gently pushing through. And when I did that the pin came lashing back. And hadn’t backed off even though I’ve gone back to be more careful. I am just exhausted this pain feels like a lightning bolt hits the back of my leg and into my foot. I trip and fall quite a bit. I am waiting to see my pain management doctor for follow up the MRI. I am worried I’ll need surgery.
My doctor that gives me my shot in my lower back tells me a chiropractor is a terrible idea what's your opinion on this is not getting better and he says it could damage my nerves permanently
After suffering with sciatica for 9 years I had fusion on my L4&L5 a year ago. The surgery was very successful. Unfortunately, now I’m having sciatica in my right leg. An mri is showing a bulge in my L3.
Iv been dealing with L5/S1 Retrolisthesis for 12 years, had pain the whole time, tried everything, but I am constantly told it's not that bad and Im not a candidate for any kind of surgery. Been on pain meds for years and nothing is getting better, why would surgery not be a viable option? Thanks for your content, very informative
Yes. That's my case since 4 years. Doctors say it's not that serious.
Thank you.
May i ask if this is the same as a slip disc?
What about bulging disc in cervical spine? c3-c7??
I have been diagnosed with L5/S1 sciatica with gap reducing to 8mm. The only problem I am facing is I can’t more than 800 m a single stretch and then need to take rest. Any advice on this shall be helpful.
Great info, been struggling with lower back and leg pain since December, kept getting worse to the point where i couldn’t walk, finally got a mri last weekend which showed a bulged disc on the nerve, im a self employed joiner and have been off work for 5 weeks with zero pay and the pain hasn’t improved much in that time so not sure what the best options are? Seen many different physios and kept up with all the recommended exercises but nothing seems to be working
Thanks doctor great video thanks shane.
My mom 55yo was recommended surgery for Cervical Radiculopathy, protrusions on C5-C6, C6-C7 for symptoms on hands and arms, and headaches. They are not treating it as an emergency, but they want to schedule it in 6 months or so. Does it sound like surgery is absolutely necessary?
I get sharp shooting pains to my uterus/groin then travels just past my butt. My knees give way too, ive done stretching yoga poses/medication i do what i can but the pain is horrid and its been years
Brilliant thanks buddy you are so good
Thank good sir.
Thanks very much
Thank you
You're welcome!
I am suffering from
disk bluge the gap got reduced to
4.5mm from 10mm between the spinal
cord and disk.
I can stand, sleep properly but can't sit
for a long time like a moore then hour. It's
been 3 months.
Do
I need surgery
What if a patient has been diagnosed almost 4 weeks ago with bulging disc in the T9/T10 region and had numbness in both legs that started from the lower stomach all the way to the feet and can walk better in a matter of a couple weeks and starting to feel cool sensation (that wasnt felt before) going down the side of one leg and slowly getting better. Bowels are working better (slowly but better) urination is okay but not 100% sensation as before but urinating pretty well and no pain anywhere except for some tightness mid back at times. Does that patient need surgery or can do well with PT? Blessings~
What about if you keep reinjuring the lower back and symptoms come back. Theycan be worse or different. What do we do then?
Thank you. such a good information. Glad to know Im doing some things right ( finally ). Ive been increasing my walking every day - and notice I do feel better on days I walk -especially when I walk more. . Herniated L- 2-3 disk April 2022 . . first few months I didnt know it was disk herniation and no doubt made things worse- stretching and trying to work out the pain .. I had horrible front of leg thigh pain and numbness . Finally was referred to a spine surgeon and MRI in end of June showed large herniated disk , and had a steroid injection in July . What are good exercises for that leg pain that is in the front of the thigh ? Thankfully have never had any loss of muscle strength. I do get depressed that it hasnt gone away yet but at least the pain has gotten less... so I guess that is a small improvement. Ill up the hydration , continue walking and see about seeing a different physical therapist for more physio to see if it can help heal this thing without going to surgery - which Id like to avoid.
Thank you and good luck! I will cover this in a video soon.
I’ve got whooping cough and tweaked my back with coughing. Been a week now but can’t stand the pain! It’s in my buttock and goes down legs, with slight numbness in foot. When I stand up, the pain is unbearable! I have to lie down again, even then, the pain is so so bad! Can’t function at all. Made myself have a shower and almost passed out with pain. Can’t sleep, not eating much. Feel fucking awful!
I have tingling/burning down the sides of both legs, on the outside of my knees. Should I go to the hospital ?
Moderate degenerative disc change at C5-6 with broad disc bulge and endplate osteophytes eccentric to the LEFT which result in mild spinal cord compression (no abnormal cord signal intensity) and severe LEFT foraminal narrowing compressing the exiting LEFT C6 nerve root.
Should i be worried my mri told me that information
My husband is suffering from spinal disc buldge with mild spinal stenosis and doctor said operation. I need your opinion. Please. Though within 1 month he recovered a lot
Very good information.
Good information
Thank you!
I was told I had a bulging disc in may 2021. I am still in incredible pain but my local hospital couldn’t cater to when i could do physio. Medication they give doesn’t do much either? What do i say to my GP now
What is your opinion on epidurals first one has helped me thinking of a second after 3 months to improve even more
Does the feeling of having to urinate frequently fall under Cauda Equina? I can hold it, and go when I need to…but I have the feeling having to go frequently. MRI confirmed L5-S1 bulge. I’ve also done one epidural injection.
Yes this is how I felt and it was confirmed that I have cauda equina syndrome. All doctors advised that I need surgery
What if I feel better in terms of symptoms and pain, but the MRI shows the growth of herniation?
I woke up one morning 6mo ago unable to move with excruciating pain in my lower back. After a day in bed I was able to get up and move around, then it happened again during the night. This time I was laid up for three days.
Is this something that you have heard of happening? Do people with bulging discs typically heal and have the same issue happen again later or does the disc heal completely?
Yup. Happened to me a few times. However, your case could be different. Go to a medical doctor.
My issues have been ongoing now for about 15 months... Fatigue weakness sharp spikes of pain numb testicles and penis' pins n needles... utterly fed up with it all.... Got my surgery next week and can't bloody wait
How did it go?
@@haeskenhoff I had a laminotomy and it hasn't changed anything up to now... Still suffering with sciatica 😔😔😔
@@mrthomas394 I’m so sorry. Know that you are not alone, and never stop experimenting to find soulutions. Keep active even though it hurts.
I am facing L4/L5 Disc Bulge and i been to 2 doctors and both have told me to do the surgery but i am still young in my mid 20’s and my condition has been better after a week. I was not able to walk or sit for 2-3 days but after that i was slowly feeling better, and now after 7-8 days i am able to walk way better than day 1 (So my question is that should i wait more for my body to heal itself) or should i go for surgery??
what did you choose?
Maybe you can help me with my problem doc. I have severe disc bulge L4/L5.. is it safe to go to a chiro?
Or therapy is better? I have done 3 sessions already.
In all seriousness I've got L4 L5 bulge I need to get it sorted
Hello, I have disk extrusion/herniated disc l5 s1 for 4 weeks and my left calf muscle is paralysed. I have tried all the excercises mentioned and I have no pain but the muscle paralyses remains. Is there a need for surgery or do you think it can remain forever?
In the same exact boat
hi im 16. i do kickboxing and gym very frequently. last week, i did a spinning kick that requires my lower back to get twisted (i forgot to warm up before the kick). I felt a crack from my low back. i thought it was fine and kept training with my coach. but after the training session my low disc start feeling pinned and needled. would you recommend me to see a chiropractor??? is it common pain or inujury? can i still be able to train again
I hope you went to a medical doctor, not a chiropractor.
@@user-ov4wr5yu4r I had to take 3 months of recovery and now it’s better but still hurt
I have a herniated disk which is pretty bad and 2 other disk that are not as bad my cyro just says they need cleaning and I will not heal without surgery can you help and give me any advice I'm terrified of having surgery
Pray to Jesus. Isaiah 53:5; 2 Peter 2:24
Hello,thanks for your sharing sir.
For me,I felt back pain in2020 and with medicine help i recovered and with the help of x ray result, I knew I have bertolotti syndrome. But in 2023 February I suffer again backpain L4.L5area (2month long)and my situation is I can sit 15minutes and over 15minutes,back pain start and I can stand(without moving) about 5minutes and over 5minutes, my heels become pain. Should I worry for surgery? Please reply me and sorry for my English skill. Thanks for reading my comment.
Sorry to hear about your problem. I'm afraid I can't offer any specific medical advice for anyone over the internet without a proper assessment. Best to get checked by a professional for issues like this. I hope that helps!
I'm suffering from bulge in my pants lolol
Will Water Aerobics Help?
I have drop foot from mine
Looks like a flaw in the design. I need a new body made in Japan 😊👍🏽