8-9 Mm Herniated Disc?

Question by Phill: 8-9 mm herniated disc?
I was around 21 when I heard a big pop in my lower back bending over with a good bit of weight working oilfield construction. I could not get out of bed for a week. I then hurt myself working out (Decline Bench press) with too much weight over a year ago. I lifted my neck and back off the bench straining to secure the bar back in place. I felt tears for that one. I went to a Chiropractor and after my third adjustment I could barely walk because of the pain and had to go into the ER. I was then referred to an Ortho. Surgeon. He put me on pain meds and phys. therapy which worked. Then, a few months later I got rear ended just when I was feeling better from Physical Therapy. I went back to the same ortho. and they did not want to give me any meds even though the pain was worse and just wanted me to do physical therapy again! I am no drug addict, but ever since a child I have never had success with any OTC meds for headaches or pain, only to reduce fever. I then wanted an MRI since multiple X-rays showed nothing, Ortho. declined and said he did not see anything in the X-ray to send me to do an M.R.I. Went get a second opinion with an Occupational Orthopedic Surgeon. He examined me, all of my reflexes are good but still have neck pain, popping, stiffness and back pain, pulling, stiffness and cracking. He sent me for an M.R.I. I just got the results and have a 8-9 mm L5-S1 right lateral disc herniation osteophyte complex with displacement and possible compromise of both S1 nerve roots, more on the right then left. Spinal canal is adequate, faucets demonstrate minor osteoarthritis. My neck has:C4-5 forminal stenosis secondary to hypertrophy of the right uncovertebral joint and faucet. Possible right C-5 nerve root compromise. Spinal canal is clear, left neural foramina is patent. C5-C6, Minimal spondylosis. These words are straight from the M.R.I. report. DX is: Cervical: Pain. Thoracic-Pain/Injury. Ortho. Surgeon told me there was nothing he could do, take aspirin for pain and dont do anything to aggravate your pain… I feel like I am just left out on the street with no food or water. My pain and shooting sensations in my head, neck and right leg, both knees are getting worse. What should I do? I an 25 years old, 6’1”, 195 pounds, slightly muscular build. I love working out but is it worth trying to hurt myself? What do I do for pain when no OTC medicine or Physical Therapy works? I’ve tried sleeping as told, which lately I have trouble sleeping, I have tried almost everything and my condition and depression keeps getting worse! My family life is suffering. I have a beautiful wife and 2 yr. old daughter and used to be active. Now I have to watch how I sit, bend, stand, move, etc. Please help with some advice!!!
The pain makes me use proper mechanics. Ive changed my whole life around my pain and depression. I have tried many anti-depressants with side effects. I do see a psych and I have MDD, OCD, Panic Disorder, Anxiety and ADD. I had a traumatized childhood with my father passing at 7 yrs. old. My grandfather also recently died on the operating table during a second open heart surgery. I lived with him and grandmother from age 15 to 21 but was there every other weekend since a young child so he was my father and mentor. I have alot of anger inside as my mother mentally abused me as a child until I was old enough to tell her like it was. I am doing good for all that I have been through but this injury I cant ignore and is not getting better. Ive researched it over and over and I get mixed results. Some say move, workout, etc. others say dont do anything that puts pressure on my spine so I do not know what to do. It is very frustrating and confusing.

Best answer:

Answer by jannsody
I’m sorry that you’re having so much discomfort. I wonder if a pain management specialist would have other suggestions or such. Perhaps you may also consider a physiatrist which is a medical doctor who specializes in physical (“rehabilitation”) medicine. I don’t know that there is a cure-all/panacea type of answer here, but perhaps you can get a couple different opinions that way, too.

Please do pay careful attention to body mechanics as you seem as though you’re doing. Never lift while bending at the waist (pelvis) but rather with a straight back (spine) and slightly bending the knees. One should also never go into a twist motion while holding an object (or at all) either. Only lift as much weight as the doctor allows or further injury can occur. If you haven’t gotten work hardening which teaches proper body mechanics and other skills, perhaps you can ask your doctor for a referral to either a physical therapist or occupational therapist who works in the area of work hardening.

I don’t have the same injuries as you, but I have neck and back disc problems and sciatica (the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, is pinched) and fibromyalgia (chronic diffuse pain sometimes with fatigue), and what helped me a bit was water (aquatic) physical therapy. That consisted of me walking back and forth in a rather shallow pool while the PT also gave me gentle stretching and strengthening exercises while in the pool. It wasn’t a panacea, but it did help me.

Here is a link that briefly talks about aquatic therapy: http://www.aquaticpt.org/about-aquatic-physical-therapy.cfm

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