No doubt. It's hard for people to understand how really terrible sciatica is until you have it. Hang in there. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. But it can be done. Make sure you get the help you need and deserve.
Dude, don't worry @christinhoneycutt7092 has already prayed to Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour to heal the back pain of everyone in the comments, so you should be golden (thanks Jesus! - and Christin, you're the best!). If it still hurts, it probably just means you're going to hell or something.
I have this with multiple degenerative disc and a diffuse bulging dics at L4 and a bulging disc at L5 S1 and multiple ostoephyte , I literally can't sit without extreme pain, pregabalin lyrica in 100mg twice day doesn't help at all, please how do I get rid of this pain? I tried all the exercises in youtube, even at lean videos exercises did not help, it's hurting norw when I do thise exercises or stretching..please help I'm only 30
I pray right now to Jesus Christ for everyone hurting in the comments for the holy spirit to heal you I plea the blood of Jesus over you from head to toe and to your spines
Seriously, i know this sounds corny but I've suffered with major major sciatica pain due to L5S1 herniation and I honestly cannot tell you how refreshing it is to hear someone say "it's more pain than a lot of people have experienced, child birth like pain". I'm not a woman so i can't speak on birth pain, but it is biblical like pain. It has been absolute King in my life and very feared for the past 10 years. God have mercy on people that also live with this.
It’s been the hardest 4 years, i got a herniated disc the summer before my senior year of high school. My life completely took a turn. I didn’t know how I was going to be able to push through. Everything got taken from me, I could no longer do the things in life that made me happy. I had a herniated disc and a bulging disc. Bye bye senior year of volleyball. I wouldn’t even be able to go into the details because it would take too long to explain. Well 4 years later, and 1 surgery later, the herniated disc is fixed, and bulging disc is herniated. So now i’m back in the same boat and have to start the process over again, It’s hard to find a job that i can work and not be in pain. It’s just so tiring, i’ve given up trying and just smoke weed to forget about it. It’s really inspiring seeing all you strong people that deal with the same bs i have to. I wish you all the best of luck on your journeys and hope you all find happiness. Peace and love✌🏻
I guarantee u, u can get through it, I had the same injury, herniated disc and a bulging disc. It happened when everything was going so good, then Bam!!!!! This happened. First week was like inside of a torture chamber with pure essence of agony. I had to fight the pain just to go to doctor visits. I refuse 😤 to be defeated. I sincerely had thoughts of giving up, but I don't know how to do it. At times, some of the doctors I had to go to, seem like they didn't care. They not in pain like I am so what does it matter. The tell me to do this this and this, give me some prescriptions and be on the way. That's the impression I got with some of them. I had to do my own research, I had to pay attention to my body, and study advice of Doctors that seem to care online of what to do. At the end of the day, You have to be your own Doctor! Nobody knows your body like you and God. I prayed, I done nerve stretching exercises, I ate healthy, drinking the right amount of water each day and I did what I could as of working out. And overall I payed close attention to my body through the process even now. You can get through it. U have to stay focus and discipline... those two should be ya best friends. When you get back moving good, your mindset and how u look at things will change for the good. It took me a good month to see good progression within my body as a whole. I'm making this long because I have the same injury u have. I to go to verbal war with friends and family base on what I should do as what to eat, what procedures I had to take, what this this this and this. They was speaking bad about my health condition in the "future" and I wouldn't accept it and I told them the strong reasons why. So you have to be a fighter through this crazy injury. May God bless you.
@@jasonlarocque2795 yea bro, I'm doing well. I'm back at work with light duty. Still have to go to physical therapy. Hope everything is going well with u bruh. Gotta keep fighting
@create306 Hey man i’m really sorry that happened to you. It seems like you’re doing pretty well for yourself though i’m glad you’re pushing hard to try and get better and healthier. You really right with that one tho, no one understands what we go through. it’s so hard man i definitely don’t push as hard as you do. i’m just in so much pain the whole day so i just say fuck it to most things. I don’t do the pt, i do my workout my core. I just smoke weed and cigarettes. I really appreciate your reply and i wish you all the best man. Im gonna try harder though, if you can do it so can i. thank you 🙏🏻
Six years of horrible pain with 3 herniated discs and have done it all except surgery. The burning in my feet and legs makes me homebound. Going from active to not being able to even walk to my bathroom has been so depressing.However this has been the best explanation to date and I’ve researched everywhere! Thank you!
I am so sad to hear of your pain. Six years is an insanely long time for any suffering, in particular nerve pain. It may interest you to know that burning in the feet is not typical of nerve root pain due to a herniated disc. Burning in the feet, in particular both feet, worse at night, and associated with numbness and difficulty walking is the typical presentation of peripheral neuropathy (PN). PN is a disorder of nerves, not nerve roots. It's very common in diabetes and among alcoholics, but there are a hundred possible causes. PN is diagnosed with an EMG study done by a neurolgist. It's treated with medications like Neurontin and lyrica. Just FYI.
OMG, see a dr!! I’ve had herniated discs for years, since the 1990s. I had severe pain down my leg in 2021 and had a microdiscectomy. I had immediate pain relief. Good luck.
I had 3 herniated discs. Treatment then was a multilevel fusion. Anterior/posterior 360° cage. All titanium. It was successful. Things have really advanced. I was in an accident with permanent nerve damage and other stuff. Gabapentin has been the best drug ever, turmeric with 95% curcuminoids for inflammation, and muscle relaxers. I have pain medicine if I need it. As time has gone on I need it less. Good days and a bad day slips in. I also have autoimmune disease that's active and ugly. I'm lucky my back healed so well. Thanks to my surgeons for doing an amazing job.
I had a severe rupture around L4-5 (>1cm extrusion). Three months of intolerable pain (from facette syndrome and sciatica) and then it started getting better all of a sudden. I am almost 60 days out from that, completely pain free and getting more mobile every day. I am super grateful I was able to avoid surgery and injections. We went through anti-inflammatories and steroid courses, all of which were completely ineffective against the pain. I worked with a great chiropractor who as able to get me some temporary relief with adjustments, but ultimately time was the only thing that made a difference.
I'm so glad to hear you are doing well! Believe it or not, your story is typical. Ninety four percent of people with non-specific low back pain get better on their own (like you!) within 12 weeks. Not that you are feeling better make sure you work on that core strength to prevent this from happening again!
I have a herniated disk 3 weeks of intense pain now. Looked all over the internet and your videos are the absolute best source of information I found so far. Thank you so much for putting these up! 🙏
Glad to help! Thanks so much. Hang in there. It really does get better. Please feel free to check out my webiste for more info: bestpracticehealth.tv/spine/#SpineLumbarLaminectomy
Thank you for answering all my questions. I didn't have to pay for it. You were straight down to the point. You're a lifesaver for many. I praise you. You're a hero! 💯
Don’t rush into surgery. It almost killed my brother. He developed a nasty infection that went deep into his bones. I am treating mine with anti-inflammatory and serious physical therapy. Constant PT exercises, heating pad and massage.
Excellent point. There are risks to surgery that are out of this world compared to the other options. Sorry to hear about your brother. He is fortunate to have a family behind him during this difficult time.
Carlos that worked for me too. First Dr. Visit he wanted to give me injection...I said No...anything else...800mg ibuprofen, rest and heat pad. Then light stretching
Are you doing much better now? Was the second surgery more difficult or the same? I've had one and now 9 yrs later might need another. I'm seeing the neurologist on Monday but I'm pretty much bound to my bed until they figure something out. It's very depressing 😕
Currently been experiencing pain since Oct 22. Now more recently numbness after 2 failed Epi injections. So now I’ll be doing surgery . Praying the relief is instant . Thank you for explaining everything in this video
I wish you best of luck with your Surgery, I have the same issue and would like to know if the surgery was a good option for you. please leave a comment, once your are done with it.
@@babitakumari-ln1zb I am feeling slightly better, I was not a good candidate for surgery, but I have been going to pain management to assist with the pain
This is NOT good advice. He totally and completely avoids, does not mention, skips over conservative treatments like chiropractic/acupuncture/NON SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION for crying out load. He fails to mention that cortisone/steroid injections are not FDA approved for spinal problems because of how the medicine is research proven to degenerate the tissue thus eventually guaranteeing the need for surgery. Come on doctor stop the madness.
Thank you doctor ! Recently went thru the torture of herniated disc. Just wanted to share things that helped and thing that didn’t help. 1. Narcotics: only temporary relief for a few hours. I don’t recommend them. 2. Toradol: got an injection at the ER on the first day. Very helpful! ER doctor would not prescribe pills for it when I asked 3. Ibuprofen: very helpful. Caused bleeding had to stop 4. Celecoxib. Very helpful! 1 pill provided good relief for about a day. 5. Transforaminal injection: helpful for 2 weeks. Doctor discouraged second one. 6. Microdiscectomy. I was not a candidate but 2 close friends had it and found it enormously helpful because they were sciatica pain free and walking on the day of surgery!!
Thank you so much for your comment!!! Your experience is exactly what the science would predict. The only three things that are proven to help with back pain in the first 3-6 weeks are NSAIDS (toradol), moist heat, and rest. Narcotics are DANGEROUS and too risky unless you are dying of cancer (thankfully not!) or have just had surgery. I wish you the best and hope you continue to heal!
guys im telling you surgery and even epidural injections should really only be a last resort in my opinion. Ive been lucky enough (if you could call it lucky lol) to get my herniated discs early in life at 16, when my body is still pretty regenerative, so I can't necessarily speak for all of you older folk out there who are dealing with much worse symptoms than me. All I know is that after 2 years of pretty constant pain I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. What's really been working for me is a combination of PT and ATG (look up atg on youtube) exercises. Improving your strength and mobility in basically your entire body not only has given me amazing results for reducing my herniated disc pain but it's also just a super smart thing to do because it makes your entire body more bulletproof and resistant to injury, especially for a pretty active person like myself. The last thing I had to do was probably the hardest for me which was reducing the frequency of activities that I love. I like to play basketball like as often as I can, and for 2 years I was playing through pain and then just dealing with it the next day cuz I wanted to play, but recently I've realized that no matter how much I bulletproof my body, my pain won't reduce if I'm still putting a bunch of stress on my discs constantly. Honestly the moral of the story is that your body will tell you what's working and what's not, you really just need to learn how to listen to it. If anyone else is suffering and wants a more detailed breakdown of my routine just lemme know.
@@beerbrothers6 Ok so basically my main focuses have been trying to strengthen and lengthen all the muscles and tendons in my legs and especially hips, and then also strengthening my deep core and glutes. For deep core some of my personal favorites are dead bugs, supermans, bird dogs, and then this one where u are lying on ur back with one knee bent and then you basically try to engage ur deep core and push ur belly button into the ground while lifting ur non bent leg up. I cannot stress this next one enough BUY A 30 DEGREE BACK EXTENSION. I used to have so much pain in my back when going into a position of spinal flexion and getting a back extension bench thingy was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's really useful for lengthening your hamstrings. I've also been starting to use it to do a new exercise called QL raises. So far they've been feeling good but I just added them to my routine so can't say too much about them yet. Ok moving on to the front of the hips. The ATG split squat is a phenomenal exercise for lengthening your hip flexors, and if I remember correctly, the hip flexors attach from the hips right into the lower back, so if you notice your pain increasing when you go into a position of spinal extension, your hip flexors are probably way too tight. No matter who you are unless you've put significant effort into lengthening your hip flexors, they're probably way too tight anyways cuz we sit wayy too much and the sitting position puts your hip flexors in their shortest position naturally. So lengthening my hip flexors and strengthening them in the lengthened position too has been another complete gamechanger in my recovery process. Think about it if you have essentially a rubber band attached from your spine to your hips and that shit is way too tight of course your spine is gonna be hurting if it's already injured cuz ur hip flexor is just yanking on that shit. My hip external rotation mobility and my hip adductors were also (and still kinda are) complete trash, but I've been improving it with exercises such as the seated good morning. This other exercise was also no kidding a complete game changer, I think it's called the elevated pidgeon pose or something just watch this video it explains everything but no joke this is another one you cannot skip: ruclips.net/video/M4LU_PCeGko/видео.html Also you want to do dynamic warmups before any kind of physical activity and then do static stretching after the activity. Another good way to just take care of your body more in general is to improve your tibialis strength because it kind of acts as your body's first line of impact absorption, so if you have stronger tibialises, your knees, hips and back won't have to absorb as much force. These are just the main things that have been working for me so far. Feel free to ask me if yall have anymore questions cuz i'd love to try to help other people who r having the same problems as me. I'm just gonna copy paste this comment under everyone who replied to my OP cuz I wanna make sure everyone has a chance to read this. Good luck, listen to your body and stay consistent. You guys got this shit, having a herniated disc doesn't mean you have to be in pain for the rest of your life.
@@jeanmacrae7942 Ok so basically my main focuses have been trying to strengthen and lengthen all the muscles and tendons in my legs and especially hips, and then also strengthening my deep core and glutes. For deep core some of my personal favorites are dead bugs, supermans, bird dogs, and then this one where u are lying on ur back with one knee bent and then you basically try to engage ur deep core and push ur belly button into the ground while lifting ur non bent leg up. I cannot stress this next one enough BUY A 30 DEGREE BACK EXTENSION. I used to have so much pain in my back when going into a position of spinal flexion and getting a back extension bench thingy was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's really useful for lengthening your hamstrings. I've also been starting to use it to do a new exercise called QL raises. So far they've been feeling good but I just added them to my routine so can't say too much about them yet. Ok moving on to the front of the hips. The ATG split squat is a phenomenal exercise for lengthening your hip flexors, and if I remember correctly, the hip flexors attach from the hips right into the lower back, so if you notice your pain increasing when you go into a position of spinal extension, your hip flexors are probably way too tight. No matter who you are unless you've put significant effort into lengthening your hip flexors, they're probably way too tight anyways cuz we sit wayy too much and the sitting position puts your hip flexors in their shortest position naturally. So lengthening my hip flexors and strengthening them in the lengthened position too has been another complete gamechanger in my recovery process. Think about it if you have essentially a rubber band attached from your spine to your hips and that shit is way too tight of course your spine is gonna be hurting if it's already injured cuz ur hip flexor is just yanking on that shit. My hip external rotation mobility and my hip adductors were also (and still kinda are) complete trash, but I've been improving it with exercises such as the seated good morning. This other exercise was also no kidding a complete game changer, I think it's called the elevated pidgeon pose or something just watch this video it explains everything but no joke this is another one you cannot skip: ruclips.net/video/M4LU_PCeGko/видео.html Also you want to do dynamic warmups before any kind of physical activity and then do static stretching after the activity. Another good way to just take care of your body more in general is to improve your tibialis strength because it kind of acts as your body's first line of impact absorption, so if you have stronger tibialises, your knees, hips and back won't have to absorb as much force. These are just the main things that have been working for me so far. Feel free to ask me if yall have anymore questions cuz i'd love to try to help other people who r having the same problems as me. I'm just gonna copy paste this comment under everyone who replied to my OP cuz I wanna make sure everyone has a chance to read this. Good luck, listen to your body and stay consistent. You guys got this shit, having a herniated disc doesn't mean you have to be in pain for the rest of your life.
Thank you for the video I have for my MRI report Findings: The vertebral alignment is normal. The conus medullaris is appropriately positioned. No compress fractures. The last mobile intervertebal disc is being termed L5- S1 throughout this exam. L1-2 ,2-3, 3-4 are well maintained. There is a mild circumferential disc bulge L4-5, with a slight left paracentral- right paracentral disc protrusion and annular fissure. The disc indents the anterior thecal sac and contacts the traversing L5 nerve roots bilaterally. Superimposed on a mild-to-moderate circumferential disc. Bulge, there is a moderate to large right paracentral- left paracentral-left subarticular- left foraminal (central left subarticular) disc herniation at L5-S1, which displaces and likely compresses the traversing left S1 nerve root. The disc contacts but does not displace the traversing right S1 nerve root and mildly compresses the underlying thecal sac. There is moderate resultant narrowing of the left neural foramen and the exiting left L5 nerve root is contacted. IMPRESSION: Moderate to large disc herniation centered in the left subarticular zone at L5-S1, which displaces and likely compresses the traversing left S1 nerve root. I got three spine injections. Pain is still there. I am going to Physio, chiro, massages. But I still have the sharp pain in the buttocks and the leg. I dont know what to do?
I'm sorry this is happening to you. An L5/S1 disc herniation compressing the left s1 nerve root can cause back and left leg pain with numbness on the outside of the left foot, pain and tingling in that area, weakness in standing on the tip-toes, and loss of the left Achilles reflex. Micridoscectomy surgery is recommended for l5/s1 disc herniation if the pain is unbearable, or if one has functional loss due to numbness or weakness. An epidural injection is great for temporary pain relief but does not change the need for surgery. If someone had this condition for 12 weeks despite epidural injection then a visit with a surgeon is the next step.
@@BestPracticeHealth thanks for replying. I am based in Canada and The waiting time to see Surgeon is 18 months. I feel like I am going to die with this pain.
I've never been through anything more excruciating in my 59 years. Listening to one of your videos has given me hope. It's taking entire year for my doctors to try and figure out what's going on and at this point I've diagnosed myself. Dave literally let this go on for a year giving me this drug and that drug and and it's just been a nightmare so I just wanted to say thank you thank you for your honesty and your guidance and I have hope now thank you
A velcro BACK BRACE has really helped me be more mobile on the early stages of PAIN. The one i have has some kind of firm plastic bars inside that run up and down.. Less stress on those weird “pinching” positions. Highly recommend for anyone in pain while walking etc..
Very smart. They are called lumbar corset braces. I love the one from Aspen. If you are getting relief from a brace you most likely have facet pain or instability. A flexion and extension x-ray shows if you have instability.
I almost got the epidural injection until my doctor mentioned biofeedback. My sciatica and herniated disc is completely *gone* and healed! No more pain! I thank God that I was introduced to biofeedback. My family now asks me to help them out through biofeedback. Great video and details.
That is so awesome! I’m so glad you found some thing that helped, and is absolutely low risk. Keep up the good work. Thank you so much for letting us know about it.
The best explanation of sciatica I have ever seen. Thank you so much. I've had to stop all my 'normal' physical activity, running, the gym, and playing squash since Nov 2021. It started in Mar 21, with a burning pain on my left foot during running and playing squash. I used otc pain medication till Jan 2022 while continuing my sports activities. I had to reduce sports from 6 days a week to 2 maybe 3 times a week during this period. I was bedridden with pain for Feb 2022, the entire month. The pain radiating on my left leg and left arm was excruciating. My doctor recommended pain medicine and therapy. It's Aug 2022. I have mild numbness on my the heel area of my left foot and occasional pain on my left shoulder. Looks like the multiple herniated discs are getting better. My big question is, when will I be able to get back to my sports and physical activity? I'm 51 years old, a navy veteran, and physical activity and sports have been a major part of my life. Without it, life feels incomplete.
I"m so sorry you've having such a nasty course! The vast majority of people recover over 12 weeks, you're going on 12 months! That being said, you are getting better. I always encourage people to stay on the bus if it's taking you to a good place. In the meantime you may consider trying light exercise such as yoga nidra (stretching), tai chi, or water aerobics.
What an amazing explanation. Thank you! I was diagnosed with sciatica back in September, did a month of physical therapy. No flare ups until early December. I have a MRI next week- looking forward to a full recovery.
Good explanation. I’ve had sciatica for about five months now, did an MRI about two months ago and confirmed I have three herniated discs. I have been trying to live with the pain now that I know the cause, and it seems to be getting slightly more bearable. Good to hear that it’s most likely just a matter of time until I’m better… thanks for the clear explanation.
You are welcome, but I am sorry to bear bad news. There's not a lot of evidence that things will continue to improve after 12 weeks. If you have had sciatica for 5 months my guess is that you need to see a surgeon. Make sure they are board certified, speicalize in spine, and practice minimally invasvie surgery.
There is treatment for all damages happened to discs bulging or herniated that mentioned by the last messenger of god Mohammed peace upon of him will be healing 100 percent even you can return to your work or gym what ever you want
I appreciate you making this video & sympathizing with my pain. Ended up getting a Microdiscectemy 3 months after crazy 8 to 10 level pain 24 hrs a day! MRI showed 100% blockage of right leg nerve, found bulging disc. Back surgery is a hell of a journey. 1000% happy I got the surgury. 0% leg pain after surgery! Thank you Doc!
Thanks for sharing. I'm glad microdiscectomy worked for you! It almost always does. Now don't forget to strengthen that core! We don't want this to happen again.
Informative video thank you. I went into A&E due to very bad back pain where I couldn’t move. I have had backpain for over 10 years. The A&E did an MRI and have referred me to Neurosurgery. Below is the result of my MRI with 3 herniated discs. Straightening of lumbar lordosis but alignment is maintained. The L4/5 and L5/S1 discs are dehydrated. There are L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1 central intervertebral disc central protrusions indenting the thecal sac with mild vertebral canal stenosis but no neural compression. The cord terminates at T12/L1 and returns normal signal. No cord or cauda equina compression. No bone marrow signal abnormality. Normal imaged paravertebral structures. Impression: Multilevel disc herniation but no cauda equina compression.
Central disc protrusions are not typically a cause of nerve root pain. They can cause discogenic pain (knife in the back, not leg). There are no good surgical options for central disc herniation. Often times a pain management doctor who is board certified in anesthesia or PM&R, as well as has a certification to subspecialize in pain is a good doctor to figure out what is causing the pain and whether surgery is an option.
I’m 25 and this is one of the worst things I’ve ever experienced , 3 years later I’m still having pain & numbness😭😭 I’ve tried everything except surgery
I'm so sorry to hear that. You are too young to be dealing with chronic pain. Unfortunately, this is common in young adults. Hang in there. It may not seem like it, but it will eventually heal and the pain will pass.
Hi! Great video and explanation. I've been totally bed ridden for a week with radiation down my right side, numbness under both feet and excruciating pain walking, especially in the mornings. Got some pain killers, helps a bit to relax while lying in bed so the pain is not 24/7. Waking up with night sweats also, seems like an inflammation because of the sciatica. My chiropractor tells me two rest for 2 weeks first then see. This is the MR report: MR-lumbalcolumna: Cor on all vertebral corpora normal cone. Normal disc L1/2 and L2/L3. Disc level L3/L4: Slight lateral prolapse right side, this was also present in 2001. Slightly narrow recess for descending right L4 root. No spinal stenosis no stenosis of the L3 roots. Disc level L4/L5: Slight right-sided prolapse, less than what was detected in 2001. The prolapse causes some compression of the descending right L5 root. Some intervertebral joint osteoarthritis. Postoperative changes on the back right side. Disc level L5/S1: Slightly bulging disc at the back, previously there was a wide prolapse here. Not tight conditions for the dural sac. The left S1 root is barely palpable. Good space ratio for L5- the roots. R: Unchanged small focal right-sided prolapse at level L3/L4 and size reduction of previously detected right-sided prolapse at level L4/L5 and regression of the prolapse at level L5/S1, now slightly remaining disc bowing left predominance Would you suggest operation or to wait it out? I had a successfull operation in 2001 for sciatica, Microdiscectomy.
No to surgery, fire your chiropractor, get out of bed (long-term bed rest is almost guaranteed to make things worse because the muscles you need to properly support your spine will only atrophy more) and read the book "Back Mechanic." Mornings are horrendous because discs absorb fluid at night, but you must find ways to get moving and strengthen the muscles that are leading to your injuries (and over time your body will heal). Speaking from personal experience with several herniated discs and my own failed surgery, you won't find the answer in videos like this.
Been in pain for 7 years I currently have 6 herniated discs, pain from them itself isn't painful. It's the muscle spasms, if you know, you know. They can knock you to your knees in seconds and the pain is excruciating. Currently on Butec patches, Oramoph, Naproxen, Pregabilin, Baclofen and MSTs. Still no pain relief though currently waiting on major surgery to fix them. Waiting lists for surgery where I live is 3 years and then covid hit which added more time. Hopefully in the next 48 weeks apparently surgery will take place and it can't come soon enough.
I am so sorry to hear what you are going through I commend you for your bravery in hanging in there. However, I am concerned about that medication list! Very scary. Have they told you what is wrong with your back other than the herniated discs?
Ask for flexall or something like that .i think u have to be under close supervision but it stopped my muscle spasms but they dont like giving it .because it works too good on your entire body like it relax even the muscles that make u breathe and u can stop breathing kinda thing .but it helped me.of course if u approve daniel.what do u think ?
I've been trying to lose weight the past 17 months and I've had sciatica almost the whole time. My scale doesn't move unless I'm out there walking and I feel like I'm never gonna get better. I am in PT but still haven't had an mri..this video helped explain to me what I need to be asking for. Thank you.
I’m 21 years old, and having a herniated disc from last one year , it’s the worst pain i have ever experienced 😢 every morning I wake up , I am so nervous to stand I swear every time i wake up or site down i feel like i start hating my life , I don’t what to doo how can i be normal as every time i feel like i have to deal with this for all of my life
Thankyou so much for the video I need 2nd opinion before going to surgery MRI report: L3-L4 level: Diffuse disc bulge with posterior annual tear causing indentation of the theca sac and mild narrowing if the bilateral recess. Mild narrowing of the central spinal canal. L4-L5 level : Diffuse disc bulge with right paracentral disc extrusion and annular tear causing indentation of theca sac. Moderate to severe narrowing of the right lateral recess compressing the right L5 traversing nerve root. Mild narrowing of the left lateral recess and central spinal canal Thanks in advance
Hi Bibek! My name is Phebe, Care Coordinator, with Phoenix Spine & Joint. We received your MRI report message. Please feel free to reach out to me directly to schedule a time to discuss your MRI with Dr. Lieberman. Office phone 602-385-0435
My herniated disc finally starting to improve after 2 months. In the beginning you'll feel like you're paralysed forever. Then one day, you'll wake up and think, oh that didn't hurt as much. From then on, you feel steady improvement every few days. Do the physio and manage your posture, these are life long commitments. That's a small price to pay vs another herniated disc.
Thanks so much for this advice. I'm sorry you had to learn it the hard way. I hear a lot of good things about yoga and tai Chi as well. Any experience with those?
@@BestPracticeHealthmy cousin is also experiencing this can you please tell me which hospital are you in ? Are you in the newyork please tell us the location
Great video Doc. I am a Doctor of Chiropractic and appreciate you mentioning Chiropractic as an option. However, in my 18 years of practice, traditional Chiropractic treatments for herniations can make the problem worse. This is where I would introduce using a Spinal Decompression table to decrease the nerve root tension that the disc is placing on the nerve as a first line of treatment warranting they do not have any red flags. Then, light Chiropractic treatments and phyiscal therapy can be introduced to begin strengthening the weakness or instability of the lower back.
No reaction to left knee jerk test. My left foot feels like a block of concrete and numbness with burning. Sometimes pain shoots through my left buttock like I got shot with a rifle. I have to use a cane since left leg just randomly doesn’t support me. Press up exercises helps numb foot. Any other exercises locks up foot. My physical therapist is treating me for stenosis and the exercises lock up my foot. I haven’t got MRI but scheduled 5/14/24,for one. Thanks for your sage advice. Truly resonated with me..
Hi Emanuela! We were able to answer your question on last week's Q&A episode of Best Practice LIVE. You can view it HERE: ruclips.net/video/7WHPRbIoVCM/видео.html
I’m so sorry to hear you’re in terrible pain. And sorry for such a late response. It’s been a month. I hope you’re feeling better. If not, you absolutely positively must see a doctor.
My mri impressions: Lumbar spine: - mild to moderate degenerative changes noted in lumbar spine - disc protrusion causing indentation of the thecal sac and narrowing of the lateral recesses in the para central location B/L noted caudally at L4/L5 & L5/S1(more involved) levels - posture related compromise to S1 nerve roots B/L at L5/S1 level would be possibility Si joints - small focal high STIR signal area noted in left ilium at the left SI joint. Non specific finding? Marrow edema Some suggested ozone, prp injections Some suggested physiotherapy, chiropractic works I am planning for a physiotherapy and chiropractic Do you have any suggestions Age- 26, height- 5'9 and weight-65kg
I had a herniated disc and went from active to bedridden for 1 solid month. This video is good but dont forget physical therapy. My road to recovery took 1.5 years with PT 2 x week for the first 6 months then 1 x week for the next 12 months. It is a trial and error process to learn ehat works best for your body. Stong muscles do make a significant difference and will stave off surgery. I can't speak for every case but PT has great advantages.
Thank you for sharing your experience! You are correct, it may be a trial-and-error process for most people. PT is a great source for conservative care. How is your back doing now?
I had a microdiscectomy in March 2018 on L4/L5, but I also had L5/S1 that was herniated... this January (2022) I woke up and couldn't walk... after months of stretching and massage therapy, the pain and numbness was still there (not to the point of being unable to walk, but taking ibuprofen daily and still being in consistent sharp pain), so I went back to my spine surgeon, got a new MRI and... L4/L5 has herniated AGAIN and my L5/S1 disc is still there and herniated, possibly worse than it was before (so it hasn't healed itself over 4 years) I'm not a super active person, I don't lift weights anymore, I don't run... I'm a school counselor. What do I do now? It seems like my body is not the type to "heal itself" when it comes to these disc problems, otherwise my L5/S1 should at least not be as bad as it used to be, right? And if L4/L5 doesn't start to heal itself after more injections and physical therapy, then what? Surgery again? I'm 27 years old. I had my 1st surgery at 22... I haven't had kids yet but we plan to in the next 3-5 years... I have always said i will NOT fuse my spine...
Yikes. How frustrating. After microdiscectomy surgery, there is nothing preventing the disc from herniating again until the annulus heals over. Fortunately, recurrent disc herniation is less common than you would think. When it happens, the rationale for surgery should be considered again. If the pain is manageable, and one has no functionally limiting numbness or weakness, then the best thing to do is wait it out. An epidural injection is a great way to relieve the pain, temporarily. Another thing someone who has had two disc herniations in their twenties should consider is that long term you need to be the one with the rock-hard abs. core strength is the only long-term solution to severe degenerative disc disease. Did mom or dad have it? It's usually inherited.
@@BestPracticeHealth Thanks for the response and info. Neither of my parents have had disc issues. I had a cheerleading injury when I was 12 and that was what started it all. I was diagnosed with a jammed lower back and SI Joint Dysfunction after the initial fall and did PT on and off for about 9 years before surgery. I also had several Cortisone shots in my SI joint and 2 epidural injections prior to surgery, also. Now, I have numbness and sometimes tingling or a quick shock in my left calf, left ankle/achilles tendon, and the bottom of my foot. And a consistent pain in my si joint area on the left side that feels like someone is putting a needle in my si joint a swirling it around (like when I used to get cortisone injections, but constantly in there)... the CONSTANT pain has been going on about a month and won't even go away with OTC pain medication anymore... I also got my MRI and it's not very promising, in my opinion
@@mrs.iggysexpectations2474 SI joint pain can be a tough problem. In my experience the best doctors for SI joint pain are chiropractors. I always advise people with SI joint pain to do a three-week course of chiropractic. If that fails and the diagnosis of SI joint pain is confirmed by temporary relief from SI joint injection, then SI fusion is the next step. SI fusion is done by spine surgeons. Calf and foot pain is not a typical symptom of SI joint pain. When it's due to a nerve root issue calf and outer foot pain often comes from problems at the l5/s1 level. People with calf and outer foot pain should check their MRI report for l5/s1 issues, and have a diagnostic trans-foraminal block at that level from a pain management doctor if MRI confirms problems. In someone who had their pain temporarily relieved by the l5/s1 TFESI then a surgical consult would be in order.
@@BestPracticeHealth thanks for the info. I've been going to a chiropractor for over a year. The SI Joint pain flared back up around January and my chiro and his team of massage therapists and PTs have been doing everything under the sun to help alleviate it, but it's not gone away and the MRI confirmed my fear: re-herniation of L4/L5 and L5/S1 still being herniated. It is good to know that the numbness, however, is from the L5/S1 nerve root, though, because that is different from what I had my past surgery for. At least it wouldn't be a 100% repeat. And knowing a block should help is also hopeful. Thanks, again!
I am 22 years old and my pain started around mid/late 2020. Got a MRI done about 4 months ago and found out that I have a posterior disc bulge with central disc extrusion/herniation at L4-L5 without central canal stenosis. Mild left foraminal stenosis secondary to left foraminal disc protrusion/herniation. Herniation deviates the extraforaminal left L4 nerve root. Central disc protrusion/herniation at L5-S1 without central canal stenosis. The herniation abuts the S1 nerve roots bilaterally. No foraminal stenosis. I do not have leg pain but do have this aching back pain almost constantly but have just gotten used to it. The pain isn’t horrible but flares up after I try to exercise. It has taken a mental toll more than anything especially since I am only 22 and know that things tend to get worse as you age. I do not know whether I want to take the conservative treatment route or if I want to push for a surgery while I am still young so maybe I’d have an increased chance of healing. Can my injury get better with more time or will it only get worse ? What is the next step that you’d recommend ? I am broken and sometimes want to just give up.
First, don't give up. I'm sorry this is happening to you, but it's common and something you can manage. The next step is understand what's wrong, and match that up with the evidence-based treatment. ruclips.net/video/rBmHQ7VCDIk/видео.html Once you know what type of pain you have, go over your mri report and see if you find evidence of the problem. Then see the appropriate doctor to get the right treatment. Or wait it out, as appropriate. Back problems are manageable. It may take time, patience, and you must due your research. But you've got this!
I’ve got a herniated disk too, I just wanted to say that there’s hope. I can say what’s worked for me. I’ve been in physical therapy for 6 weeks and acupuncture (with a practitioner with 30+ years experience) for 4 weeks. Been in pain for a year. Did a brief stint of steroids and muscle relaxers and it’s been getting since. Every week gets better. I get the toll it can take mentally, I used to be super active. I hope you find a path to recovery and feel better soon!
@@porgy73 Ditto to that. Its the mental toll that is the worst, and I have to say, thank god for social media as its helpful to at least see other people with the same thing. I've done similar to Morgan but never tried accupuncture, my PT is going to do that this week I think. Anti inflammatories help, but don't want to spend my life taking them. Many of the videos talk about the role macrophages play and the fact that your body IS trying to heal itself....when possible. My PT advised exercises, so not sure what to think when they say 'rest' here, because frankly my pain is when I lay down or sit down. So I'm standing all day, except for breaks, but at least knowing what it is means I'm not standing all night not knowing what the hell is going on. I thought it was a blood clot it was so painful, it would have been great if when i called telehealth they said "try moving around" because thats the main thing that stops it. However, now I get worried I'm going to injure something doing the exercises! Its too bad you can't get an injection of macrophages to get in there and chomp out the obstruction.
@@mikearchibald744 hang in there...I learned to do light stretching in bed before I get up. I did therapy 2 times a week. My ex husband was bad...he would cough and feel a tare..he learned exercises and healed with never a surgery
@@lisalee2885 Thanks, forgot this comment, its eight days later and already a fairly big difference. I haven't had any drugs of any kind for almost a week. Like you, do tons of exercises, and now I sleep good as long as its on my stomach or my back with feet elevated. Ironically like my mother with her bad back, we both say that on nights we sleep good, pain is worse the next day. Get up every two hours for an ice pack and then its better the next day. However, a world of difference even from eight days ago. Getting an x ray though 'just to make sure', but exercise and strength training are making a world of difference.
I’ve had 6 bad flareups within 13 years which generally resolve within the standard 6-8 weeks. However latest episode commenced Dec 2022. Almost 1 year of l4/l5 moderate to severe disc bulge compressing the Cauda Equina nerve roots. Booked for surgery next week - Dec 15th 2023 Microdiscectomy. Only now is feeling returning to my left leg and severe sciatica subsiding. I fear if I turn down surgery at this late stage, i may regret it if i get another flareup associated with the same disc. On the other hand, seems silly to still go ahead when I feel i’m now on the mend. Not sure why i keep having the herniations. MRI shows a bone spur under the L4 vertabrae, maybe thats why 🙂 Kind regards,
Had an MRI, two rounds of epidural steroid injections (had no impact at all) and then a microdiscectomy in April 2024. Still significant discomfort with nerve pain that still migrates to my ankle. I get relief when I wear a neoprene wrap very tight. Follow up visit with surgeon in late September (in the Phoenix area).
Definitely a great idea! Research has been going on in this area for quite some time... unfortunately, we don't have any products yet that are approved by the FDA. Once one comes out--- I am hopeful that will be in the next five to ten years--- I will definitely cover it. That would be so awesome.
You forgot to mention that in many cases even after a microdiscectomy, the disk will re-herniate and then fusion is next which only has about 60% sucess rate, and if it fails you can turn into a cripple or live in constant pain. And if a fusion is sucessful, several years later you will herniate a disk above the fusion because now it has to bear the load which was distributed equally before. So the prognosis is overall pretty grim.
Referring to it as “child birth like pain” hits hard. As a father, I’ll never know what child birth feels like (despite what the newly “pregnant” men out there might say), but if it’s anything like what I’ve felt, well, suffice it to say I have a newfound respect for mothers out there. This video was really helpful, thank you. I like the pacing and your overall demeanor, puts me at ease.
I've had 6 children, 4 without any meds. The pain of sciatica was actually worse then childbirth for me. I have never been in such excruciating pain. I couldn't move or get out of bed. We had to call an ambulance
Thank you for your openness and concise explanations. I have some other musculoskeletal issues as well as my L3-5 and S1 herniations which dictate how much exercise I can do in general. I was advised to stop swimming as only stroke I can do is breast stroke...but I can aqua walk but was previously alternating my swimming with aqua jogging but I stopped that as it was quite uncomfortable. My rheumatologist referred me for an urgent appt with a neurosurgeon 8 months ago but due to unforseen circumstances (covid), my appointment in March was cancelled with no rebooking made by the hospital. I've just finished a course of 12 chiropractic sessions but that has proved of very little help and not worth the £500+ it's cost me. I will have to wait it out but I feel more informed now about what may occur when I finally do get my consultation.
Yikes! Even swimming hurts; that's horrible. Surgeons work on structure. The only way to know your structure is with imaging. This is a good time to look at your imaging results and future out what hurts and the usual treatment. That way when you finally see the surgeon you will be ready to get the most out of the discussion.
@@BestPracticeHealth Thank you for your reply. Have had a pretty dire week of back spasms and leg cramps, sitting on side of bed now at 1.45am as unable to lie down due to the cramping in my legs.. 😔🤑 I bought the book by Dr John E Sarno Heal Your Back Pain and exploring the whole mind body connection and withheld trauma...it resonates! Fingers and toes crossed....or not as case be with cramp 😆
@@BestPracticeHealth PS I've started back swimming of my own accord as due to being advised what not to do, I've lost a lot of muscle strength. Dr Sarno states get back to swimming etc. I'm taking it slowly.
@@CelticSpirit7 I have to take double doses of magnesium every day and it gets rid of my cramps AND tinnitus (ringing in the ears). I used chiropractic care for many years and felt relief in my neck and back, but it couldn’t keep my disc from smashing the nerve to my leg. I had unrelenting leg pain relieved only by microdiscectomy. Good luck to you.
Im 22 and been dealing with bad sciatica pain since 2019. I barely found out with an MRI that i have 3 herniated disc(L3,4,5). They put me on pain meds and they help for the most part, I still have my days where it hurts and i just hope it heals cause surgery is pretty big 😭
These were so helpful. Now, I'm someone who is fit, healthy, athletic, etc. I sneezed... three months ago, and I'm still experiencing some 'annoying' right side issues. I swear it was getting better and then I'd cough/sneeze again and the pain would come back. I'm starting a carpenters apprenticeship too.. so I'm PRETTY nervous.
A velcro back brace has really helped me be more mobile on the early stages. Less stress on those weird pinching positions. Maybe you can find one comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.
Back in 2005 I had a Herniated disc ,dr recommended relief with the epidural .After no relief i was counseled to have a microdisctomy While on the operating table the doctor said the disc damage was so extent they had to do a Laminectomy instead. After surgery I had no relief From my pain . We tried evey treatment available without any relief from the pain what so ever. Disc decompression, spinal cord stimulator, deep tissues massages , injections under fluoroscopy ,anything we could do before considering another surgery Three years later I saw a Neurosurgeon who said I needed a fusion atL3 L4. So in 2008 had a spinal fusion. Fast forward to today, I have the same pain I've had when this first started . I guess after nineteen years The pain will never go away.
Hmmm. It sounds like you had a radiculopathy due to a herniated L3/4 disc and failed treatment with epidural injection and laminectomy. I'm unclear on what happened next because that's not typically an indication for fusion. In any event, you failed fusion, too. Either the pain source was wrong from the start, or you have neuropathic pain from a nerve root that was internally damaged from go. If that latter is the case you should have an abnormal EMG. Have you had an EMG? I'm thinking that seeing a neurologist might be a good next step.
for anyone whos reading this, i would suggest take my tips. I also have disc bulge and herniated disc. the pain would go down to my toes and it felt like my life was over. I even had P.T but the pain would come back anyways. i got tired of spending money to hire someone else to educate me and to "train" me to work on myself. i've never got a surgery done. I ALMOST WANTED to because i was depressed. but after 5 years i've told myself iim just going to be my own personal trainer and join the personal training/er program. I learned alot! it has been 1 year with no pain! i started doing flexibility and mobility exercises, strength and conditioning. The thing is you'll have do this in daily routine. AVOID SURGERY, MEDS and INJECTION. Exercising is your medicine. I would highly recommend start with that. Even my own "doctor" advised me to avoid exercising and that's what i did at first but after a while, after i joined personal training, which it was in my course training i had to risk it and take it with in my own hands. i am myself again.
Could you please help me. I have the following: Procedure: Lumbar spine MRI without contrast. Technique: Sagittal T1, T2 and STIR WI's, axial T2 WI's. Findings: -Maintained lumbar lordosis. -Normal bone marrow signal intensity. -No suspicious bone lesion. -Normal height of the vertebral bodies. -Partially dehydrated L3/L4, L4/L5 and L5/S1 intervertebral discs. -Normal conus medullaris signal intensity terminating opposite L1 vertebral body. -There is 8 x 8 mm well demarcated rounded lesion at the superior posterior aspect of the S1 vertebral body, that appears slightly hyperintense on T1WI, hyperintense on T2WI/STIR images, with thick sclerotic rim. Features are those of a benign lesion, further evaluation by CT scan is advised. -L2-L3: No focal disc herniation. No nerve root compression. The central canal and neural foramina are satisfactory. -L3-L4: Diffuse disc bulge indenting the thecal sac. No nerve root compression. The central canal and neural foramina are satisfactory. -L4-L5: Diffuse disc bulge with superimposed inferiorly migrating central disc extrusion compressing the thecal sac and the left descending L5 nerve roots. No exiting nerve root compression. Bilateral subarticular recess narrowing. Mild narrowing of the central canal. -L5-S1: Diffuse disc bulge with no significant mass effect. No nerve root compression. The central canal and neural foramina are satisfactory. Impression: -Multilevel disc disease., causing mild narrowing of the central canal at L4/L5. -Bilateral subarticular recess narrowing at L4/L5. Compressed left descending L5 nerve root in the spinal canal.
Your MRI report highlights two significant findings that require attention: 1) Tumor in the Sacrum: The detection of a small tumor within the sacral bone is concerning and necessitates further investigation. A follow-up CT scan is recommended to better characterize the nature of the tumor. It's crucial to discuss this finding with your doctor, who can guide you through the next steps and any additional tests or specialist consultations that might be needed. 2) L4/L5 Disc Herniation: The herniation at the L4/L5 level on the left side of your spine appears to be causing compression and irritation of the L5 nerve root. This is likely contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, such as lower back pain radiating towards your left big toe, and possibly weakness in your foot. This condition, often referred to as foot drop, can manifest as difficulty lifting the front part of your foot, leading to a "flopping" motion when you walk. Given the duration and severity of your symptoms, the initial step in management typically involves an epidural steroid injection. This treatment aims to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, potentially providing relief from the symptoms caused by nerve compression. If symptoms like foot drop, uncontrollable pain, or significant numbness persist, a surgical intervention such as a microdiscectomy might be necessary. This procedure is designed to remove the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve, thereby relieving the pressure and associated symptoms. It's important to keep a positive outlook and follow through with the recommended medical advice. Wishing you the best as you navigate through these health challenges. Hang in there.
I took an MRI at the hospital and they told me I had a herniated disc and sciatica pinched nerve but I never had pain shooting down my leg when I try to get up to stand up when I try to move my back in the upward position it’s painful and then I have to sit down what do I do
The most common cause of back pain which is not radiating down the leg is a facet joint. For the first three weeks the best treatment for facet pain is moist heat, rest, and NSAIDs (if they’re safe for you). IF it still hurts after 3 weeks then an x-ray is next and PT. IF the x-ray were negative and PT failed then a pan management doctor for medial branch block after MRI. Where are you on this timeline?
i know how bad the pain can be too. for me it was the result of bad posture and bad lifting techniques. I was able to get relief by strengthening my body with physical therapy and correcting my posture. This takes a long time. I had scolosis from bad posture and sitting on my tailbone, so I had a lot of different issues + a buldging disc. My spinal erector muscles were also very weak. The exercises like pull ups, and grabbing onto a bannister and lifting myself up while keeping my back straight helped take pressure of the spine. I can't say this will work for everyone.
I've been slowly recovering from a herniation at my L5-S1. Months of PT & I've received 2 epidural shots (shots have done nothing for me). My pain does not go down my leg but at my upper buttocks/low back area left side then will travel down the edge of my buttock. Avoiding surgery, below is my MRI verbage. I'm 30 year old male, not overweight & was active before this happened 🤕. At the level of L5-S1, there is a moderate size left posterior paracentral disc protrusion that measures approximately 7 x 5 x 13 mm. This causes mild ventral effacement of thecal sac and moderate left lateral recess effacement. There is displacement of the transiting left S1 nerve root. Minimal hypertrophic facet arthrosis at this level.
Even when MRI shows a herniated disc the pain is often actually from the facet joint. A 3/3* pain management doctor will often try a medial branch block on the affected side. Have you had a medial branch block?
@@BestPracticeHealth Thank you for responding. My pain doctor did not mention anything in regards to my facet joint. I received the 2 epidural shots at my L5-S1 and they didn't do much nor made things worse. I recently started going to a muscle/Joint Rehab facility. They are doing light chriopratic sessions on my back, disc decompression therapy, along with physical therapy (they are really working my piriformis muscle). So far my condition has improved after a week of 3 sessions. I still have 3 more weeks of 3 sessions each week then a month of 2 sessions per week. I'm pleased with the results so far.
Just last week I started having the symptoms from during squats (with light weights of course) rarely numbness down my leg but at the upper right buttocks area. There is pain in the localized area. Do you think I ruptured a disk?
@@DavidSilva-gc7bz I'm definitely no doctor but a MRI would show if you did anything to your disc(s). Right now I'm doing physical therapy for my piriformis muscle and it has been helping a lot. They think my piriformis muscle is always tight to protect the herniation at my L5-S1.
@Bryce Acton Hi my friend. Know that you are not alone. Me too I am a 31 year old male who used to be very active and for the last year I have a herniation and dehydration at l5-s1 level with protrusion to the left and to backside. No leg pain just like you but debilitating low back and buttock pain. I can’t stand or sit for more than 1 hour. I have also been dealing with tight piriformis muscle, that goes from mildly tight to super tight when I do a “bad” move, like lifting up smth very fast and not concentrated. Sometimes also my quadratus lumborum gets sore as well . My PT gave me core stabilisation exercises to strengthen the quadratus lumborum while he is trying to relax the tightness of the piriformis. The herniated disc is not leaving he says so it’s better to work around it. IDK! 😮 What’s your opinion @Phoenix Spine & Joint??
No steroid injections helped me. I got three injected in 2009 in Kansas. No injection can fix the bony disc nor can it free the impinged nerve(s). I can't speak about surgery as I never got it done.
Hi there. I have a herniated disc in my L5 S1 region. It started many years ago and the pain was immobilizing. I couldn’t walk I couldn’t stand couldn’t sit. I could barely lay. It was terrible. Four months later all of the pain went away. And I was super active I was running I was playing sports. I had no issues, I had no pain. A year later I don’t exactly know what I did, but I did some thing that caused the pain to come back. I went through a two month chiropractic recovery plan that includes massages and physiotherapy and it didn’t really help. I am now three months out of that flareup. And I have very slight pain. I can still feel some nerve pain in my hamstring in my Gluth. Sometimes it goes down to my foot. But it’s very rarely. I can work out, but I don’t push myself that hard, I can run, but I’m scared. I just don’t trust my back yet. The neurosurgeons office has set up a surgery date for me end of this next week. I’m hesitant to do the surgery because I’ve seen a lot of negative comments about it. That the pain comes back or the pain doesn’t go away or that the pain is worse. Right now the pain is not bad, but I’m scared that I might come back from some thing that I potentially do and then it’s gonna take me out for months at a time. What do you suggest I do? Should I do the surgery
I had a herniated disk in March. I’ve had 3 epidural injections. It’s now July and I still have pretty bad pain. I can’t bend over without pain, and still have sciatica. Starting to think I may need surgery. Thanks for the informative video!
Herniated discs that cause sciatica due to nerve root compression that fail 12 weeks of conservative care including epidural injection are often well treated by microdiscectomy surgery. The key thing is to realize that studies show if you wait 2 years the outcome is the same whether you have microdiscectomy surgery or not. However, the surgery is proven to end your symptom faster. You have to decide if the risk of surgery is greater than the pain you're living through. If you need to get it over with, then make sure you find a great spine surgeon! That's a neurosurgeon or fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who operates in an ambulatory surgery center (no thanks, COVID), and uses a minimally invasive technique.
@@victoriousangel8911 There are three injections people often get for back pain or nerve root pain. 1) inter-laminar epidural; 2) transforaminal epidural, and 3) trigger point. The trigger point injections don't make sense, since the issue is in the nerve root, injections in the muscle above is a weird notion. #1 and #2 are both typically steroid injections. Is this what you meant?
I herniated my disc about 4 years ago. I was really active, a fitness freak lol. I decided not to do the shot or surgery. I would say by 2019-2020 I was pain free, given I changed my life style. Working out hard was out of the question, I stopped bending down to pick things up (squatted instead). Like the man in the video said, it does heal over time. I live my day to day life pain free. It's only when I try to train hard that I get the pain back.
Thank you doctor for the professionalism with which you do your work. You listen to your client and you always put their needs first , to ensure they live another day healthily and vibrant. Cheers to you my doctor , I celebrate the way you do your job . If it was up to me i would give you the award of being the best Doctor. Thank you doctor for all you Dr igho for curing my hernia.
You are so welcome. Anxiety comes from fear; fear comes from anger; anger comes from frustration at not knowing what to do. Information tells you what to do. So, information makes you feel calm. I hope you feel better soon. If you need more information about herniated discs, here it is: ruclips.net/p/PLsYo8ENYsvpz8bmjf5QkF5IdaX6UPZrPk.
Please hold on. Before I forget, thanks for your service. I want you to now that I've seen a lot of people who felt as bad as you sound get totally better and live without pain. The key is to find the right doctor who can cut through the noise and figure out what's wrong. There are many incredibly talented people in the VA system; however, you sometimes need to find them. Where are you located? There is great spine surgery at the Palo Alto VA in CA. The first thing to do is get off all narcotics medications. They don't work and make things much worse over time. The second thing is to request evaluation at closest VA with in the region with spine surgeons.
My sciatica was so bad, it severely damaged my leg-my MRI showed severe herniation. Any red flags-yes! Some weakness is not acceptable. That is not functional -significant numbness for months -it’s finally getting better
What happens when the pain lasts longer than 12 weeks or comes and goes? I’ve been feeling this pain for 9 months. It started slowly and progressed to unbearable pain, then is passed, then it come back… sometimes really strong and sometimes just annoying… but still here nonetheless…
Repeating episodes of pain are a sign of a structural problem. Structural problems that fail conservative measures are likely to require treatment. The treatment depends on what is wrong. You can tall what is wrong from the MRI report. What’s your MRI report say is wrong? You need to match that up with the type of pain you feel. If they agree, then match it up with the evidence-based treatment. Make sense?
Your method of explanation is clear concise and appreciated 1900 microdiscectomy 1994 microdecompression Days after Rt.foot drop which has never resolved 2014 Fusion after taking a horrible fall Now 4 weeks ago herniation confirmed by MRI between l3-l4 Scheduled for epidural in 2 weeks One more time, immobility horrible weakness and pain Such a drag I am 66 years old 120lbs 5'5 No smoking no alcohol EaT clean. Severe osteoporosis and a few other bulging discs My concern with epidural is cortisone , from what I know, is not great for bone integrity(?) So in my mind I get temporary relief but at the risk of degredation to my skeleton Do you have an opinion on cryotherapy or infrared sauna for herniated discs? Is there anything new and better to help folks like me? There are a lot of us! Thank you!
Oh, my goodness! You sure have had a long course with your back. Did mom or dad have back issues? I share your concerns about steroids; however, one dose is not usually a high risk for the progression of osteoporosis. It does cause occasional avascular necrosis, but fortunately, that is rare. Infrared saunas are great for muscle relaxation. They really help with back pain. I'd put them in the "moist heat" category, even though they are obviously dry heat. For more on herniated discs check out the rest of the playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLsYo8ENYsvpz8bmjf5QkF5IdaX6UPZrPk
I have a lot of discomfort, pain, and numbness in my lower back and pelvis area every day especially in the mornings when I wake up it’s real bad and super stiff. I’ve had back issues since I was 15 and I’m 33 now. I’m going to see my doctor about it this week and hope I can figure something out. Was thinking about going to a chiropractor but kind of nervous about that. What do you think of chiropractors for back pain. I just feel like I’m not aligned at all and they could adjust my back.
A good chiropractor is a great place to start for the treatment of non-specific, mechanical low back pain. Pain of this type is never normal, in particular not before age 50. If chiropractic care fails to control the pain then an x-ray with bending is approrpiate. If the cause of the pain is not clear from the x-ray then an MRI is the next step to complete the imaging. Once an MRI is obtained you should educate yourself about what it shows before seeing a specialist. It's important to go into any doctor knowing what to ask. Please keep me informed and let me know if I can help.
I’ve had pain 20 years and finally get referred for a mri a few months ago so now referred to spinal specialist. I’ve had every pain med going , physio, chiropractor, dry needling , monthly massages , yoga, Pilates.. everything ! . I came off all meds and lost 4 stone for them to send me for mri . I was always told I needed to loose weight and given stronger meds , which made me gain weight !
Great approach! This situation reminds me of the movie Catch-22, based on Joseph Heller's book, where characters face seemingly contradictory dilemmas-much like navigating spinal problem when they say you can't get an MRI. Hang in there! I'm looking forward to hearing about the results of your MRI. It's important to thoroughly review the findings with your spine specialist. To prepare, consider reviewing your MRI report ahead of the appointment using reliable resources. This preparation will empower you to have a detailed and informed discussion with your doctor. Wishing you the best of luck!
For years I've had issues. I'm only 35 and it's not getting any better, and no Dr or surgeon wants to do anything. I have two prolapsed discs (l3-l4 & l4-l5). There's meant to be a level of stenosis. I have mild s-shaped scoliosis of the thoracic spine. My hip is tight. My legs are weak. My right ankle cracks and is weak (foot drop). I feel bad whether I walk, lay, sit... I don't know what to do. Does it sound like an operation will help me?
I am 26 and have multi level disc herniations in my lumbar spine dx last year. I was doing okay healing conservatively for 1 year then it flared up 2.5 weeks ago. I cannot walk and barely move. I'm a medical student who was suppose to do rotations this month but had to take a medical leave. Would you recommend continuing conservative care since it helped last time and maybe take a year off from school or do microdisc so I don't miss my next rotations?
What a bummer! Medical school is hard enough without back pain. We are sorry you are having to deal with all this at such a hard time in your life. In general, a new flare up of a problem should be treated as a new event. In the first 3 weeks of non-specific low back pain if you have no red flags, and no functional weakness, then there is a 94% chance of resolution without intervention of any kind. The only 3 proved treatments are rest, NSAIDs if they are safe for your body, and moist heat. If the pain is mostly radicular then MRI is indicated at 3 weeks as you may get considerable relief from epidural injection from a qualified pain management doctor. For a long answer about what to do next watch this: ruclips.net/video/lHx-ylN35Ww/видео.html. For even more content look here: ruclips.net/p/PLsYo8ENYsvpzDl0gW2pdXNLGmvBQXfxB8
Watch smashwerx and athlean x on disc germinations. 90 % of people have disc problems if they took mris. I have 1 and I tried it all but surgery. These two guys will change ur life. They changed mine
Thank you for this video . I just found out from my MRI that I have this in my lower back . The pain is horrible ! 30 years ago I fractured T12 , and have lived with pain , without pain medication. As of right now I’m waiting for my first injection. Hopefully it’s the best Christmas gift I get , I just want relief ❤️💚❤️
I too have a herniated thoracic disc at T2 . I suffer daily with severe pain because my medication was halved due to ignorance because not all these herniations are self healing . Sitting here this Xmas night my sincere wishes for your pain relief from now on from what is a very bad debilitating. pain .I wish for you Cynthia a painless new year.
@@barryyoung948 thank you so much Barry , happy holidays to you and your family . I do much better when I’m not sitting but boy when I do forget about it ! I instantly get pain. I’m still trying to figure out because I didn’t ask the Dr , Is a torn disc the same as a herniated disc?
So sorry for your pain! I hope you feel better ASAP. Let me know if you want to talk through your options. phoenixspineandjoint.com/resources/best-practice/
Hello and thank you for your insight sir. Just curious, wouldn’t having a micro discectomy relieve the nerve pain, but the patient would still have the discogenic pain if it was a legitimate herniation? I’m talking from personal experience unfortunately. Have a dull and sometimes sharp pain, mixed with sciatic pain down both legs. I to had a large herniation. Still can’t bend before or after surgery. Extreme muscle spasms and tightness up my spine as a result. Slowly doing what I can to get those muscles to release and gain a little mobility before I decide what’s next for me. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you again for making your videos.
Hey! Thanks for the question. Great one. In theory every time there is a tear in an annulus it would hurt. No one ever gets stabbed in the skin and it doesn't hurt, right? But in practice not all annular tears are painful. Docs don't understand why one hurts and another does not. But discogenic pain can be a consequence of herniation, and of microdiscectomy surgery as well.
I never had a diagnosis but I've had a bad back since my early 30's. I learned after about 5 years of pain I could 100% alleviate it with self administered traction and some exercises that focus on the low back.. I suppose my condition must be different than most but I just can't help wondering how many people suffer unnecessarily opting for the types of treatments mentioned here. I am 65 and still at times have to pop my back and use the exercises. So the disk never really healed it still press against nerves if I don't pop it back into place using the above mentioned. Simply put a sturdy belt around your waist. A nylon weight belt divers use you can get on amazon would be perfect. Put your hands on your hips inside of the belt. Now you can apply as much downward force as you want with your hands because they are wedged in between the belt and your hip. You can leverage this effect by draping your upper body over a counter and hanging your legs off of the ground. You can also wad a pile of blankets on your bed lay on top of them face down draping your body over them and achieve the same effect. The exercises are simple put your knee up to your chest and wrap your hands around it and mostly pull with your hands give some resistance with your leg. It pulls the disk apart in your low back. Alternate legs. I am always hesitant to give people this advise so the usual warnings "consult a real dr" before following any of my advise.
Hi! Thank you so much for all your content. I watch your videos almost everyday. When you say “discs heal” what exactly does that mean? Does the rupture close? Do the nerves get accustomed to pressure of the nucleus and give up on creating symptoms? What exactly occurs when discs heal? Thanks so much!
Hi! Thanks for watching. I'm so glad to meet you. Healing for a disc means two things. For the soft nucleus, the white cells in your blood digest (eat up) the herniated nuclear part. For the annulus, the strong outer part, healing means like your skin does, by knitting itself back together. Does that make sense?
Everything you mentioned happened to me bud , the injections didn’t work at all. The surgery has been a good send , 3 years of constant pain. Day one I’m feeling no pain, 34 years old crying like a baby
Man I had,an mri 13months ago. I had 2 ejection in the last 10 months the sciatica bearly going away the stiffness and pain still here looks like I'm going in for micro surgery 😢😢 pray this goes away
The first time my disc herniated, my body never absorbed the disc material and it hardened into what the surgeon called "glass shards of disc material" This was 6 years after the initial herniation. As I had a posterior bulge that didn't show in a standard lay down MRI. So I was told there was nothing wrong with me. The discetomy was heaven sent !
4.5 years out from second fusion- S1/L4 now, got 19 years from the initial. Problem now is adjacent segment disorder... has the Femoral Nerve Singin!!! Done the injection's, Yoga is a blessing.
Wow. We are sorry to hear that. Two fusion is a lot to go through to still be in pain. Most cases of adjacent level pain are due to facet disease above the prior fusion. This can often be handled easily with diagnostic medial branch block then radio frequency ablation if appropriate. The test block and ablation procedures are done by pain management doctors. Do you know how to find a good PM doc? We recommend those that are board certified in anesthesia or physiatrist, certified in pain management, and do not use chronic narcotics.
wow ,i feel like im quite fortunate. pain comes and goes. depending on movement and such.i wear a weight lifting belt, since the time of injury because i had to keep working. it'd taken time but i can walk and properly and far less pain now. just gatta hang on and do the physio required.
I’m retired and have five herniated discs plus sciatica in both legs and under the care of VA home health care. Only medications they prescribed is gabapentin and methocarbamol, but so far not effective. Nothing stops the extreme pain except lying flat on my back since 2021. Bought a Tens unit with no positive results. Next step is going to the pain clinic for stronger pain medication.
This is what my MRI says! I’ve been on gabapentin and Ibuprofen and I’ve done PT, waiting to get into the spine doctor. My pain is in my left hip goes down to my knee and it always feels twisted, I also have what feels like a stiff rod in my lower back with shooting pains in it, I also get shooting pains in my booty. I’m going on 3 months of this, my pain went from a 10 (in my back) to a 4 for a few weeks and then it started back up I’m at a 6, I’m worried I’m gonna wake up and not be able to move again. Anyways here is my mri results! What do you suggest I do! LA-S: There is a broad-based disc bulge noted with a focal central disc protrusion seen resulting in mild narrowing of the central canal and neural foramen. There are facet hypertrophic changes also contributing to the narrowing at this level. LS-S1: There is a broad-based disc bulge noted with focal central disc protrusion with no significant central canal or neural foraminal narrowing seen.
I've been dealing with right outer hip pain for over 4 years. It was intermittent at first, but became almost constant about a year ago. Finally saw a couple doctors who thought it was hip bursitis. Cortisone shot did nothing. I then got an xray of the hip which showed some small hip labral tears. I tried 6 weeks of PT with little help. Then got an mri of the hip tp confirm the hip was still good. So the dr thought it must be a back issue which made sence because I sometimes noticed a sharp pain in the low back when squatting heavy, but it goes away. So I then got a back mri and sure enough, it showed multiple bulging discs with one bad one near the bottom pushing against the main nerve on that side. He said there was nothing he could do since I still have good strength and can get around fine. It mostly is just a dull ache while standing and walking during my 12 hour shifts. I'm already taking anti inflammatories and trying some experimental peptides. But no real relief after a couple months. I have stopped doing heavy back squats and deadlifts and added light front squats, core and hip exercises and stretches. I think years of heavy squats and deads with little to no stretching may have contributed to the condition. I'm kind of bummed because all the medical visits did nothing but leave me with a huge bill as insurance didn't cover the mri's. I was supposed to hear from them about getting that spine shot and never did, but sounds like it's only for pain relief and doesn't heal anything anyway and I don't want more bills. Anyway any advice? I swear the hip tears are also causing some of the discomfort since I have less ROM on that side when trying to stretch the pitoris muscle and it hurts when doing it do not sure if I should continue or not. The core exercises may be helping slightly too, but the dull ache rarely goes away unless I'm lying down, but that is not on a schedule as I'm a 3rd shifter on a rotating schedule so some days I'll only get a few hours sleep and on my days off I'll end up sleeping 12 to 16 hours.
I'm sorry to hear you are having so much pain... especially when it sounds like you're trying so hard to stay strong and fit! I'm not clear on the diagnosis. Nerve root compression and irritation does not typically show up a lateral hip pain. Was the cortisone shot in your hip done in the bursa (lateral where the pain is located) or was it int he hip joint itself. If it was the bursa, I'd recommend an intra-articular block in your hip for diagnostic purposes. If the pain goes away temporarily, then your pain is due to the labral tear. You should also see an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in labral tear repair (does more than 100 per year) as well.
@@BestPracticeHealth I'm not sure about the shot, but think it was in the bursa. I'm thinking part of the issue is from the hip years, but he thought they were not big enough to be causing my pain. The mri did show a small amount if fluid around the hip joint too if that makes a difference. When I try to stretch the hip with the leg crossed and the foot on the opposite knee and push down on the bent knee, it hurts and I can't push it down as much as the other leg. The guy I saw is actually a NP, but specializes in ortho, although it is a small town medical center. But I do periodically notice low back pain too usually if I try to load too much on the spine while lifting weights or bending over or sitting too much. The hip pain is more constant and usually flairs when walking and standing. I really don't want to go back to the dr any more as I'll be paying off these MRI bills for years as it is, but then again I want to get better so I can get back to lifting lower body heavier eventually and do things that involve walking more without pain.
going on month 9 with unbearable pain, i've gotten injections, steroid packs, muscle relaxers, numerous doctors appointments, physical therapy, sedatives, chiropractic, and I have surgery in two weeks and I am only 18 years old. it's insane. I just pray for a smooth recovery and to be able to finally sit up and walk again 🙏😫
I am so sorry to hear about your last 9 months. I hope you get a great result and have relief. It's sad to hear of young people suffering for so long (or anyone, for that matter). Hand in there.
Dude the pain is fucking insane. I feel bad for anyone experiencing this. It will make a grown man cry like a baby if it’s very bad.
No doubt. It's hard for people to understand how really terrible sciatica is until you have it. Hang in there. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. But it can be done. Make sure you get the help you need and deserve.
I hope that you have been able to find a solution to your pain.
Dude, don't worry
@christinhoneycutt7092 has already prayed to Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour to heal the back pain of everyone in the comments, so you should be golden (thanks Jesus! - and Christin, you're the best!). If it still hurts, it probably just means you're going to hell or something.
I'm going through it now, been through it in the past ,1996 had l4/l5 fused now l2/l3 are bulging as well as c5/c6/c7
I have this with multiple degenerative disc and a diffuse bulging dics at L4 and a bulging disc at L5 S1 and multiple ostoephyte , I literally can't sit without extreme pain, pregabalin lyrica in 100mg twice day doesn't help at all, please how do I get rid of this pain? I tried all the exercises in youtube, even at lean videos exercises did not help, it's hurting norw when I do thise exercises or stretching..please help I'm only 30
I pray right now to Jesus Christ for everyone hurting in the comments for the holy spirit to heal you I plea the blood of Jesus over you from head to toe and to your spines
Thank you for your beautiful and healing words.
Best comment
♥️🙏
Amen!
Thank you. I'm glad someone is praying for me.
Seriously, i know this sounds corny but I've suffered with major major sciatica pain due to L5S1 herniation and I honestly cannot tell you how refreshing it is to hear someone say "it's more pain than a lot of people have experienced, child birth like pain". I'm not a woman so i can't speak on birth pain, but it is biblical like pain. It has been absolute King in my life and very feared for the past 10 years. God have mercy on people that also live with this.
It's worse than childbirth.....
It’s been the hardest 4 years, i got a herniated disc the summer before my senior year of high school. My life completely took a turn. I didn’t know how I was going to be able to push through. Everything got taken from me, I could no longer do the things in life that made me happy. I had a herniated disc and a bulging disc. Bye bye senior year of volleyball. I wouldn’t even be able to go into the details because it would take too long to explain. Well 4 years later, and 1 surgery later, the herniated disc is fixed, and bulging disc is herniated. So now i’m back in the same boat and have to start the process over again, It’s hard to find a job that i can work and not be in pain. It’s just so tiring, i’ve given up trying and just smoke weed to forget about it. It’s really inspiring seeing all you strong people that deal with the same bs i have to. I wish you all the best of luck on your journeys and hope you all find happiness. Peace and love✌🏻
You too, Jason. Peace and love to you.
I guarantee u, u can get through it, I had the same injury, herniated disc and a bulging disc. It happened when everything was going so good, then Bam!!!!! This happened. First week was like inside of a torture chamber with pure essence of agony. I had to fight the pain just to go to doctor visits. I refuse 😤 to be defeated. I sincerely had thoughts of giving up, but I don't know how to do it. At times, some of the doctors I had to go to, seem like they didn't care. They not in pain like I am so what does it matter. The tell me to do this this and this, give me some prescriptions and be on the way. That's the impression I got with some of them. I had to do my own research, I had to pay attention to my body, and study advice of Doctors that seem to care online of what to do. At the end of the day, You have to be your own Doctor! Nobody knows your body like you and God. I prayed, I done nerve stretching exercises, I ate healthy, drinking the right amount of water each day and I did what I could as of working out. And overall I payed close attention to my body through the process even now. You can get through it. U have to stay focus and discipline... those two should be ya best friends. When you get back moving good, your mindset and how u look at things will change for the good. It took me a good month to see good progression within my body as a whole. I'm making this long because I have the same injury u have. I to go to verbal war with friends and family base on what I should do as what to eat, what procedures I had to take, what this this this and this. They was speaking bad about my health condition in the "future" and I wouldn't accept it and I told them the strong reasons why. So you have to be a fighter through this crazy injury. May God bless you.
@@coreyjoshua1750 Damn man thank you for that, it’s nice to know i’m not alone. I hope everything is going well for you. Peace and love corey🙏🏻
@@jasonlarocque2795 yea bro, I'm doing well. I'm back at work with light duty. Still have to go to physical therapy. Hope everything is going well with u bruh. Gotta keep fighting
@create306 Hey man i’m really sorry that happened to you. It seems like you’re doing pretty well for yourself though i’m glad you’re pushing hard to try and get better and healthier. You really right with that one tho, no one understands what we go through. it’s so hard man i definitely don’t push as hard as you do. i’m just in so much pain the whole day so i just say fuck it to most things. I don’t do the pt, i do my workout my core. I just smoke weed and cigarettes. I really appreciate your reply and i wish you all the best man. Im gonna try harder though, if you can do it so can i. thank you 🙏🏻
Six years of horrible pain with 3 herniated discs and have done it all except surgery. The burning in my feet and legs makes me homebound. Going from active to not being able to even walk to my bathroom has been so depressing.However this has been the best explanation to date and I’ve researched everywhere! Thank you!
I am so sad to hear of your pain. Six years is an insanely long time for any suffering, in particular nerve pain. It may interest you to know that burning in the feet is not typical of nerve root pain due to a herniated disc. Burning in the feet, in particular both feet, worse at night, and associated with numbness and difficulty walking is the typical presentation of peripheral neuropathy (PN). PN is a disorder of nerves, not nerve roots. It's very common in diabetes and among alcoholics, but there are a hundred possible causes. PN is diagnosed with an EMG study done by a neurolgist. It's treated with medications like Neurontin and lyrica. Just FYI.
OMG, see a dr!! I’ve had herniated discs for years, since the 1990s. I had severe pain down my leg in 2021 and had a microdiscectomy. I had immediate pain relief. Good luck.
I had 3 herniated discs. Treatment then was a multilevel fusion. Anterior/posterior 360° cage. All titanium. It was successful. Things have really advanced. I was in an accident with permanent nerve damage and other stuff. Gabapentin has been the best drug ever, turmeric with 95% curcuminoids for inflammation, and muscle relaxers. I have pain medicine if I need it. As time has gone on I need it less. Good days and a bad day slips in. I also have autoimmune disease that's active and ugly. I'm lucky my back healed so well. Thanks to my surgeons for doing an amazing job.
Get surgery it’s greatb
@@formeremployee326 tell me how do you get better am in trouble I have L5-S1 disc problem please an the pain go down to my legs
I had a severe rupture around L4-5 (>1cm extrusion). Three months of intolerable pain (from facette syndrome and sciatica) and then it started getting better all of a sudden. I am almost 60 days out from that, completely pain free and getting more mobile every day. I am super grateful I was able to avoid surgery and injections. We went through anti-inflammatories and steroid courses, all of which were completely ineffective against the pain. I worked with a great chiropractor who as able to get me some temporary relief with adjustments, but ultimately time was the only thing that made a difference.
I'm so glad to hear you are doing well! Believe it or not, your story is typical. Ninety four percent of people with non-specific low back pain get better on their own (like you!) within 12 weeks. Not that you are feeling better make sure you work on that core strength to prevent this from happening again!
Had the pain for 25 years, finally had the surgery and now I'm pain free, wish I would have done it 24 years ago...
@@donrios3728what type of surgery? Fused?
@@dka7873 no about 15% of my disc was broken off lodged against my nerves... My surgeon just removed it took about an hour and now I feel great
@@donrios3728Hi Donrios please let me know what type of surgery? Thanks
I have a herniated disk 3 weeks of intense pain now. Looked all over the internet and your videos are the absolute best source of information I found so far. Thank you so much for putting these up! 🙏
Glad to help! Thanks so much. Hang in there. It really does get better. Please feel free to check out my webiste for more info: bestpracticehealth.tv/spine/#SpineLumbarLaminectomy
Lauren How are you now?? hope you're doing well ❤️🩹
@@BestPracticeHealth Why Prilosec for gut? Is that to potentially negate any issues from large dosings/amounts of anti-inflammatories?
Thank you for answering all my questions. I didn't have to pay for it. You were straight down to the point. You're a lifesaver for many. I praise you. You're a hero! 💯
Don’t rush into surgery. It almost killed my brother. He developed a nasty infection that went deep into his bones. I am treating mine with anti-inflammatory and serious physical therapy. Constant PT exercises, heating pad and massage.
Excellent point. There are risks to surgery that are out of this world compared to the other options. Sorry to hear about your brother. He is fortunate to have a family behind him during this difficult time.
Have you improved your condition with all your efforts?
Carlos that worked for me too. First Dr. Visit he wanted to give me injection...I said No...anything else...800mg ibuprofen, rest and heat pad. Then light stretching
Add cold method with it. Use ice packs, stretch and hot baths. This has literally helped me so much after 10 days or so
Glad that worked for. U I can't do pt anymore. Now numb right side. This video is beginner stuff.
This guy is awesome. I’ve had 2 microdiskects, so thankful for good surgeons.
Are you doing much better now? Was the second surgery more difficult or the same? I've had one and now 9 yrs later might need another. I'm seeing the neurologist on Monday but I'm pretty much bound to my bed until they figure something out. It's very depressing 😕
Will we be paralysed after microdiscectomy…im in pain with herniated disc,wanted to do microdiscectomy but afraid of the risk
@@userchrometry glucosamine chondroitin msm
@iserchrome No you won’t be paralyzed after a Microdiscectomy!
Can you give me the information on the surgeon?
Currently been experiencing pain since Oct 22. Now more recently numbness after 2 failed Epi injections. So now I’ll be doing surgery . Praying the relief is instant . Thank you for explaining everything in this video
I wish you best of luck with your Surgery, I have the same issue and would like to know if the surgery was a good option for you.
please leave a comment, once your are done with it.
Definitely. Good luck.
How are you feeling now?
@@babitakumari-ln1zb I am feeling slightly better, I was not a good candidate for surgery, but I have been going to pain management to assist with the pain
Did u do surgery yet?
Arguably the most sensible and pragmatic advice on the internet for this issue
This is NOT good advice. He totally and completely avoids, does not mention, skips over conservative treatments like chiropractic/acupuncture/NON SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION for crying out load. He fails to mention that cortisone/steroid injections are not FDA approved for spinal problems because of how the medicine is research proven to degenerate the tissue thus eventually guaranteeing the need for surgery. Come on doctor stop the madness.
Thank you doctor ! Recently went thru the torture of herniated disc. Just wanted to share things that helped and thing that didn’t help.
1. Narcotics: only temporary relief for a few hours. I don’t recommend them.
2. Toradol: got an injection at the ER on the first day. Very helpful! ER doctor would not prescribe pills for it when I asked
3. Ibuprofen: very helpful. Caused bleeding had to stop
4. Celecoxib. Very helpful! 1 pill provided good relief for about a day.
5. Transforaminal injection: helpful for 2 weeks. Doctor discouraged second one.
6. Microdiscectomy. I was not a candidate but 2 close friends had it and found it enormously helpful because they were sciatica pain free and walking on the day of surgery!!
Thank you so much for your comment!!! Your experience is exactly what the science would predict. The only three things that are proven to help with back pain in the first 3-6 weeks are NSAIDS (toradol), moist heat, and rest. Narcotics are DANGEROUS and too risky unless you are dying of cancer (thankfully not!) or have just had surgery. I wish you the best and hope you continue to heal!
guys im telling you surgery and even epidural injections should really only be a last resort in my opinion. Ive been lucky enough (if you could call it lucky lol) to get my herniated discs early in life at 16, when my body is still pretty regenerative, so I can't necessarily speak for all of you older folk out there who are dealing with much worse symptoms than me. All I know is that after 2 years of pretty constant pain I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. What's really been working for me is a combination of PT and ATG (look up atg on youtube) exercises.
Improving your strength and mobility in basically your entire body not only has given me amazing results for reducing my herniated disc pain but it's also just a super smart thing to do because it makes your entire body more bulletproof and resistant to injury, especially for a pretty active person like myself. The last thing I had to do was probably the hardest for me which was reducing the frequency of activities that I love. I like to play basketball like as often as I can, and for 2 years I was playing through pain and then just dealing with it the next day cuz I wanted to play, but recently I've realized that no matter how much I bulletproof my body, my pain won't reduce if I'm still putting a bunch of stress on my discs constantly.
Honestly the moral of the story is that your body will tell you what's working and what's not, you really just need to learn how to listen to it. If anyone else is suffering and wants a more detailed breakdown of my routine just lemme know.
Hey man what is your routine I'm having trouble trying to find one got l4l5 large protrusion I'm 22 and it's been 2 years no change
What exercises do you focus on?
Would love to know more.
@@beerbrothers6 Ok so basically my main focuses have been trying to strengthen and lengthen all the muscles and tendons in my legs and especially hips, and then also strengthening my deep core and glutes. For deep core some of my personal favorites are dead bugs, supermans, bird dogs, and then this one where u are lying on ur back with one knee bent and then you basically try to engage ur deep core and push ur belly button into the ground while lifting ur non bent leg up.
I cannot stress this next one enough BUY A 30 DEGREE BACK EXTENSION. I used to have so much pain in my back when going into a position of spinal flexion and getting a back extension bench thingy was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's really useful for lengthening your hamstrings. I've also been starting to use it to do a new exercise called QL raises. So far they've been feeling good but I just added them to my routine so can't say too much about them yet.
Ok moving on to the front of the hips. The ATG split squat is a phenomenal exercise for lengthening your hip flexors, and if I remember correctly, the hip flexors attach from the hips right into the lower back, so if you notice your pain increasing when you go into a position of spinal extension, your hip flexors are probably way too tight. No matter who you are unless you've put significant effort into lengthening your hip flexors, they're probably way too tight anyways cuz we sit wayy too much and the sitting position puts your hip flexors in their shortest position naturally. So lengthening my hip flexors and strengthening them in the lengthened position too has been another complete gamechanger in my recovery process. Think about it if you have essentially a rubber band attached from your spine to your hips and that shit is way too tight of course your spine is gonna be hurting if it's already injured cuz ur hip flexor is just yanking on that shit.
My hip external rotation mobility and my hip adductors were also (and still kinda are) complete trash, but I've been improving it with exercises such as the seated good morning.
This other exercise was also no kidding a complete game changer, I think it's called the elevated pidgeon pose or something just watch this video it explains everything but no joke this is another one you cannot skip:
ruclips.net/video/M4LU_PCeGko/видео.html
Also you want to do dynamic warmups before any kind of physical activity and then do static stretching after the activity.
Another good way to just take care of your body more in general is to improve your tibialis strength because it kind of acts as your body's first line of impact absorption, so if you have stronger tibialises, your knees, hips and back won't have to absorb as much force.
These are just the main things that have been working for me so far. Feel free to ask me if yall have anymore questions cuz i'd love to try to help other people who r having the same problems as me. I'm just gonna copy paste this comment under everyone who replied to my OP cuz I wanna make sure everyone has a chance to read this.
Good luck, listen to your body and stay consistent. You guys got this shit, having a herniated disc doesn't mean you have to be in pain for the rest of your life.
@@jeanmacrae7942 Ok so basically my main focuses have been trying to strengthen and lengthen all the muscles and tendons in my legs and especially hips, and then also strengthening my deep core and glutes. For deep core some of my personal favorites are dead bugs, supermans, bird dogs, and then this one where u are lying on ur back with one knee bent and then you basically try to engage ur deep core and push ur belly button into the ground while lifting ur non bent leg up.
I cannot stress this next one enough BUY A 30 DEGREE BACK EXTENSION. I used to have so much pain in my back when going into a position of spinal flexion and getting a back extension bench thingy was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's really useful for lengthening your hamstrings. I've also been starting to use it to do a new exercise called QL raises. So far they've been feeling good but I just added them to my routine so can't say too much about them yet.
Ok moving on to the front of the hips. The ATG split squat is a phenomenal exercise for lengthening your hip flexors, and if I remember correctly, the hip flexors attach from the hips right into the lower back, so if you notice your pain increasing when you go into a position of spinal extension, your hip flexors are probably way too tight. No matter who you are unless you've put significant effort into lengthening your hip flexors, they're probably way too tight anyways cuz we sit wayy too much and the sitting position puts your hip flexors in their shortest position naturally. So lengthening my hip flexors and strengthening them in the lengthened position too has been another complete gamechanger in my recovery process. Think about it if you have essentially a rubber band attached from your spine to your hips and that shit is way too tight of course your spine is gonna be hurting if it's already injured cuz ur hip flexor is just yanking on that shit.
My hip external rotation mobility and my hip adductors were also (and still kinda are) complete trash, but I've been improving it with exercises such as the seated good morning.
This other exercise was also no kidding a complete game changer, I think it's called the elevated pidgeon pose or something just watch this video it explains everything but no joke this is another one you cannot skip:
ruclips.net/video/M4LU_PCeGko/видео.html
Also you want to do dynamic warmups before any kind of physical activity and then do static stretching after the activity.
Another good way to just take care of your body more in general is to improve your tibialis strength because it kind of acts as your body's first line of impact absorption, so if you have stronger tibialises, your knees, hips and back won't have to absorb as much force.
These are just the main things that have been working for me so far. Feel free to ask me if yall have anymore questions cuz i'd love to try to help other people who r having the same problems as me. I'm just gonna copy paste this comment under everyone who replied to my OP cuz I wanna make sure everyone has a chance to read this.
Good luck, listen to your body and stay consistent. You guys got this shit, having a herniated disc doesn't mean you have to be in pain for the rest of your life.
Thank you. This was so easy to digest. I just had an MRI today and the pain is a 9/10 thank you thank you
Thank you for the video
I have for my MRI report
Findings: The vertebral alignment is normal. The conus medullaris is appropriately positioned. No compress fractures. The last mobile intervertebal disc is being termed L5- S1 throughout this exam.
L1-2 ,2-3, 3-4 are well maintained.
There is a mild circumferential disc bulge L4-5, with a slight left paracentral- right paracentral disc protrusion and annular fissure. The disc indents the anterior thecal sac and contacts the traversing L5 nerve roots bilaterally.
Superimposed on a mild-to-moderate circumferential disc. Bulge, there is a moderate to large right paracentral- left paracentral-left subarticular- left foraminal (central left subarticular) disc herniation at L5-S1, which displaces and likely compresses the traversing left S1 nerve root. The disc contacts but does not displace the traversing right S1 nerve root and mildly compresses the underlying thecal sac. There is moderate resultant narrowing of the left neural foramen and the exiting left L5 nerve root is contacted.
IMPRESSION:
Moderate to large disc herniation centered in the left subarticular zone at L5-S1, which displaces and likely compresses the traversing left S1 nerve root.
I got three spine injections. Pain is still there. I am going to Physio, chiro, massages. But I still have the sharp pain in the buttocks and the leg. I dont know what to do?
I'm sorry this is happening to you. An L5/S1 disc herniation compressing the left s1 nerve root can cause back and left leg pain with numbness on the outside of the left foot, pain and tingling in that area, weakness in standing on the tip-toes, and loss of the left Achilles reflex. Micridoscectomy surgery is recommended for l5/s1 disc herniation if the pain is unbearable, or if one has functional loss due to numbness or weakness. An epidural injection is great for temporary pain relief but does not change the need for surgery. If someone had this condition for 12 weeks despite epidural injection then a visit with a surgeon is the next step.
@@BestPracticeHealth thanks for replying. I am based in Canada and The waiting time to see Surgeon is 18 months. I feel like I am going to die with this pain.
@@salonichopra6700 Call us at Phoenix Spine and Joint. We help a lot of Canadians get the procedures they need. (602) 256-2525.
@@BestPracticeHealth Is it possible for Medicare to cover this?
My dr also said that i need surgery, its about a year now, the pain comes off for about 2months, and now its here again. i did not go for surgery.
I've never been through anything more excruciating in my 59 years. Listening to one of your videos has given me hope. It's taking entire year for my doctors to try and figure out what's going on and at this point I've diagnosed myself. Dave literally let this go on for a year giving me this drug and that drug and and it's just been a nightmare so I just wanted to say thank you thank you for your honesty and your guidance and I have hope now thank you
A velcro BACK BRACE has really helped me be more mobile on the early stages of PAIN. The one i have has some kind of firm plastic bars inside that run up and down.. Less stress on those weird “pinching” positions. Highly recommend for anyone in pain while walking etc..
Very smart. They are called lumbar corset braces. I love the one from Aspen. If you are getting relief from a brace you most likely have facet pain or instability. A flexion and extension x-ray shows if you have instability.
I also use the velcro brace. Helps heaps when sitting at my desk. Still have sciatica pain but it's not too bad.
I almost got the epidural injection until my doctor mentioned biofeedback. My sciatica and herniated disc is completely *gone* and healed! No more pain! I thank God that I was introduced to biofeedback. My family now asks me to help them out through biofeedback. Great video and details.
That is so awesome! I’m so glad you found some thing that helped, and is absolutely low risk. Keep up the good work. Thank you so much for letting us know about it.
The best explanation of sciatica I have ever seen. Thank you so much.
I've had to stop all my 'normal' physical activity, running, the gym, and playing squash since Nov 2021. It started in Mar 21, with a burning pain on my left foot during running and playing squash. I used otc pain medication till Jan 2022 while continuing my sports activities. I had to reduce sports from 6 days a week to 2 maybe 3 times a week during this period.
I was bedridden with pain for Feb 2022, the entire month. The pain radiating on my left leg and left arm was excruciating. My doctor recommended pain medicine and therapy.
It's Aug 2022. I have mild numbness on my the heel area of my left foot and occasional pain on my left shoulder.
Looks like the multiple herniated discs are getting better.
My big question is, when will I be able to get back to my sports and physical activity? I'm 51 years old, a navy veteran, and physical activity and sports have been a major part of my life. Without it, life feels incomplete.
What is the current situation? How is feeling right now..? Same question I've also an athlete? Plz respond to me
I"m so sorry you've having such a nasty course! The vast majority of people recover over 12 weeks, you're going on 12 months! That being said, you are getting better. I always encourage people to stay on the bus if it's taking you to a good place. In the meantime you may consider trying light exercise such as yoga nidra (stretching), tai chi, or water aerobics.
@@xavier-fb8ov hope your better...light stretching is great. Start before you get out of bed it helps. Look up Bob and Brad too
@@lisalee2885 Can you sit for 5+ hours? For desk job?
@@AdityaGupta-xq3kr I have a desk job/office. I sit and get up all the time. I don't sit for 5 hours straight...don't think I could do that
What an amazing explanation. Thank you! I was diagnosed with sciatica back in September, did a month of physical therapy. No flare ups until early December. I have a MRI next week- looking forward to a full recovery.
Definitely! Here's to a complete healing and a happy new year!
Good explanation. I’ve had sciatica for about five months now, did an MRI about two months ago and confirmed I have three herniated discs. I have been trying to live with the pain now that I know the cause, and it seems to be getting slightly more bearable. Good to hear that it’s most likely just a matter of time until I’m better… thanks for the clear explanation.
You are welcome, but I am sorry to bear bad news. There's not a lot of evidence that things will continue to improve after 12 weeks. If you have had sciatica for 5 months my guess is that you need to see a surgeon. Make sure they are board certified, speicalize in spine, and practice minimally invasvie surgery.
There is treatment for all damages happened to discs bulging or herniated that mentioned by the last messenger of god Mohammed peace upon of him will be healing 100 percent even you can return to your work or gym what ever you want
@@BestPracticeHealththat’s not true .. I have seen people heal in their own time after suffering couple of months ..
@@abdulhakimelmabruk6373stop talking nonsense and about never existed things.
I appreciate you making this video & sympathizing with my pain. Ended up getting a Microdiscectemy 3 months after crazy 8 to 10 level pain 24 hrs a day! MRI showed 100% blockage of right leg nerve, found bulging disc. Back surgery is a hell of a journey. 1000% happy I got the surgury. 0% leg pain after surgery! Thank you Doc!
Thanks for sharing. I'm glad microdiscectomy worked for you! It almost always does. Now don't forget to strengthen that core! We don't want this to happen again.
Informative video thank you. I went into A&E due to very bad back pain where I couldn’t move. I have had backpain for over 10 years.
The A&E did an MRI and have referred me to Neurosurgery. Below is the result of my MRI with 3 herniated discs.
Straightening of lumbar lordosis but alignment is maintained.
The L4/5 and L5/S1 discs are dehydrated. There are L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1
central intervertebral disc central protrusions indenting the thecal sac
with mild vertebral canal stenosis but no neural compression.
The cord terminates at T12/L1 and returns normal signal. No cord or cauda
equina compression.
No bone marrow signal abnormality.
Normal imaged paravertebral structures.
Impression:
Multilevel disc herniation but no cauda equina compression.
Central disc protrusions are not typically a cause of nerve root pain. They can cause discogenic pain (knife in the back, not leg). There are no good surgical options for central disc herniation. Often times a pain management doctor who is board certified in anesthesia or PM&R, as well as has a certification to subspecialize in pain is a good doctor to figure out what is causing the pain and whether surgery is an option.
Thank you so much for that information as I have a hospital appointment this month by a Specialist for my Sciatic pain.
I’m 25 and this is one of the worst things I’ve ever experienced , 3 years later I’m still having pain & numbness😭😭 I’ve tried everything except surgery
I'm so sorry to hear that. You are too young to be dealing with chronic pain. Unfortunately, this is common in young adults. Hang in there. It may not seem like it, but it will eventually heal and the pain will pass.
@@BestPracticeHealth Thank you I really needed to hear that #IWillHeal ✨
@@linglingbryant75933 years? Maybe you have been agrivating it
polyban syrup and egg kahin six month tak.
@@linglingbryant7593 how are you doing now I’m in two months of pain still have to see a neurologist in October
Great guy....explained to perfection people like you are a blessing upmost respect
I appreciate that!
Hi! Great video and explanation. I've been totally bed ridden for a week with radiation down my right side, numbness under both feet and excruciating pain walking, especially in the mornings. Got some pain killers, helps a bit to relax while lying in bed so the pain is not 24/7. Waking up with night sweats also, seems like an inflammation because of the sciatica.
My chiropractor tells me two rest for 2 weeks first then see. This is the MR report:
MR-lumbalcolumna:
Cor on all vertebral corpora normal cone. Normal disc L1/2 and L2/L3. Disc level L3/L4: Slight lateral prolapse right side, this was also present in 2001. Slightly narrow recess for descending right L4 root. No spinal stenosis no stenosis of the L3 roots. Disc level L4/L5: Slight right-sided prolapse, less than what was detected in 2001. The prolapse causes some compression of the descending right L5 root. Some intervertebral joint osteoarthritis. Postoperative changes on the back right side. Disc level L5/S1: Slightly bulging disc at the back, previously there was a wide prolapse here. Not tight conditions for the dural sac. The left S1 root is barely palpable. Good space ratio for L5-
the roots.
R: Unchanged small focal right-sided prolapse at level L3/L4 and size reduction of previously detected right-sided prolapse at level L4/L5 and regression of the prolapse at level L5/S1, now slightly remaining disc bowing left predominance
Would you suggest operation or to wait it out? I had a successfull operation in 2001 for sciatica, Microdiscectomy.
No to surgery, fire your chiropractor, get out of bed (long-term bed rest is almost guaranteed to make things worse because the muscles you need to properly support your spine will only atrophy more) and read the book "Back Mechanic." Mornings are horrendous because discs absorb fluid at night, but you must find ways to get moving and strengthen the muscles that are leading to your injuries (and over time your body will heal). Speaking from personal experience with several herniated discs and my own failed surgery, you won't find the answer in videos like this.
@@michael2v Thanks a lot for your input Man!
Been in pain for 7 years I currently have 6 herniated discs, pain from them itself isn't painful. It's the muscle spasms, if you know, you know. They can knock you to your knees in seconds and the pain is excruciating.
Currently on Butec patches, Oramoph, Naproxen, Pregabilin, Baclofen and MSTs. Still no pain relief though currently waiting on major surgery to fix them.
Waiting lists for surgery where I live is 3 years and then covid hit which added more time. Hopefully in the next 48 weeks apparently surgery will take place and it can't come soon enough.
I am so sorry to hear what you are going through I commend you for your bravery in hanging in there. However, I am concerned about that medication list! Very scary. Have they told you what is wrong with your back other than the herniated discs?
Ask for flexall or something like that .i think u have to be under close supervision but it stopped my muscle spasms but they dont like giving it .because it works too good on your entire body like it relax even the muscles that make u breathe and u can stop breathing kinda thing .but it helped me.of course if u approve daniel.what do u think ?
@ManInAmerica ontario..yea
Not here
Hello! Your questions is being answered on Best Practice LIVE! Check it out HERE: ruclips.net/video/9Yi6NIJ86zo/видео.html
How the hell did you herniate 7 discs??? Were you doing heavy lifting of some sort???
Excellent! Thank you for explaining this in a very simple way to understand.
Great explanation of this process .......I feel ten times better now in making my decision on what to do after your brief explanations ..thanks
Glad it was helpful!
What did you decide to do?
I've been trying to lose weight the past 17 months and I've had sciatica almost the whole time. My scale doesn't move unless I'm out there walking and I feel like I'm never gonna get better. I am in PT but still haven't had an mri..this video helped explain to me what I need to be asking for. Thank you.
I’m 21 years old, and having a herniated disc from last one year , it’s the worst pain i have ever experienced 😢 every morning I wake up , I am so nervous to stand I swear every time i wake up or site down i feel like i start hating my life , I don’t what to doo how can i be normal as every time i feel like i have to deal with this for all of my life
Everyone deserves someone to help when they are sick or in pain. Are you seeing a doctor? You need a good one.
You are not alone.
Thankyou so much for the video
I need 2nd opinion before going to surgery
MRI report:
L3-L4 level: Diffuse disc bulge with posterior annual tear causing indentation of the theca sac and mild narrowing if the bilateral recess. Mild narrowing of the central spinal canal.
L4-L5 level : Diffuse disc bulge with right paracentral disc extrusion and annular tear causing indentation of theca sac. Moderate to severe narrowing of the right lateral recess compressing the right L5 traversing nerve root. Mild narrowing of the left lateral recess and central spinal canal
Thanks in advance
Hi Bibek, I would love to go over your MRI with you. Please call +1602-256-2525 and I can go give you a further review of your issue.
Hi Bibek! My name is Phebe, Care Coordinator, with Phoenix Spine & Joint. We received your MRI report message. Please feel free to reach out to me directly to schedule a time to discuss your MRI with Dr. Lieberman. Office phone 602-385-0435
My herniated disc finally starting to improve after 2 months.
In the beginning you'll feel like you're paralysed forever. Then one day, you'll wake up and think, oh that didn't hurt as much. From then on, you feel steady improvement every few days.
Do the physio and manage your posture, these are life long commitments. That's a small price to pay vs another herniated disc.
Thanks so much for this advice. I'm sorry you had to learn it the hard way. I hear a lot of good things about yoga and tai Chi as well. Any experience with those?
Okay, I'm almost a month in. I'm going to keep just doing PT, resting, and hoping for results
@@walterchiado1490how are you now
@@BestPracticeHealthmy cousin is also experiencing this can you please tell me which hospital are you in ? Are you in the newyork please tell us the location
Great video Doc. I am a Doctor of Chiropractic and appreciate you mentioning Chiropractic as an option. However, in my 18 years of practice, traditional Chiropractic treatments for herniations can make the problem worse. This is where I would introduce using a Spinal Decompression table to decrease the nerve root tension that the disc is placing on the nerve as a first line of treatment warranting they do not have any red flags.
Then, light Chiropractic treatments and phyiscal therapy can be introduced to begin strengthening the weakness or instability of the lower back.
Thanks, Dr. T. I appreciate your comment. And I admire your careful and safe approach!
I think this man should do audio books. ❤️
Yes his voice is very soothing
No reaction to left knee jerk test. My left foot feels like a block of concrete and numbness with burning. Sometimes pain shoots through my left buttock like I got shot with a rifle. I have to use a cane since left leg just randomly doesn’t support me.
Press up exercises helps numb foot. Any other exercises locks up foot.
My physical therapist is treating me for stenosis and the exercises lock up my foot. I haven’t got MRI but scheduled 5/14/24,for one.
Thanks for your sage advice. Truly resonated with me..
I am a fitness addict , when i discovered i have a disc herniation i was so sad ....i hope it will get better
Hi Emanuela! We were able to answer your question on last week's Q&A episode of Best Practice LIVE. You can view it HERE: ruclips.net/video/7WHPRbIoVCM/видео.html
am sat in my bed last three days hardly able to hobble to bathroom the pain level you discribed is spot on
I’m so sorry to hear you’re in terrible pain. And sorry for such a late response. It’s been a month. I hope you’re feeling better. If not, you absolutely positively must see a doctor.
@@BestPracticeHealth got naproxen end of day it was weeks ago
I’m from Sudan “Africa” this doc really knows what he is talking about thank you 🫶🏽
how is the weather in africa latly?
My mri impressions:
Lumbar spine:
- mild to moderate degenerative changes noted in lumbar spine
- disc protrusion causing indentation of the thecal sac and narrowing of the lateral recesses in the para central location B/L noted caudally at L4/L5 & L5/S1(more involved) levels
- posture related compromise to S1 nerve roots B/L at L5/S1 level would be possibility
Si joints
- small focal high STIR signal area noted in left ilium at the left SI joint. Non specific finding? Marrow edema
Some suggested ozone, prp injections
Some suggested physiotherapy, chiropractic works
I am planning for a physiotherapy and chiropractic
Do you have any suggestions
Age- 26, height- 5'9 and weight-65kg
Upload your disc and go over it with me on the show.
@BestPracticeHealth where to upload
Thank you, Dr. Lieberman. It was so pleasant for this to actually be explained to me.
I had a herniated disc and went from active to bedridden for 1 solid month. This video is good but dont forget physical therapy. My road to recovery took 1.5 years with PT 2 x week for the first 6 months then 1 x week for the next 12 months. It is a trial and error process to learn ehat works best for your body. Stong muscles do make a significant difference and will stave off surgery. I can't speak for every case but PT has great advantages.
Thank you for sharing your experience! You are correct, it may be a trial-and-error process for most people. PT is a great source for conservative care. How is your back doing now?
Thank you for explaining everything so clearly.
I had a microdiscectomy in March 2018 on L4/L5, but I also had L5/S1 that was herniated... this January (2022) I woke up and couldn't walk... after months of stretching and massage therapy, the pain and numbness was still there (not to the point of being unable to walk, but taking ibuprofen daily and still being in consistent sharp pain), so I went back to my spine surgeon, got a new MRI and... L4/L5 has herniated AGAIN and my L5/S1 disc is still there and herniated, possibly worse than it was before (so it hasn't healed itself over 4 years)
I'm not a super active person, I don't lift weights anymore, I don't run... I'm a school counselor.
What do I do now? It seems like my body is not the type to "heal itself" when it comes to these disc problems, otherwise my L5/S1 should at least not be as bad as it used to be, right? And if L4/L5 doesn't start to heal itself after more injections and physical therapy, then what? Surgery again? I'm 27 years old. I had my 1st surgery at 22... I haven't had kids yet but we plan to in the next 3-5 years... I have always said i will NOT fuse my spine...
Yikes. How frustrating. After microdiscectomy surgery, there is nothing preventing the disc from herniating again until the annulus heals over. Fortunately, recurrent disc herniation is less common than you would think. When it happens, the rationale for surgery should be considered again. If the pain is manageable, and one has no functionally limiting numbness or weakness, then the best thing to do is wait it out. An epidural injection is a great way to relieve the pain, temporarily. Another thing someone who has had two disc herniations in their twenties should consider is that long term you need to be the one with the rock-hard abs. core strength is the only long-term solution to severe degenerative disc disease. Did mom or dad have it? It's usually inherited.
@@BestPracticeHealth Thanks for the response and info. Neither of my parents have had disc issues. I had a cheerleading injury when I was 12 and that was what started it all. I was diagnosed with a jammed lower back and SI Joint Dysfunction after the initial fall and did PT on and off for about 9 years before surgery. I also had several Cortisone shots in my SI joint and 2 epidural injections prior to surgery, also.
Now, I have numbness and sometimes tingling or a quick shock in my left calf, left ankle/achilles tendon, and the bottom of my foot. And a consistent pain in my si joint area on the left side that feels like someone is putting a needle in my si joint a swirling it around (like when I used to get cortisone injections, but constantly in there)... the CONSTANT pain has been going on about a month and won't even go away with OTC pain medication anymore... I also got my MRI and it's not very promising, in my opinion
@@mrs.iggysexpectations2474 SI joint pain can be a tough problem. In my experience the best doctors for SI joint pain are chiropractors. I always advise people with SI joint pain to do a three-week course of chiropractic. If that fails and the diagnosis of SI joint pain is confirmed by temporary relief from SI joint injection, then SI fusion is the next step. SI fusion is done by spine surgeons.
Calf and foot pain is not a typical symptom of SI joint pain. When it's due to a nerve root issue calf and outer foot pain often comes from problems at the l5/s1 level. People with calf and outer foot pain should check their MRI report for l5/s1 issues, and have a diagnostic trans-foraminal block at that level from a pain management doctor if MRI confirms problems. In someone who had their pain temporarily relieved by the l5/s1 TFESI then a surgical consult would be in order.
@@BestPracticeHealth thanks for the info. I've been going to a chiropractor for over a year. The SI Joint pain flared back up around January and my chiro and his team of massage therapists and PTs have been doing everything under the sun to help alleviate it, but it's not gone away and the MRI confirmed my fear: re-herniation of L4/L5 and L5/S1 still being herniated.
It is good to know that the numbness, however, is from the L5/S1 nerve root, though, because that is different from what I had my past surgery for. At least it wouldn't be a 100% repeat. And knowing a block should help is also hopeful.
Thanks, again!
@@mrs.iggysexpectations2474 try decompression and inversion table?
Thanks for the information. This is the clearest explanation I have seen!
I am 22 years old and my pain started around mid/late 2020. Got a MRI done about 4 months ago and found out that I have a posterior disc bulge with central disc extrusion/herniation at L4-L5 without central canal stenosis. Mild left foraminal stenosis secondary to left foraminal disc protrusion/herniation. Herniation deviates the extraforaminal left L4 nerve root. Central disc protrusion/herniation at L5-S1 without central canal stenosis. The herniation abuts the S1 nerve roots bilaterally. No foraminal stenosis. I do not have leg pain but do have this aching back pain almost constantly but have just gotten used to it. The pain isn’t horrible but flares up after I try to exercise. It has taken a mental toll more than anything especially since I am only 22 and know that things tend to get worse as you age. I do not know whether I want to take the conservative treatment route or if I want to push for a surgery while I am still young so maybe I’d have an increased chance of healing. Can my injury get better with more time or will it only get worse ? What is the next step that you’d recommend ? I am broken and sometimes want to just give up.
First, don't give up. I'm sorry this is happening to you, but it's common and something you can manage. The next step is understand what's wrong, and match that up with the evidence-based treatment. ruclips.net/video/rBmHQ7VCDIk/видео.html
Once you know what type of pain you have, go over your mri report and see if you find evidence of the problem.
Then see the appropriate doctor to get the right treatment. Or wait it out, as appropriate.
Back problems are manageable. It may take time, patience, and you must due your research. But you've got this!
I’ve got a herniated disk too, I just wanted to say that there’s hope. I can say what’s worked for me. I’ve been in physical therapy for 6 weeks and acupuncture (with a practitioner with 30+ years experience) for 4 weeks. Been in pain for a year. Did a brief stint of steroids and muscle relaxers and it’s been getting since. Every week gets better. I get the toll it can take mentally, I used to be super active. I hope you find a path to recovery and feel better soon!
@@porgy73 Ditto to that. Its the mental toll that is the worst, and I have to say, thank god for social media as its helpful to at least see other people with the same thing. I've done similar to Morgan but never tried accupuncture, my PT is going to do that this week I think. Anti inflammatories help, but don't want to spend my life taking them. Many of the videos talk about the role macrophages play and the fact that your body IS trying to heal itself....when possible. My PT advised exercises, so not sure what to think when they say 'rest' here, because frankly my pain is when I lay down or sit down. So I'm standing all day, except for breaks, but at least knowing what it is means I'm not standing all night not knowing what the hell is going on. I thought it was a blood clot it was so painful, it would have been great if when i called telehealth they said "try moving around" because thats the main thing that stops it. However, now I get worried I'm going to injure something doing the exercises! Its too bad you can't get an injection of macrophages to get in there and chomp out the obstruction.
@@mikearchibald744 hang in there...I learned to do light stretching in bed before I get up. I did therapy 2 times a week. My ex husband was bad...he would cough and feel a tare..he learned exercises and healed with never a surgery
@@lisalee2885 Thanks, forgot this comment, its eight days later and already a fairly big difference. I haven't had any drugs of any kind for almost a week. Like you, do tons of exercises, and now I sleep good as long as its on my stomach or my back with feet elevated. Ironically like my mother with her bad back, we both say that on nights we sleep good, pain is worse the next day. Get up every two hours for an ice pack and then its better the next day. However, a world of difference even from eight days ago. Getting an x ray though 'just to make sure', but exercise and strength training are making a world of difference.
I’ve had 6 bad flareups within 13 years which generally resolve within the standard 6-8 weeks. However latest episode commenced Dec 2022. Almost 1 year of l4/l5 moderate to severe disc bulge compressing the Cauda Equina nerve roots. Booked for surgery next week - Dec 15th 2023 Microdiscectomy. Only now is feeling returning to my left leg and severe sciatica subsiding. I fear if I turn down surgery at this late stage, i may regret it if i get another flareup associated with the same disc. On the other hand, seems silly to still go ahead when I feel i’m now on the mend. Not sure why i keep having the herniations. MRI shows a bone spur under the L4 vertabrae, maybe thats why 🙂 Kind regards,
How did it go?
Amazing video, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us!!
Glad it was helpful!
Had an MRI, two rounds of epidural steroid injections (had no impact at all) and then a microdiscectomy in April 2024. Still significant discomfort with nerve pain that still migrates to my ankle. I get relief when I wear a neoprene wrap very tight. Follow up visit with surgeon in late September (in the Phoenix area).
Why doctors dont use a non surgical solution where they inject a gel to the disk to restore the natural disk gel? This can be a great idea
Definitely a great idea! Research has been going on in this area for quite some time... unfortunately, we don't have any products yet that are approved by the FDA. Once one comes out--- I am hopeful that will be in the next five to ten years--- I will definitely cover it. That would be so awesome.
Stem cells injection?
You forgot to mention that in many cases even after a microdiscectomy, the disk will re-herniate and then fusion is next which only has about 60% sucess rate, and if it fails you can turn into a cripple or live in constant pain. And if a fusion is sucessful, several years later you will herniate a disk above the fusion because now it has to bear the load which was distributed equally before. So the prognosis is overall pretty grim.
Thank you, you described my case precisely
You’re welcome 😊
Referring to it as “child birth like pain” hits hard. As a father, I’ll never know what child birth feels like (despite what the newly “pregnant” men out there might say), but if it’s anything like what I’ve felt, well, suffice it to say I have a newfound respect for mothers out there. This video was really helpful, thank you. I like the pacing and your overall demeanor, puts me at ease.
I've had 6 children, 4 without any meds. The pain of sciatica was actually worse then childbirth for me. I have never been in such excruciating pain. I couldn't move or get out of bed. We had to call an ambulance
Thank you for your openness and concise explanations. I have some other musculoskeletal issues as well as my L3-5 and S1 herniations which dictate how much exercise I can do in general. I was advised to stop swimming as only stroke I can do is breast stroke...but I can aqua walk but was previously alternating my swimming with aqua jogging but I stopped that as it was quite uncomfortable. My rheumatologist referred me for an urgent appt with a neurosurgeon 8 months ago but due to unforseen circumstances (covid), my appointment in March was cancelled with no rebooking made by the hospital. I've just finished a course of 12 chiropractic sessions but that has proved of very little help and not worth the £500+ it's cost me. I will have to wait it out but I feel more informed now about what may occur when I finally do get my consultation.
Yikes! Even swimming hurts; that's horrible. Surgeons work on structure. The only way to know your structure is with imaging. This is a good time to look at your imaging results and future out what hurts and the usual treatment. That way when you finally see the surgeon you will be ready to get the most out of the discussion.
@@BestPracticeHealth Thank you for your reply. Have had a pretty dire week of back spasms and leg cramps, sitting on side of bed now at 1.45am as unable to lie down due to the cramping in my legs.. 😔🤑 I bought the book by Dr John E Sarno Heal Your Back Pain and exploring the whole mind body connection and withheld trauma...it resonates! Fingers and toes crossed....or not as case be with cramp 😆
@@BestPracticeHealth PS I've started back swimming of my own accord as due to being advised what not to do, I've lost a lot of muscle strength. Dr Sarno states get back to swimming etc. I'm taking it slowly.
@@CelticSpirit7 I have to take double doses of magnesium every day and it gets rid of my cramps AND tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
I used chiropractic care for many years and felt relief in my neck and back, but it couldn’t keep my disc from smashing the nerve to my leg. I had unrelenting leg pain relieved only by microdiscectomy. Good luck to you.
@@CelticSpirit7 hey sunny How are you now? Hope you're doing well ❤️🩹
Im 22 and been dealing with bad sciatica pain since 2019. I barely found out with an MRI that i have 3 herniated disc(L3,4,5). They put me on pain meds and they help for the most part, I still have my days where it hurts and i just hope it heals cause surgery is pretty big 😭
These were so helpful. Now, I'm someone who is fit, healthy, athletic, etc. I sneezed... three months ago, and I'm still experiencing some 'annoying' right side issues. I swear it was getting better and then I'd cough/sneeze again and the pain would come back. I'm starting a carpenters apprenticeship too.. so I'm PRETTY nervous.
Pain is so SCARRY! I'm not surprised you are nervous. I addressed your issues LIVE on 11/11. Check this out: ruclips.net/video/ER6iVtEtpTk/видео.html
A velcro back brace has really helped me be more mobile on the early stages. Less stress on those weird pinching positions. Maybe you can find one comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.
Back in 2005 I had a Herniated disc ,dr recommended relief with the epidural .After no relief i was counseled to have a microdisctomy While on the operating table the doctor said the disc damage was so extent they had to do a Laminectomy instead. After surgery I had no relief From my pain . We tried evey treatment available without any relief from the pain what so ever. Disc decompression, spinal cord stimulator, deep tissues massages , injections under fluoroscopy ,anything we could do before considering another surgery
Three years later I saw a Neurosurgeon who said I needed a fusion atL3 L4. So in 2008 had a spinal fusion.
Fast forward to today, I have the same pain I've had when this first started . I guess after nineteen years The pain will never go away.
Hmmm. It sounds like you had a radiculopathy due to a herniated L3/4 disc and failed treatment with epidural injection and laminectomy. I'm unclear on what happened next because that's not typically an indication for fusion. In any event, you failed fusion, too. Either the pain source was wrong from the start, or you have neuropathic pain from a nerve root that was internally damaged from go. If that latter is the case you should have an abnormal EMG. Have you had an EMG? I'm thinking that seeing a neurologist might be a good next step.
for anyone whos reading this, i would suggest take my tips.
I also have disc bulge and herniated disc. the pain would go down to my toes and it felt like my life was over. I even had P.T but the pain would come back anyways. i got tired of spending money to hire someone else to educate me and to "train" me to work on myself. i've never got a surgery done. I ALMOST WANTED to because i was depressed. but after 5 years i've told myself iim just going to be my own personal trainer and join the personal training/er program. I learned alot! it has been 1 year with no pain! i started doing flexibility and mobility exercises, strength and conditioning. The thing is you'll have do this in daily routine. AVOID SURGERY, MEDS and INJECTION. Exercising is your medicine. I would highly recommend start with that.
Even my own "doctor" advised me to avoid exercising and that's what i did at first but after a while, after i joined personal training, which it was in my course training i had to risk it and take it with in my own hands. i am myself again.
Thank you for sharing your journey with me. I’m delighted to hear that you’re doing well and that exercise has proven to be the best medicine for you.
Great Great explanation 👍 Thank you.
Could you please help me.
I have the following:
Procedure: Lumbar spine MRI without contrast. Technique: Sagittal T1, T2 and STIR WI's, axial T2 WI's.
Findings:
-Maintained lumbar lordosis.
-Normal bone marrow signal intensity.
-No suspicious bone lesion.
-Normal height of the vertebral bodies.
-Partially dehydrated L3/L4, L4/L5 and L5/S1 intervertebral discs.
-Normal conus medullaris signal intensity terminating opposite L1 vertebral body.
-There is 8 x 8 mm well demarcated rounded lesion at the superior posterior aspect of the S1 vertebral body, that appears slightly hyperintense on T1WI, hyperintense on T2WI/STIR images, with thick sclerotic rim. Features are those of a benign lesion, further evaluation by CT scan is advised.
-L2-L3: No focal disc herniation. No nerve root compression. The central canal and neural foramina are satisfactory.
-L3-L4: Diffuse disc bulge indenting the thecal sac. No nerve root compression. The central canal and neural foramina are satisfactory.
-L4-L5: Diffuse disc bulge with superimposed inferiorly migrating central disc extrusion compressing the thecal sac and the left descending L5 nerve roots. No exiting nerve root compression. Bilateral subarticular recess narrowing. Mild narrowing of the central canal. -L5-S1: Diffuse disc bulge with no significant mass effect. No nerve root compression. The central canal and neural foramina are satisfactory.
Impression:
-Multilevel disc disease., causing mild narrowing of the central canal at L4/L5. -Bilateral subarticular recess narrowing at L4/L5.
Compressed left descending L5 nerve root in the spinal canal.
Your MRI report highlights two significant findings that require attention:
1) Tumor in the Sacrum: The detection of a small tumor within the sacral bone is concerning and necessitates further investigation. A follow-up CT scan is recommended to better characterize the nature of the tumor. It's crucial to discuss this finding with your doctor, who can guide you through the next steps and any additional tests or specialist consultations that might be needed.
2) L4/L5 Disc Herniation: The herniation at the L4/L5 level on the left side of your spine appears to be causing compression and irritation of the L5 nerve root. This is likely contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, such as lower back pain radiating towards your left big toe, and possibly weakness in your foot. This condition, often referred to as foot drop, can manifest as difficulty lifting the front part of your foot, leading to a "flopping" motion when you walk.
Given the duration and severity of your symptoms, the initial step in management typically involves an epidural steroid injection. This treatment aims to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, potentially providing relief from the symptoms caused by nerve compression.
If symptoms like foot drop, uncontrollable pain, or significant numbness persist, a surgical intervention such as a microdiscectomy might be necessary. This procedure is designed to remove the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve, thereby relieving the pressure and associated symptoms.
It's important to keep a positive outlook and follow through with the recommended medical advice. Wishing you the best as you navigate through these health challenges. Hang in there.
I took an MRI at the hospital and they told me I had a herniated disc and sciatica pinched nerve but I never had pain shooting down my leg when I try to get up to stand up when I try to move my back in the upward position it’s painful and then I have to sit down what do I do
The most common cause of back pain which is not radiating down the leg is a facet joint. For the first three weeks the best treatment for facet pain is moist heat, rest, and NSAIDs (if they’re safe for you). IF it still hurts after 3 weeks then an x-ray is next and PT. IF the x-ray were negative and PT failed then a pan management doctor for medial branch block after MRI. Where are you on this timeline?
i know how bad the pain can be too. for me it was the result of bad posture and bad lifting techniques. I was able to get relief by strengthening my body with physical therapy and correcting my posture. This takes a long time. I had scolosis from bad posture and sitting on my tailbone, so I had a lot of different issues + a buldging disc.
My spinal erector muscles were also very weak.
The exercises like pull ups, and grabbing onto a bannister and lifting myself up while keeping my back straight helped take pressure of the spine. I can't say this will work for everyone.
I've been slowly recovering from a herniation at my L5-S1. Months of PT & I've received 2 epidural shots (shots have done nothing for me). My pain does not go down my leg but at my upper buttocks/low back area left side then will travel down the edge of my buttock. Avoiding surgery, below is my MRI verbage. I'm 30 year old male, not overweight & was active before this happened 🤕.
At the level of L5-S1, there is a moderate size left posterior
paracentral disc protrusion that measures approximately 7 x 5 x 13 mm.
This causes mild ventral effacement of thecal sac and moderate left
lateral recess effacement. There is displacement of the transiting left
S1 nerve root. Minimal hypertrophic facet arthrosis at this level.
Even when MRI shows a herniated disc the pain is often actually from the facet joint. A 3/3* pain management doctor will often try a medial branch block on the affected side. Have you had a medial branch block?
@@BestPracticeHealth Thank you for responding. My pain doctor did not mention anything in regards to my facet joint. I received the 2 epidural shots at my L5-S1 and they didn't do much nor made things worse. I recently started going to a muscle/Joint Rehab facility. They are doing light chriopratic sessions on my back, disc decompression therapy, along with physical therapy (they are really working my piriformis muscle). So far my condition has improved after a week of 3 sessions. I still have 3 more weeks of 3 sessions each week then a month of 2 sessions per week. I'm pleased with the results so far.
Just last week I started having the symptoms from during squats (with light weights of course) rarely numbness down my leg but at the upper right buttocks area. There is pain in the localized area. Do you think I ruptured a disk?
@@DavidSilva-gc7bz I'm definitely no doctor but a MRI would show if you did anything to your disc(s). Right now I'm doing physical therapy for my piriformis muscle and it has been helping a lot. They think my piriformis muscle is always tight to protect the herniation at my L5-S1.
@Bryce Acton Hi my friend. Know that you are not alone. Me too I am a 31 year old male who used to be very active and for the last year I have a herniation and dehydration at l5-s1 level with protrusion to the left and to backside. No leg pain just like you but debilitating low back and buttock pain. I can’t stand or sit for more than 1 hour. I have also been dealing with tight piriformis muscle, that goes from mildly tight to super tight when I do a “bad” move, like lifting up smth very fast and not concentrated. Sometimes also my quadratus lumborum gets sore as well . My PT gave me core stabilisation exercises to strengthen the quadratus lumborum while he is trying to relax the tightness of the piriformis. The herniated disc is not leaving he says so it’s better to work around it. IDK! 😮
What’s your opinion @Phoenix Spine & Joint??
Good video, thank you very much
No steroid injections helped me. I got three injected in 2009 in Kansas. No injection can fix the bony disc nor can it free the impinged nerve(s). I can't speak about surgery as I never got it done.
You are excellant...thanks.
How does the body consume the disc over time???
15 years....of pain....
Hi there. I have a herniated disc in my L5 S1 region. It started many years ago and the pain was immobilizing. I couldn’t walk I couldn’t stand couldn’t sit. I could barely lay. It was terrible. Four months later all of the pain went away. And I was super active I was running I was playing sports. I had no issues, I had no pain. A year later I don’t exactly know what I did, but I did some thing that caused the pain to come back. I went through a two month chiropractic recovery plan that includes massages and physiotherapy and it didn’t really help. I am now three months out of that flareup. And I have very slight pain. I can still feel some nerve pain in my hamstring in my Gluth. Sometimes it goes down to my foot. But it’s very rarely. I can work out, but I don’t push myself that hard, I can run, but I’m scared. I just don’t trust my back yet. The neurosurgeons office has set up a surgery date for me end of this next week. I’m hesitant to do the surgery because I’ve seen a lot of negative comments about it. That the pain comes back or the pain doesn’t go away or that the pain is worse. Right now the pain is not bad, but I’m scared that I might come back from some thing that I potentially do and then it’s gonna take me out for months at a time. What do you suggest I do? Should I do the surgery
Dr Lieberman answered your question today on our live show! Here is a timestamped link: ruclips.net/video/Bbvre7h96kc/видео.html
I had a herniated disk in March. I’ve had 3 epidural injections. It’s now July and I still have pretty bad pain. I can’t bend over without pain, and still have sciatica. Starting to think I may need surgery. Thanks for the informative video!
Herniated discs that cause sciatica due to nerve root compression that fail 12 weeks of conservative care including epidural injection are often well treated by microdiscectomy surgery. The key thing is to realize that studies show if you wait 2 years the outcome is the same whether you have microdiscectomy surgery or not. However, the surgery is proven to end your symptom faster. You have to decide if the risk of surgery is greater than the pain you're living through. If you need to get it over with, then make sure you find a great spine surgeon! That's a neurosurgeon or fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who operates in an ambulatory surgery center (no thanks, COVID), and uses a minimally invasive technique.
Did you try taking the steroid injection.
@@victoriousangel8911 There are three injections people often get for back pain or nerve root pain. 1) inter-laminar epidural; 2) transforaminal epidural, and 3) trigger point. The trigger point injections don't make sense, since the issue is in the nerve root, injections in the muscle above is a weird notion. #1 and #2 are both typically steroid injections. Is this what you meant?
@@BestPracticeHealth I think so.
I herniated my disc about 4 years ago. I was really active, a fitness freak lol. I decided not to do the shot or surgery. I would say by 2019-2020 I was pain free, given I changed my life style. Working out hard was out of the question, I stopped bending down to pick things up (squatted instead). Like the man in the video said, it does heal over time. I live my day to day life pain free. It's only when I try to train hard that I get the pain back.
It really helps me a lot in understanding. Thank you sir. God bless you
You are most welcome
Thank you doctor for the professionalism with which you do your work. You listen to your client and you always put their needs first , to ensure they live another day healthily and vibrant. Cheers to you my doctor , I celebrate the way you do your job . If it was up to me i would give you the award of being the best Doctor. Thank you doctor for all you Dr igho for curing my hernia.
You are very welcome
Thank you. This reduced my anxiety.
You are so welcome. Anxiety comes from fear; fear comes from anger; anger comes from frustration at not knowing what to do.
Information tells you what to do. So, information makes you feel calm. I hope you feel better soon. If you need more information about herniated discs, here it is: ruclips.net/p/PLsYo8ENYsvpz8bmjf5QkF5IdaX6UPZrPk.
Dealing with horrible pain for 10 years now! Va hospitals help has been non existent! Getting close to pulling the trigger sometimes. Im tired
I feel you....I hope you get the help you need ! the pain is horrible
Please hold on. Before I forget, thanks for your service. I want you to now that I've seen a lot of people who felt as bad as you sound get totally better and live without pain. The key is to find the right doctor who can cut through the noise and figure out what's wrong. There are many incredibly talented people in the VA system; however, you sometimes need to find them. Where are you located? There is great spine surgery at the Palo Alto VA in CA. The first thing to do is get off all narcotics medications. They don't work and make things much worse over time. The second thing is to request evaluation at closest VA with in the region with spine surgeons.
Sorry too hear that hope u feel better
My sciatica was so bad, it severely damaged my leg-my MRI showed severe herniation. Any red flags-yes! Some weakness is not acceptable. That is not functional -significant numbness for months -it’s finally getting better
What happens when the pain lasts longer than 12 weeks or comes and goes? I’ve been feeling this pain for 9 months. It started slowly and progressed to unbearable pain, then is passed, then it come back… sometimes really strong and sometimes just annoying… but still here nonetheless…
Repeating episodes of pain are a sign of a structural problem. Structural problems that fail conservative measures are likely to require treatment. The treatment depends on what is wrong. You can tall what is wrong from the MRI report. What’s your MRI report say is wrong? You need to match that up with the type of pain you feel. If they agree, then match it up with the evidence-based treatment. Make sense?
Hoping you found some stretches to help you
Your method of explanation is clear concise and appreciated
1900 microdiscectomy
1994 microdecompression
Days after Rt.foot drop which has never resolved
2014
Fusion after taking
a horrible fall
Now 4 weeks ago herniation confirmed by MRI between l3-l4
Scheduled for epidural in 2 weeks
One more time, immobility horrible weakness and pain
Such a drag
I am 66 years old 120lbs 5'5
No smoking no alcohol EaT clean.
Severe osteoporosis and a few other bulging discs
My concern with epidural is cortisone , from what I know, is not great for bone integrity(?) So in my mind I get temporary relief but at the risk of degredation to my skeleton
Do you have an opinion on cryotherapy or infrared sauna for herniated discs?
Is there anything new and better to help folks like me? There are a lot of us!
Thank you!
Oh, my goodness! You sure have had a long course with your back. Did mom or dad have back issues?
I share your concerns about steroids; however, one dose is not usually a high risk for the progression of osteoporosis. It does cause occasional avascular necrosis, but fortunately, that is rare.
Infrared saunas are great for muscle relaxation. They really help with back pain. I'd put them in the "moist heat" category, even though they are obviously dry heat.
For more on herniated discs check out the rest of the playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLsYo8ENYsvpz8bmjf5QkF5IdaX6UPZrPk
I have a lot of discomfort, pain, and numbness in my lower back and pelvis area every day especially in the mornings when I wake up it’s real bad and super stiff. I’ve had back issues since I was 15 and I’m 33 now. I’m going to see my doctor about it this week and hope I can figure something out. Was thinking about going to a chiropractor but kind of nervous about that. What do you think of chiropractors for back pain. I just feel like I’m not aligned at all and they could adjust my back.
Sorry to hear that, I had similar symptoms and I made an MRI image, it turned out disk protrusions. Better go to make an MRI image to check
A good chiropractor is a great place to start for the treatment of non-specific, mechanical low back pain. Pain of this type is never normal, in particular not before age 50. If chiropractic care fails to control the pain then an x-ray with bending is approrpiate. If the cause of the pain is not clear from the x-ray then an MRI is the next step to complete the imaging. Once an MRI is obtained you should educate yourself about what it shows before seeing a specialist. It's important to go into any doctor knowing what to ask. Please keep me informed and let me know if I can help.
I’ve had pain 20 years and finally get referred for a mri a few months ago so now referred to spinal specialist.
I’ve had every pain med going , physio, chiropractor, dry needling , monthly massages , yoga, Pilates.. everything ! .
I came off all meds and lost 4 stone for them to send me for mri . I was always told I needed to loose weight and given stronger meds , which made me gain weight !
Great approach! This situation reminds me of the movie Catch-22, based on Joseph Heller's book, where characters face seemingly contradictory dilemmas-much like navigating spinal problem when they say you can't get an MRI. Hang in there! I'm looking forward to hearing about the results of your MRI. It's important to thoroughly review the findings with your spine specialist. To prepare, consider reviewing your MRI report ahead of the appointment using reliable resources. This preparation will empower you to have a detailed and informed discussion with your doctor. Wishing you the best of luck!
The pain is the worst when you start thinking about Suicide.
Hang in there bro
For years I've had issues. I'm only 35 and it's not getting any better, and no Dr or surgeon wants to do anything.
I have two prolapsed discs (l3-l4 & l4-l5). There's meant to be a level of stenosis. I have mild s-shaped scoliosis of the thoracic spine. My hip is tight. My legs are weak. My right ankle cracks and is weak (foot drop).
I feel bad whether I walk, lay, sit... I don't know what to do.
Does it sound like an operation will help me?
I am 26 and have multi level disc herniations in my lumbar spine dx last year. I was doing okay healing conservatively for 1 year then it flared up 2.5 weeks ago. I cannot walk and barely move. I'm a medical student who was suppose to do rotations this month but had to take a medical leave. Would you recommend continuing conservative care since it helped last time and maybe take a year off from school or do microdisc so I don't miss my next rotations?
What a bummer! Medical school is hard enough without back pain. We are sorry you are having to deal with all this at such a hard time in your life.
In general, a new flare up of a problem should be treated as a new event. In the first 3 weeks of non-specific low back pain if you have no red flags, and no functional weakness, then there is a 94% chance of resolution without intervention of any kind. The only 3 proved treatments are rest, NSAIDs if they are safe for your body, and moist heat. If the pain is mostly radicular then MRI is indicated at 3 weeks as you may get considerable relief from epidural injection from a qualified pain management doctor.
For a long answer about what to do next watch this: ruclips.net/video/lHx-ylN35Ww/видео.html.
For even more content look here: ruclips.net/p/PLsYo8ENYsvpzDl0gW2pdXNLGmvBQXfxB8
Watch smashwerx and athlean x on disc germinations. 90 % of people have disc problems if they took mris. I have 1 and I tried it all but surgery. These two guys will change ur life. They changed mine
Thank you for this video . I just found out from my MRI that I have this in my lower back . The pain is horrible ! 30 years ago I fractured T12 , and have lived with pain , without pain medication. As of right now I’m waiting for my first injection. Hopefully it’s the best Christmas gift I get , I just want relief ❤️💚❤️
Hope it works and gets better for you
I too have a herniated thoracic disc at T2 . I suffer daily with severe pain because my medication was halved due to ignorance because not all these herniations are self healing .
Sitting here this Xmas night my sincere wishes for your pain relief from now on
from what is a very bad debilitating. pain .I wish for you Cynthia a painless new year.
@@barryyoung948 thank you so much Barry , happy holidays to you and your family . I do much better when I’m not sitting but boy when I do forget about it ! I instantly get pain. I’m still trying to figure out because I didn’t ask the Dr ,
Is a torn disc the same as a herniated disc?
So sorry for your pain! I hope you feel better ASAP. Let me know if you want to talk through your options. phoenixspineandjoint.com/resources/best-practice/
So what happened
Hello and thank you for your insight sir. Just curious, wouldn’t having a micro discectomy relieve the nerve pain, but the patient would still have the discogenic pain if it was a legitimate herniation? I’m talking from personal experience unfortunately. Have a dull and sometimes sharp pain, mixed with sciatic pain down both legs. I to had a large herniation. Still can’t bend before or after surgery. Extreme muscle spasms and tightness up my spine as a result. Slowly doing what I can to get those muscles to release and gain a little mobility before I decide what’s next for me. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you again for making your videos.
Hey! Thanks for the question. Great one. In theory every time there is a tear in an annulus it would hurt. No one ever gets stabbed in the skin and it doesn't hurt, right? But in practice not all annular tears are painful. Docs don't understand why one hurts and another does not. But discogenic pain can be a consequence of herniation, and of microdiscectomy surgery as well.
Surgery saved me 3 times from herniated disks. I had a laminectomy/diskectomey. Thank goodness. Now i suffer from neuropathy.
My goodness! Your nerves and nerve roots seem like they are out to get you! Hang in there. I hope the neuropathy is not painful.
I never had a diagnosis but I've had a bad back since my early 30's. I learned after about 5 years of pain I could 100% alleviate it with self administered traction and some exercises that focus on the low back.. I suppose my condition must be different than most but I just can't help wondering how many people suffer unnecessarily opting for the types of treatments mentioned here. I am 65 and still at times have to pop my back and use the exercises. So the disk never really healed it still press against nerves if I don't pop it back into place using the above mentioned. Simply put a sturdy belt around your waist. A nylon weight belt divers use you can get on amazon would be perfect. Put your hands on your hips inside of the belt. Now you can apply as much downward force as you want with your hands because they are wedged in between the belt and your hip. You can leverage this effect by draping your upper body over a counter and hanging your legs off of the ground. You can also wad a pile of blankets on your bed lay on top of them face down draping your body over them and achieve the same effect. The exercises are simple put your knee up to your chest and wrap your hands around it and mostly pull with your hands give some resistance with your leg. It pulls the disk apart in your low back. Alternate legs. I am always hesitant to give people this advise so the usual warnings "consult a real dr" before following any of my advise.
Hi! Thank you so much for all your content. I watch your videos almost everyday. When you say “discs heal” what exactly does that mean? Does the rupture close? Do the nerves get accustomed to pressure of the nucleus and give up on creating symptoms? What exactly occurs when discs heal? Thanks so much!
Hi! Thanks for watching. I'm so glad to meet you.
Healing for a disc means two things. For the soft nucleus, the white cells in your blood digest (eat up) the herniated nuclear part. For the annulus, the strong outer part, healing means like your skin does, by knitting itself back together. Does that make sense?
Everything you mentioned happened to me bud , the injections didn’t work at all.
The surgery has been a good send , 3 years of constant pain. Day one I’m feeling no pain, 34 years old crying like a baby
So glad to hear that. It's been a couple of months, how is it going now? Still good?
@@BestPracticeHealth still good , bit of the sciatica came back. But I’m still mobile , in gym stretching . And pain is like a 1 instead of a 15
Man I had,an mri 13months ago. I had 2 ejection in the last 10 months the sciatica bearly going away the stiffness and pain still here looks like I'm going in for micro surgery 😢😢 pray this goes away
Good luck with surgery. I hope you feel better soon and get a great result. Hang in there. Please let me know how it turns out.
The first time my disc herniated, my body never absorbed the disc material and it hardened into what the surgeon called "glass shards of disc material" This was 6 years after the initial herniation. As I had a posterior bulge that didn't show in a standard lay down MRI. So I was told there was nothing wrong with me. The discetomy was heaven sent !
4.5 years out from second fusion- S1/L4 now, got 19 years from the initial. Problem now is adjacent segment disorder... has the Femoral Nerve Singin!!! Done the injection's, Yoga is a blessing.
Wow. We are sorry to hear that. Two fusion is a lot to go through to still be in pain. Most cases of adjacent level pain are due to facet disease above the prior fusion. This can often be handled easily with diagnostic medial branch block then radio frequency ablation if appropriate. The test block and ablation procedures are done by pain management doctors. Do you know how to find a good PM doc? We recommend those that are board certified in anesthesia or physiatrist, certified in pain management, and do not use chronic narcotics.
wow ,i feel like im quite fortunate. pain comes and goes. depending on movement and such.i wear a weight lifting belt, since the time of injury because i had to keep working. it'd taken time but i can walk and properly and far less pain now. just gatta hang on and do the physio required.
Wow really great video!!! Thank you!
I’m retired and have five herniated discs plus sciatica in both legs and under the care of VA home health care. Only medications they prescribed is gabapentin and methocarbamol, but so far not effective. Nothing stops the extreme pain except lying flat on my back since 2021.
Bought a Tens unit with no positive results. Next step is going to the pain clinic for stronger pain medication.
What's causing the sciatica? It sounds like you have a structural problem that may need to be fixed.
This is what my MRI says! I’ve been on gabapentin and Ibuprofen and I’ve done PT, waiting to get into the spine doctor. My pain is in my left hip goes down to my knee and it always feels twisted, I also have what feels like a stiff rod in my lower back with shooting pains in it, I also get shooting pains in my booty. I’m going on 3 months of this, my pain went from a 10 (in my back) to a 4 for a few weeks and then it started back up I’m at a 6, I’m worried I’m gonna wake up and not be able to move again. Anyways here is my mri results! What do you suggest I do!
LA-S: There is a broad-based disc bulge noted with a focal central disc protrusion seen resulting in mild narrowing of the central canal and neural foramen. There are facet hypertrophic changes also contributing to the narrowing at this level.
LS-S1: There is a broad-based disc bulge noted with focal central disc protrusion with no significant central canal or neural foraminal narrowing seen.
Thank you so much for this video. Such a clear explanation.
You're very welcome!
You are so helpful. Thanks Doc.
You are welcome. Thanks for the comment.
I've been dealing with right outer hip pain for over 4 years. It was intermittent at first, but became almost constant about a year ago. Finally saw a couple doctors who thought it was hip bursitis. Cortisone shot did nothing. I then got an xray of the hip which showed some small hip labral tears. I tried 6 weeks of PT with little help. Then got an mri of the hip tp confirm the hip was still good. So the dr thought it must be a back issue which made sence because I sometimes noticed a sharp pain in the low back when squatting heavy, but it goes away. So I then got a back mri and sure enough, it showed multiple bulging discs with one bad one near the bottom pushing against the main nerve on that side. He said there was nothing he could do since I still have good strength and can get around fine. It mostly is just a dull ache while standing and walking during my 12 hour shifts. I'm already taking anti inflammatories and trying some experimental peptides. But no real relief after a couple months. I have stopped doing heavy back squats and deadlifts and added light front squats, core and hip exercises and stretches. I think years of heavy squats and deads with little to no stretching may have contributed to the condition. I'm kind of bummed because all the medical visits did nothing but leave me with a huge bill as insurance didn't cover the mri's. I was supposed to hear from them about getting that spine shot and never did, but sounds like it's only for pain relief and doesn't heal anything anyway and I don't want more bills. Anyway any advice? I swear the hip tears are also causing some of the discomfort since I have less ROM on that side when trying to stretch the pitoris muscle and it hurts when doing it do not sure if I should continue or not. The core exercises may be helping slightly too, but the dull ache rarely goes away unless I'm lying down, but that is not on a schedule as I'm a 3rd shifter on a rotating schedule so some days I'll only get a few hours sleep and on my days off I'll end up sleeping 12 to 16 hours.
I'm sorry to hear you are having so much pain... especially when it sounds like you're trying so hard to stay strong and fit!
I'm not clear on the diagnosis. Nerve root compression and irritation does not typically show up a lateral hip pain. Was the cortisone shot in your hip done in the bursa (lateral where the pain is located) or was it int he hip joint itself. If it was the bursa, I'd recommend an intra-articular block in your hip for diagnostic purposes. If the pain goes away temporarily, then your pain is due to the labral tear. You should also see an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in labral tear repair (does more than 100 per year) as well.
@@BestPracticeHealth I'm not sure about the shot, but think it was in the bursa. I'm thinking part of the issue is from the hip years, but he thought they were not big enough to be causing my pain. The mri did show a small amount if fluid around the hip joint too if that makes a difference. When I try to stretch the hip with the leg crossed and the foot on the opposite knee and push down on the bent knee, it hurts and I can't push it down as much as the other leg. The guy I saw is actually a NP, but specializes in ortho, although it is a small town medical center. But I do periodically notice low back pain too usually if I try to load too much on the spine while lifting weights or bending over or sitting too much. The hip pain is more constant and usually flairs when walking and standing. I really don't want to go back to the dr any more as I'll be paying off these MRI bills for years as it is, but then again I want to get better so I can get back to lifting lower body heavier eventually and do things that involve walking more without pain.
going on month 9 with unbearable pain, i've gotten injections, steroid packs, muscle relaxers, numerous doctors appointments, physical therapy, sedatives, chiropractic, and I have surgery in two weeks and I am only 18 years old. it's insane. I just pray for a smooth recovery and to be able to finally sit up and walk again 🙏😫
i have 1 bulged disc and 2 herniated discs L3 to S1
I am so sorry to hear about your last 9 months. I hope you get a great result and have relief. It's sad to hear of young people suffering for so long (or anyone, for that matter). Hand in there.