Wellness

[qualitygal]

Have to look this one up today.  Not my disc, but it might as well be.  Personal interest.

[Desertdi]

You don't know whether to SCREAM or CRY first....

This is from the net:

What Does a Slipped Disc Feel Like? A slipped disc or herniated disc usually causes immediate, intense pain. Some people describe it as an electric shock, followed by sharp pains in the lower back. Other descriptions include: Pain in the lower back and numbness down one leg; Pain that gets worse if you try to sit or stand or stand up straight

[PINKdogWOOD]

@qualitygal   Had one back in 1996, a very bad herniated disc lumbar 3-4 (lower portion of spine). Don't know how it happened, I was young at age 43 so said my unbelievably fabulous Surgeon. I could bore you with my gory details but I won't. The pain was insane, could not sleep, only about 3-4 hour intervals before I needed OTC pain relief which really wasn't. Finally I had to have surgery, yes I was in tears with my Surgeon prior to, I think he bumped someone to get me in on an immediate basis.

Most times they'll start you off with physical therapy and yes it did feel great but didn't last but an hour or two afterwards. So into the operating room I went. As I said my Dr totally cured me. 

[Shelbelle]

My DH had one so severe he had no choice but to have surgery in 2003. It was outpatient called Microdiscectomy, in 10 days he was his old self and not even any PT. 

[CatsyCline]

i lived with herniated discs for years. had PT and injections which helped but eventually required surgeries.     the electric ZAP when turning or bending lets you know the disc no longer has gel -it's  bone on bone or stenosis - the nerve is involved and also extreme pain in one or both legs.

i'm getting the Zaps again. i needed to not lift ridiculous heavy stuff but there was no one else to help. i have degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis.

[hckynutjohn]

@qualitygal 

The permanent solution to my ruptured disc issues. I had surgery in 1974 to remove my ruptured L-5 and S-1 discs. Around 2006 I had surgery to remove my ruptured L-3 disc. That was the permanent solution for me.

In 1974 I spent 3 weeks in the hospital in Traction, and going each day to Physical Therapy. Was on differing doses of Valium, and was getting Demerol Injections every 6-8 hours.

That didn't work so went to surgery to remove the above mention discs. Was in the hospital 5 days after the surgery. Then spent close to 2 hours a day walking(3 times) and doing stretching and leg strengthening exercises.

In 2006 I tried several Caudal Blocks and with each one the the amount of time of  effectiveness became less and less. Got tired of treating symptoms and opted for a 2nd back surgery, a permanent solution for me.

Still do daily exercises to keep my hamstring and spinal muscles as flexible possible, and abdominal exercises to keep all my core muscles strong. Those are my experiences with my 3 ruptured spinal discs.

hckynut  🇺🇸

[qualitygal]

Once again, thank you all!!!

[Thats Me]

In 2000 I had 2 herniated discs and it happened on or @ New Years Eve. I couldn't stand up straight but I remember jaywalking across a busy thoroughfare to get to my doctor's office and it took all I had to make it there. I spent time in an adjustable bed with the head and foot as high up as they could go so I was in this absurd U shaped position. Also I was on a prescription for a prednisone dose pack. Prednisone is scary but it was a miracle worker for me. The U position took the strain off my lower back. It was the only way I could feel remotely comfortable.

I avoided surgery but was told the trouble could come back. So far it hasn't.

Good luck! I so hope you feel better soon!

[BExplorer]

I have herniated C6 and C7 twice. My pain was mostly down my arm. No surgery, the pain ended when my body absorbed the gel right at about 8 weeks which is what my doctor told me would happen. 

I didn't miss any work other than for my MRI. It was painful but I was able to live a normal life through it. 

[hckynutjohn]

@BExplorer 

I cracked 3 Cervical Vertebrae back in the early 1970's. There was no MRI back in those days, not sure how they diagnosed them other than Xray. With my ruptured Lumbar Discs they used the Myelogram to detect those ruptures. That was not used for my neck. With my heavy lifting factory job, I missed 3 weeks of work, but still struggled with for months after that on my job.

On the many MRI's I have had, some included the Cervical Spine, those 3 Vertebrae still show hairline fractures. Every now and then they deal me a fit, but for the most part, they were minor in comparison, to my 2 back surgeries for those ruptured discs.

hckynut  🇺🇸