Can you help me cope with my utterly terrible back and leg pain? I'm at my wits end, so I'm looking for any and all suggestions - physical or mental. [more inside]
posted by youngergirl44 on Dec 7, 2011 - 43 answers

Hey everybody, I asked about my leg pain/sciatica and got a lot of helpful answers last time. This is a followup on the same topic. I recently got an MRI back that says I have "There is a large extradural mass extending posterior to the L4-5 or L5-S1 intervertebral discs most likely L5-S1. This likely reflects an extruded disc fragment from a disc herniation. There is extensive effacement of the right S-1 nerve root. This extends up to the level of the L4-5 disc. Diffuse central disc bulging is present at L3-4. No compression fractures or other bony abnormalities are identified." My chiropractor said that I have the next to worse kind of herniated disc and that it is "leaking" and putting pressure on the nerve. He was anti-surgery last time, but after seeing the MRI said that is pretty much my only treatment option at this point for relief. I am having horrible leg pain and am on pain killers pretty consistently. I am mildly freaked out about surgery, but I need to get back on track with my life. Please help me get a better understanding if you have any experience. Thank you! [more inside]
posted by gibbsjd77 on Jun 8, 2010 - 20 answers

How does a ruptured disk benefit from an epidural? [more inside]
posted by boo_radley on Mar 12, 2009 - 12 answers

Sometimes when I stretch my back, it kind of pops and hurts sharply, what's up with that? [more inside]
posted by T.D. Strange on May 22, 2008 - 3 answers

What are your experiences with non-surgical alternatives to a herniated lower back disc? [more inside]
posted by sociolibrarian on Oct 18, 2007 - 12 answers

Can anyone offer advice for going back to the gym after a back injury and six months of downtime? [more inside]
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken on Mar 11, 2007 - 15 answers

Wondering if anyone has herniated a disc in the lower lumbar spine. If so, how long did it take to heal? What did you do to alleviate the pain? I have had pain for 2 years now and am wondering if I should have surgery, or what other routes I should take to get rid of the pain. Any suggestions?
posted by Maishe on Apr 20, 2005 - 13 answers