My son has been diagnosed with two ruptured disks. The orthopedic doctor told him he had 3 options:
(1) Live on meds.
(2) Have a procedure done with an injection in his lower spine (think it was cortisone).
He choose option number two with the injection. Three days ago he had this procedure done and was told he should see results in 2-3 days. It's day 3 and now he was told it may take up to a week. He has to return to work tomorrow night; working on his feet and doing some heavy lifting.
He gets very little sleep because of the pain and nothing over the counter works. The pain management doctor "will not" prescribe him pain meds; wait a week the nurse says. It seems these people don't understand or simply don't care that some people have to sleep and work and it's very difficult when you're in so much pain.
Now that he as been to this pain management doctor the orthopedic doctor won't be involved in his treatment. I'm very frustrated at the pain management doctor as pain management is her specialty. As a mother it kills me to see my grown son in so much pain.
My question is: Did you have a ruptured disk and what treatments did you find helpful? Did you see a chiropractor?
By Betty
Talk to people who have had the surgery. I had it. They have marvelous procedures now. You will need to see a good neurosurgeon who has done the surgery many times.
Each case is different and there is no easy fix. No two cases are alike. See a top notch neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon, a neurologist and a physical therapist-best to go to a spine center at a top notch university where they work together. Do your research on line. do not take the advice of non medical people who do not know what they are talking about. Read Read. he should use ice and heat and yoga and stretching-go easy. Optimum weight is vital. No smoking. Walk 20 minutes per day until he has his evaluation. Get all his records and MRIs and x-rays together to see your doctors. If you feel as if the doctor is not listening or is dismissive speak up or walk out and file a complaint. Nurses and other patients are good sources to find a caring competent doctor. Do not give up.
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I can't sit, stand or drive my car without severe lower back pain which includes sciatic nerve pain that radiates all the way down my thigh, calf & foot. This has been going on for several months. My doctor says it's some kind of disc problem.
