Bulging disc, trapped nerve in my back, any tips?

[GAZZPA]

I am in a lot of pain right now and unable to walk for more then a few minutes before the pain gets the better of me due to a bulging disc in my lower left back. The pain from the trapped nerve radiates down in my left calf, it's very painful.

Seen doctor, he has prescribed pain killers, anti inflammatory and muscle relaxants. His instructions are simple, rest and wait.

I am ok when lying down, still some discomfort but manageable but going to the toilet is a big challenge. I know that surgery is possible (laser surgery) but dont want to go down that route unless really necessary.

Anyone have any tips on how to deal with this and speed up recovery?

[brd]

you do need acupuncturw with electric needles Korean style.

There is one doctor I can recommend you in sukhumvit near soi 10.

for more infos please do contact me with your message.

It does not hurt and does not take very long possibly a short few sessions as treatment.

kind regards

I have been saved and saved many friends with it.

[worgeordie]

You have to be very careful,I had the same problem,woke up

one morning and was paralyzed from waist down,took about 6

months of daily treatment at hospital,before I could walk again,

but still numb down left leg.you need to see a doctor who knows

what he is doing,pain killers are just not going to do it.

regards worgeordie

[Issangeorge]

My father had that problem, surgery was recommended, but he was 80, so didn't want to go that route. He went to an osteopath, who did some stretching manipulations on his back, after the first appointment my dad felt great. The doctor recommended two more, which my dad took. After that he never had another problem and he lived to 90.

Edited November 28, 2015 by Issangeorge

[Sheryl]

Strongly recommend against any sort of spinal manipulation, could have disasterous consequences.

There are better drug regimens than what you were given, involving short term use of a steroid plus a neuroleptic drug. In addition, physical therapy with lumbar traction can give some relief. Most hospitals have PT departments which can provide this on an outpatient basis.

If you are in Bangkok I suggest you see Dr. Wicharn at the BNH Spine center.

[mickjn]

Try a hot water bottle or wheat bag wrapped in a towel

[simple1]

If you're getting pain in the calf, but ceases when resting it may be worth getting a doppler blood flow check. I have both stenosis and blood flow problems that cause pain radiating from lower back down to calf's. Current treatment is special exercise regime and 100mg aspirin a day. There is medication that relieves pain caused by pressure on the nerves, but need to be careful as can have significant side effects.

[chiang mai]

A Prolapsed or bulging disc does not respond well to heat treatment, use a cold packs instead, a bag of frozen peas works well.

I've been through this many years ago and was within three days of having a discectomy (fusing of the vertebrae), a chance visit to an old chiropractor friend sorted out the problem quite quickly and I avoided the operation, that was over twenty five years ago.

[zoza]

I had a trapped nerve in my 4/5 vertebrae they used heat and stretching over several months outpatient treatment by

the good old NHS service once freed not returned after 30 + years .touch wood .

best of luck it certainly lets you know its there.

[Pinot]

I published "Gaba is THE Drug for Chronic Pain" on my blog:

I was seeing a doctor as a last resort for terrible back pain. It felt like I had a knife stuck in my shoulder blade. I knew it was from my old, degenerating, arthritic spine and I was grasping at straws at that point. The doctor had little to offer except codeine, muscle relaxers, and a therapy program, the usual ineffective answers. But, he also threw something new into the mix, Gabapentin. Turned out, Gabapentin was a game-changer.

A billion people in the world suffer from chronic pain, based on an estimate that 100 million Americans who suffer from pain. What are a billion people doing to relieve their suffering? Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first line of defensive. They’re usually ineffective against chronic pain. Opiates are a very popular way to go. The big problem with opiates is that you will become addicted, if they don’t kill you. 15,000 people died last year in America alone, from opiate painkillers. I can’t even imagine how many people are drinking themselves to death, numbing the pain with alcohol.

Gabapentin or Gaba should be the first line of defense for chronic pain. Unlike opiates, it’s not addictive and it’s highly effective, far more so than opiates that just mask the pain. The beauty of Gabapentin is that it works on the neuropathic aspect of pain.

Gabapentin was originally developed for the treatment of epilepsy. It’s a relatively new anticonvulsant. It’s still being investigated for potential use in the treatment of bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, behavioral dyscontrol, and substance use disorders. It has relatively few side effects and its use doesn’t need to be monitored by a doctor.

I’ve read extensively about Gaba and the explanation of how the drug works. It’s very complicated and the bottom line is, they don’t really know.

Why aren’t doctors telling their patients to take Gabapentin for chronic pain? Why do we chase useless therapy from chiropractors and acupuncturists? That’s a billion dollar question. There hasn’t been a lot of study on Gaba, for one thing. There are a couple of studies that show, when taken in the correct dosage, it’s highly effective.

The only way to see if Gabapentin works for you, is to try it for a month. It’s that simple. If you’re in pain, I suggest you try it.

I guarantee you, your GP will not know how to correctly prescribe Gabapentin. When first prescribed by a doctor, here in Thailand, he told me to take one 300 mg capsule a day at bed. That’s an incorrect dosage and completely ineffective. Since I don’t trust Thai doctors, I went home and Googled it, found the correct dosage and started taking it. In a week, my back was feeling better for the first time in months. In three weeks, I was pain free, a miracle!

The secret to Gabapentin, is taking it in the right dosage.

Here are my suggestions for taking Gabapentin:

1. Purchase 100 Gabapentin, 300 mg capsules. You’re going to be building up your tolerance to this drug. Take one capsule once a day for three days. The most common initial side effects of Gaba in adult patients include dizziness, fatigue and doziness. I remember experiencing a surreal feeling occasionally. Don’t worry, all the side effects soon go away.

2. Increase the dosage to two capsules a day one in morning and evening for three more days. Then increase the dosage to three capsules a day, morning, mid-day and evening, before or after meals, it doesn’t make any difference. You will then be on a daily dosage of 900 mg. After two weeks you should notice the pain getting better. In three weeks, the pain maybe gone. There should be some results. If there are no results after one month, stop using Gaba, it’s not working for you.

3. If the pain is better, but not gone in a month, you may increase the Gabapentin dosage. Increase it slowly. For a few days take two capsules at night. Then add two capsules in the morning. 1800 mg is still a safe dosage, that’s what I take. The maximum dosage, I’ve read is 3600 mg. Remember, increase dosage slowly to avoid side effects. If you choose to stop using Gaba, taper off slowly.

I’m not a doctor, I only play one online. I could suggest you speak to your doctor before starting to use Gaba, but I doubt he’ll know much about it. The doctor will look it up, tell you there is a high suicide rate as one of the side effect and not to take it. Yeah, there is an infinitesimally higher suicide rate. I wonder what the suicide rate for opiates is? Read up on Gaba if you’re in pain. There is plenty of info online.

I only know it works for me.

Good luck.

[chubby]

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=mckenzie+technique+therapy&t=ffsb

[Sheryl]

Don't self medicate with gabapentin. Though either it or more likely Lyrica (same general family of drug) is what a good spinal specialist will likely prescribe along with a short (very short) course of a steroid like prednisilone. These are serious meds and the dose regimen has to be individually tailored.

Contrary to what the above post suggests, doctors - at least those with specialities in orthopedics or neurology -- here are very familiar with gabapentin and related drugs and often prescribe it when indicated.

If the pain is indeed solely from a protruding disc (as opposed to other causes with the disc just an incidental finding, which can happen) then it will usually resolve with time and conservative management, surgery is usually not indicated purely for a protruding disc unless there is spinal cord compression, which is very rare.

However, sometimes the pain has other or additional causes (bone spur compressing a nerve, narrowing of the space where the nerve root exits etc) and this is another reason why consultation with a good spinal specialist (as opposed to just any orthopedist) is important.

[chubby]

it's often not so black and white as the bulge-> the pain, though the radiation would seem to indicate that. if they aren't talking surgery yet. try laying on your stomach prone, propped onto elbows for 15 minutes,

pregabalin and gabalin(sp) apparently often work for 'nerve pain' as they aren't opiods, but are known for a laundry list of side effects, though used correctly, could be a tool to get through the acute phase, and maybe you'll get lucky and it may very well, resolve with the muscle relaxants etc

you don't really mention when you got the MRI that showed what grade of 'bulging' / prolapse

[Pinot]

Don't self medicate with gabapentin. Though either it or more likely Lyrica (same general family of drug) is what a good spinal specialist will likely prescribe along with a short (very short) course of a steroid like prednisilone. These are serious meds and the dose regimen has to be individually tailored.

Contrary to what the above post suggests, doctors - at least those with specialities in orthopedics or neurology -- here are very familiar with gabapentin and related drugs and often prescribe it when indicated.

If the pain is indeed solely from a protruding disc (as opposed to other causes with the disc just an incidental finding, which can happen) then it will usually resolve with time and conservative management, surgery is usually not indicated purely for a protruding disc unless there is spinal cord compression, which is very rare.

However, sometimes the pain has other or additional causes (bone spur compressing a nerve, narrowing of the space where the nerve root exits etc) and this is another reason why consultation with a good spinal specialist (as opposed to just any orthopedist) is important.

I'm afraid you have to self medicate with Gabapentin. They're few Drs who are knowledgeable about it and even fewer in Asia. It's a lot easier to get a Dr to prescribe steroid medication (I had a friend gain 20 kg in six months on it) or even far worse, get you hooked on opiates. Muscle relaxers are just awful. Nerves not muscles are causing the pain. Lot of misery with the last alternative, surgery and it often doesn't work. Be careful with anyone recommending surgery.

Gaba is the best alternative and should be the first thing Drs prescribe for chronic pain. Oh yeah, you don't need a prescription.

[Sheryl]

I'm afraid you have to self medicate with Gabapentin. They're few Drs who are knowledgeable about it and even fewer in Asia. ...

That is simply not true. In fact I have yet to meet a Thai orthopedist, neurologist or pain specialist who was not thoroughly familiar with it.

It is very frequently prescribed here.

[chubby]

i believe gabapentin is generic now, lyric-pregabalin is not, and so is fairly expensive, but probably has less adverse reactions , every drug has side effects, however these two to my knowledge have more severe common ones, and should therefore be used in a risk/benefit way with a doctor deciding with you. just cause your in thailand doesn't mean you should be your own doctor, often that creates a worsening spiral , relaxers have their place, nerve impingement is not just the bulge/prolapse, it is often a pain cycle from the muscle being in spasm..., it's closer to treating the cause, the masking it, though that to, might impact the cycle of pain, spasm, lactic acid, pain...

anyway the OP, doesn't give enough information really to say anything relevent

Don't self medicate with gabapentin. Though either it or more likely Lyrica (same general family of drug) is what a good spinal specialist will likely prescribe along with a short (very short) course of a steroid like prednisilone. These are serious meds and the dose regimen has to be individually tailored.

Contrary to what the above post suggests, doctors - at least those with specialities in orthopedics or neurology -- here are very familiar with gabapentin and related drugs and often prescribe it when indicated.

[GAZZPA]

Thank you so much for everyone that responded to my post. I should mention that I have had this problem before many years ago, it took a long time for my body to repair itself and I dont really want to spend so long suffering if at all possible, hence my post.

I like the idea of gentle stretching, keeping muscles flexible and maintaining some strength whilst recovering. It's a miserable thing to live with, the pain quite literally puts your life on hold, its only been about a week and I'm already sick of movies and reading.

So, I have a lot of reading up to do and i will update on progress this week. Take care everyone and have a beer for me.

[Sheryl]

There are home lumbar traction devices but don't know how readily you can find one here. I have one that is non-electric (a crank handle) that I bought at a sporting good/exercise equipment place in Phnom penh and it works wonders on the spine.

In a pinch a simple inversion table (the kind used for sit-ups, a slanting board where you hook your feet in and lie somewhat downward). ) will work if you can tolerate being slanted slightly upside down for a while. in that case gravity does the traction for you. You need to lie on it for at least 15 minutes at a time. Several times a day if possible until the pain improves then once a day for maintanence is a good idea.

Stretching exercises may or may not help but traction - which gently stretches the vertebra apart, reliving pressure from the disc and helping the disc retract - will help a lot.

And as mentioned there are much better drug regimens that what you were given.

[cyberfarang]

In England I suffered tremendously from body aches and pains, especially back aches. At times I could hardly move.

Since coming to Thailand I go regularly, once a week for a strong oil massage. Not Thai massage that will only make the problem worse. These days my body is supple and no more major back aches. This I would try first before considering having surgery and prolonged use of drug medications.

[Guest]

Been There ... Done that ... have the cure (Really)

Two years ago I had the exact symtoms and problems. Even went to the Hospital for the complete scan and of course, they said an operation was required.

By simple luck, I stumbled upon Disk Doctor. The principle is simple, as you pump up the belt, traction lifts your spinal vertebrae a tiny tiny bit. That is all it takes to releive the pressue, and allow the budging disk to calm down and retract.

The pain releif is immediate, and the support is so good you can sit in a chair, walk etc easily.

The are available at a good medical supplier --->

NK Sleepcare Co., Ltd. Address: 90/20 Biztown, Moo 18, Suksawad Rd., Bangpeung, Prapradaeng, Samutprakarn 10130, Thailand (Opposite Big C Suksawad Departmentstore) General Enquiries: 02-462-6441-2, 082-2233-710 (Mon. - Fri. 8.30 - 17.00 hr.)

I used to comment on Thai Visa often, but (happily) broke the habit. I saw your posting and had to at least try to help, since your injury is a ring of hell for sure. I have no affiliation with this company.

Best Regards

[ehs818]

I had a similar problem years ago and got immedidate relief using accupuncture with electrical stimulation. I don't know whici city you live in. I'm in Pattaya and there are several clinics here that do this. Then follow up with stretching excercises. Haven't had any reoccurance in 10 years.

[mamypoko]

You have to be very careful,I had the same problem,woke up

one morning and was paralyzed from waist down,took about 6

months of daily treatment at hospital,before I could walk again,

but still numb down left leg.you need to see a doctor who knows

what he is doing,pain killers are just not going to do it.

regards worgeordie

OMG! That's horrible...glad you're better now.

[sledpull]

I empathize completely relating to your symptoms. I do not know if Thailand has the newest in non-invasive technology, the VAX-D or Vertical Axial Decompression!

If they do, it will be a God-send for you!

[mrjon]

This system has worked for me and is something that I continue to use when the need arises for both my neck and back, not for all situations but highly recommended for most.

Good luck with your situation, back pain sucks.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McKenzie_method

http://www.mckenzieinstitute.org/

http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/what-mckenzie-method-back-pain-and-neck-pain

[kohlenkutscher]

I had same Problem and this Doctor of Chiropractic helped me excellent.

http://www.pattayachirocenter.com/

[sjholden]

Lay on your stomach. Put your weight on your elbows. So your back is arched. Worked for me after years of pain.

[sjholden]

Lay on your stomach. Put your weight on your elbows. So your back is arched. Worked for me after years of pain.

[maderaroja]

Physical Therapy is very,very cheap here in Thailand. Lumbar traction is something that I need regularly.

[weegee]

Instant relief...Had same problem. Went to Doctor here and got a shot of quaterzone or something like that(cant spell it properly) in the lower back.

I couldn't walk or sit for long and 2 hrs after the needle, I was walking around thinking about mowing the lawn...

Have had it (the needle) twice since i have been here...Doctor tells me you can only have the needle once in a year.

Check that out if you want instant relief....

Rgds

weegee

[bil2054]

Strongly recommend against any sort of spinal manipulation, could have disasterous consequences.

There are better drug regimens than what you were given, involving short term use of a steroid plus a neuroleptic drug. In addition, physical therapy with lumbar traction can give some relief. Most hospitals have PT departments which can provide this on an outpatient basis.

If you are in Bangkok I suggest you see Dr. Wicharn at the BNH Spine center.

I ha a problem like this when I was in prep school, due to a sports injury. Orthopedic guy said "spinal fusion", and I hobbled out as quickly as I could having seen my dad in the aftermath of that. The next guy said "We may go there, but let's try this first...". Series of exercises from the RCAF PT manual, and a home traction gadget for a couple of hours a day.

I can't say it has been perfect for the ensuing 45 years, but pretty darned good, and I know what to do for the odd bout.