Bulging disc, any info appreciated

Saw a Chiropractor in regard to bad sciatic pain all down my leg/foot.

Diagnosed a bulging disc but said if I act now to take it easy , heal, and work with him I can walk away relatively unscathed.

Anybody with experience have any info or hope?? Thanks

Replies

  • Mr_Healthy_Habits
    Mr_Healthy_Habits Posts: 12,588 Member
    My brother was just diagnosed with 4 herniated disc, becareful because it sounds like they can possibly domino once one is compromised...

    See a doctor of course

    Here's an excellent video from athlean x... He has a few more too

    https://youtu.be/9SKuFe2SERs
  • jacksarcia1
    jacksarcia1 Posts: 25 Member
    Thank you Sir, this is exactly what I am going to do. I'll see my primary and hopefully be sent to imaging from there. I really appreciate your advice.
  • 1BlueAurora
    1BlueAurora Posts: 439 Member
    I had an L5/S1 bulging disc when I was in my mid-30s. I was in excruciating pain that had me vomiting and I was in the ER immediately. They ran an MRI to confirm. I think that's important. I spent the next year laying on my stomach (you might find lying on your back is what they recommend for you). The physical therapy was very helpful. Frankly, I didn't trust a chiropractor, but maybe things have changed and they're more competent than I was led to believe way back when.
  • Katmary71
    Katmary71 Posts: 6,975 Member
    From your post it doesn't sound like you've had x-rays or an MRI, am I right? You've received a lot of good advice already, I just wanted to reiterate you need imaging to find out what the root cause is so you know how to treat it properly. I've had both good and bad chiropractors and orthopedists and imaging is a basic place to start. From there you can decide on treatment course such as physical therapy or hopefully at least a consult with a PT for stretches and exercises you can do. I've had multiple back surgeries that I put off as long as possible and the advice you're getting is great to start out with.
  • jacksarcia1
    jacksarcia1 Posts: 25 Member
    Avidkeo wrote: »
    You can't diagnose a bulging disc without an MRI scan. Even CT and Xray cannot see them. A chiropractor cannot diagnose without an MRI scan. Nor can chiropractic manipulation treat a bulging disc.

    Sciatic nerve type pain is often relieved (not always, I know, but generally) with some specific stretches that help relax the piriformis muscles that have gotten tight.

    https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/piriformis-muscle-stretch-and-physical-therapy

    Try them first, if that doesn't help, see your GP for a referral for an MRI.

    *Note this is advice for the general population and not to replace the advice of your Dr.

    Thank you. I'm stumbling through this injury learning as I go. I am going to see my doc and go for an MRI asap.
  • jacksarcia1
    jacksarcia1 Posts: 25 Member
    Katmary71 wrote: »
    From your post it doesn't sound like you've had x-rays or an MRI, am I right? You've received a lot of good advice already, I just wanted to reiterate you need imaging to find out what the root cause is so you know how to treat it properly. I've had both good and bad chiropractors and orthopedists and imaging is a basic place to start. From there you can decide on treatment course such as physical therapy or hopefully at least a consult with a PT for stretches and exercises you can do. I've had multiple back surgeries that I put off as long as possible and the advice you're getting is great to start out with.

    Thank you. I drove in the the ER last night and they shot an xray. Said it looked fine but I think I should see my doc and go for an MRI to be sure.
  • robertw486
    robertw486 Posts: 2,398 Member
    The X-ray is a start, and hopefully good news. In my case my disc damage was severe enough that the disc issue and back curve could easily be seen on the X-ray. But the MRI will show a lot more detail, such as the floating fragment I have.

    If you get lucky maybe it's just a muscle issue this time around. But being certain is the smart route.
  • bluediamond5
    bluediamond5 Posts: 11 Member
    Hi, I am older than many of you and have had bulging discs for years - The joy of getting Older!!! In 2017 - one of discs at L5 on S1 extruded (burst) and the fragments caused extremely sever pain down my left leg and totally numb foot - It was hitting my sciatic nerve - saw lots of doctors, neurologists, pain specialists and physical therapists and many tests - Had to go on 6 month sick leave from work - taking many pain meds - Finally my family doctor suggested (really ordered) they I lay flat on my back for 3 to 4 weeks (only getting up to shower, etc) and let my body heal itself. Amazing, it worked!!! Watched lots of TV - very boring. My new MRI's show no extrusion and only a slight bulge - and no more pain. It is now 2020 and whenever I feel even the slightest pain, I stop and lay down for a few hours. I also travel a lot and always wear a waist brace when flying. I know everyone is different but this really worked for me. Let me know if this helps anyone
  • JoDavo66
    JoDavo66 Posts: 526 Member
    My DH had similar. He 'put his back out' with some strenous gardening! Went to a physio initially & the exercises really helped but about a month later he was on a cocktail of meds. Eventually got MRI appt which showed 3 affected disc - exercises helped but he had some very serious pain which stopped him being able to do them properly even with opiate & other nerve blocking pain relief.
    Appt with neurosurgeon gave advice, had injection in spine & this allowed him to do the exercise properly- an odd twinge now but the difference in 24 hours was incredible.
    Definitely need X-ray or MRI for precise diagnosis