Slipped discs...

[sandyRoe]

I have two in my lower back. I think as a consequence of these I now have a numbness in my left foot which makes walking any distance problematic. Can anything be done or it it just something I'll need to learn to live with?

[Buenchico]

Have you tried plenty of gentle exercise, e.g. swimming?
http://www.nhs.uk/Con.../Pages/Treatment.aspx

[Sqad]

sandy.....Jack the Hat has personal experience....she will answer.

Of course, a lot can be done.

[sandyRoe]

I've had a scan which shows that it is only the discs. I've tried physio, massage, and even acupuncture, all to no avail.

[Sqad]

It sounds as though your next step is microdiscectomy.........the numbness in your left foot is a worrying feature.

As I have said JTH has been through this personally.

[sandyRoe]

Thank you all. I'll see my GP next week.

[jackthehat]

Evening :o)

I, too, had both pain and numbness due to a slipped disc.
The acupuncture sorted me out for a while but masked the symptoms rather than dealt with the problem.
I also had a cortisone-epidural injection which gave relief for about 18-24 months, however this, too, deals with the symptoms rather than the cause.
Bizarrely, an incident when I was toppled over by a large alsatian must have freed 'something', because ever after, I had much more feeling/less pain below the knee. Perhaps that's not something that your GP would recommend, though.........

I had micro-discectomy on October 1st.
I'm not utterly 'pain-free' but I am in a far, far better place than I was prior to the op.
Ask away if there is anything else I can help you with. :o)

[Hopkirk]

Have you got a really good chair with substantial lumbar support?

It can make a hell of a difference in my experience.

[ladyalex]

I have found that going to Tai Chi classes regularly has helped my back problems a lot.
It took a few months to make any difference so you have to be patient.
Google and see if there are any near you .
Can't hurt as the exercises are all very gentle and slow.
You can even do them sitting down.

[sandyRoe]

Hopkirk, the only chair I'm comfortable on is a dining room chair. I have to sit up straight on it and I suppose that's half the battle.
Ladyalex, I'll look out for Tai Chi classes. I know there are yoga classes starting later this month.
Once again, thank you all.

[ladyalex]

Good luck , Sandy. I do feel for you. It's miserable when you cannot get comfortable anywhere and taking painkillers only helps until they wear off.(And they all have side effects.)

[Hopkirk]

It sounds a bit odd, but go to somewhere like Staples or PC World , somewhere that sells those black leather 'managers chairs'

http://www.pcworld.co...air-03109985-pdt.html

Try sitting in them in the shop, and you will find them surprisingly comfortable.

Get yourself one that has really good support in the lumbar region (behind your lower back), and after a while sitting properly you may find your problem improves.

The worst thing I can do for my back is slouch on a settee.

If you want to experience a really good chair for your back, go and see what a quality retirement home provides for their elderly residents.

[midagetrolop]

i had two discs removed some years ago when it was a big operation, the doctors left me for 18 months and kept giving me painkillers, When I insisted on seeing a specialist he was disgusted and said if he could have seen me months ago he could have maybe done something, but I was nearly a cripple by then and bent horribly. Anyway once I had the operation It was fantastic and I have had no trouble for 28 years. My husband is seeing a specialist at the moment for disc trouble, he has told him to keep moving and do gentle exercise and walking, and most slipped discs will go back on their own in 3 to 4 months and that sitting for long periods is not good as it puts a lot of strain on the bottom of your back, better to lay on the floor. Anyway best of luck be patient.

[midagetrolop]

I forgot to say my husband's foot was also numb, but now a lot better.

[musicmummy]

It will get better, i had the numbness in my inner and outer thighs due to two slipped discs, just had eight very painfree weeks then poped them again doing a very light task so beware. x

[Hopkirk]

Sitting very upright puts leaves all weight bearing down on the spine.

If you can use a chair that has a certain amount of recline, some of the body weight is supported by the backrest so relieving pressure on the spine.

[Hopkirk]

sorry, an extra word 'puts' got left in when I altered the words.