Slipped disk..What to do?

First thing would be get some pain killers if its that painfull, i would imagine going in a swimming pool may help too as it often can with stuff like that. Also have you thought about the more herbal medicines that might help stop any discomfort, i mean from health shops though but the other will work wonders too if you get my drift…

I would give it time and see an Ostiopath as I would doubt that a Chiropractor could do much for you..?

Thanks all. I’ve had an MRI scan already, which shows that the disk is impinging on the sciatic nerve. A friend who’s wife had the op recommended patience, stretching, and hanging so as to relieve pressure. I’m going to perhaps investigate an ostiopath or chiroprator next week as the 4 physiotherapy sessions I’ve had haven’t helped in the slightest. Should I give it more time?

As to the other suggestions, KM (Martin?) I’m afraid a trip to Utah for a spot of mountain climbing isn’t quite within my physical capabilities just yet! Also, I fear that unless your Orthopeadic Surgeon lives in or around the greater Cape Town area, I’m afraid it might be a tad expensive to go and see him! Thanks for the tips though.

I have three prolapsed discs, I went through an MRI scan to ascertain the problem and was advised by the specialist not to have physio which could cause more trouble than it’s worth. He advised to put up with the discomfort and in time the disc will shrink back. Which has happened and though I do get the odd twinge every now and then, I really do not notice.

He did say that if I start to suffer discomfort down my right leg to have it looked at immediately as it will more than likely be that the other side of the disc has become pro-laxed and this would then involve surgery.

My comiserations, I know how you feel.

I had the same problem 18 months ago. MRI confirmed it as a slipped disc. Had some physio for 4-6 weeks, which improved it, but not much.

I had an op booked for 6 weeks later, and in the interim, went on a winter holiday to Las Vegas. Deciding to get some exercise, I spent a day climbing up (and back down) a 2000′ slot canyon in Utah (cold, snowy but beautiful).

Upon my return (and continuing with the physio), the problem went away all of its own accord.

12 months on, no further problems (apart from a twinge last summer).

So I would suggest not having the op until you have examined every other avenue (including steroids, and a trip to get some Utah hiking in).

Also, I can’t recommend my consultant Orthopeadic Surgeon enough…If you’d like an introduction, PM me.

My advice would be to not have an operation until all other avenues have been explored. I met a chap several years ago with a similar complaint, he was eventually talked into giving an alternative therapy a try, osteopathy sorted him out, he was back on the golf course within weeks.

Thanks Robbo.

So you didn’t have surgery? When diagnosed, was surgery ever discussed? Did your disk impinge on your sciatic nerve at all? Why the Ostiopath and not a Physio? The doctor I saw suggested a limited 1 month physiotherapy course to see if there is any progress. If not, he wants to operate. People I’ve spoken to say that I should not have the op.

Was your rehabilitation a complete success?