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hi, as I write this, I am in excruciating pain, and I am just so tired of it. I found out that I have not one but two herniated discs in my back. The bottom one is 6 mms out. I don't know what to do. I have blue cross/ blue shield, but i don't get a lot of money. My deductible started over at the beginning of the year. I have already gotten two steroid shots and to me, they are a joke. My problem is that I am working, but after bills and student loan payments, I am not left with much. Is there anyway for the state to get involved? or would a doctor take me for spinal surgery as long as I just pay my deductible so that way they could get the 80%?
I don't really know how all this works, but I am tired of being in pain, having it twitch down there. Since I don't have the money, do the doctors work with u? I just felt that I could get pay the deductible, they get their 80% and then i pay the rest in payments...has anyone else been through this?
My husband has two herniated discs as well. What helped him was going to the chiropractor 3 times a week and ultrasound on his back too. His back still hurts from time to time but it's not nearly as bad as it was. He opted not to have shots in his back and now he only goes to the chiropractor once a month.
Please don't have surgery on your back before you've tried other options. No matter how good the surgeon, results are iffy. Physical therapy can do a lot more for you than you might think. There are other possibilities too. Try and find a specialist in physical medicine/physiatry or sports medicine. They can very likely help you avoid surgery.
About 20 years ago, I had a back injury and was off of work for 3 months. One Doc told me I needed surgery and the Surgeon told me maybe 10 years later down the road I would need it. I never had it and cured mine thru exercise at a gym. I did have to go thru physical therapy which helped some. But working out in the gym with certain weights, stretches, etc cured me to where I can touch my nose to my knees. I really think exercise can cure and surgery can not. I have worked in a hospital at one time (and where the injury occurred and seen where people have to have numerous of back surgeries or other issues after having back surgery. Everyone is different and my experience may be different from yours.
Most lower back problems come from having too big of a "front," that is, a big belly. If you have this, work to get it flatter; do sit-ups, lose the fat, and suck in your gut while walking. You can also buy compression garments to hold the abdomen in.
If your belly is flat, make sure it's toned. The lower abdominal muscles support the weak back muscles.
If you are flat and toned, try negative-heel shoes or shoes that are as flat as possible in the heel. Bend your knees when lifting, and don't lock your knees when walking.
I posted this on a different thread, maybe it applies. Certainly a back support would help. Also, are you taking a good prescription anti-inflammatory like Meloxicam?
If you read the link above, which webmd is a reliable source of medial info, you will find that only 10% of people with herniated discs require surgery.
The consensus with everything I've read and experienced with herniated discs is exercise and strengthening your core is crucial for recovery along with rest, good nutrition, and taking care of your mental health.
How long have you known about the herniated discs?
I can try to work on my core and I live with someone that can possibly help me, I woke up thursday and my whole right side(the opposite side that the pain used to be on) was flared up and swollen, I looked in the mirror and sure enough, i was tilted a little bit. I can try to go to the doctor, but I just wanted to ask if I needed another shot and just for that they care going to charge my office visit. My deductible started over, so now I have to pay full price. I have lost 7 lbs, since thursday because I exercise(i push through the pain). I know that the doctor told me last time that if the shots did not work that medicine would possibly be an option, but is that right? I don't want to be on medicine for the rest of my life..and it does not help fix the situation.
Also if you are overweight, have a big belly or very large breasts that can add to the stress on your back,when my husband lost 100 lbs 3 years ago his back was better, he put 60 lbs back on and as of yesterday his back was in agony even though he just went to the chiroptactor,we are seeing an orthopedis tomorrow for his elbow but we are going to have his back checked again and do another MRI his last MRI was 3 years ago.
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