Having had multiple back injuries over the years I will say you need to see a specialist and get an MRI done asap.
I just had Facet injections done about 2 months ago; L3-5. Wasn’t fun, but wasn’t bad. I’m still recovering from it. I’m taking it very very slow getting back in to the gym.
Posts: 874 | Location: NE Pennsylvania | Registered: December 10, 2009
If you are asking me I'm 73. Did the MRI & x-rays 2 years ago. Doctor said that I should just keep doing what I was doing until the discomfort gets to where I can't stand it anymore.
Integrity is doing the right thing, even when nobody is looking.
Posts: 4270 | Location: Metamora MI | Registered: October 31, 2003
I’ve got a fair amount of experience with spine issues. I assume you’re in pain, or you wouldn’t be getting x-rays at a DC. Nerve compromise is the concern. If you feel numbness and/or pain in your butt or down your leg, get thee to a neurologist. You said disc loss at “L5,” which I take to mean L5/S1. I had surgery in January and had disc height restored and fusion at L4/5–totally successful. FWIW, I also have extreme disc degeneration at L2/3, and no symptoms at all.
_______________________________________________________ despite them
Posts: 13697 | Location: Wyoming | Registered: January 10, 2008
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation, it sounds tough... My brother had a similar issue after a sports injury that affected his L4 disc. It was heartbreaking. He faced constant pain and had a hard time with daily activities. He tried various treatments, including physical therapy and pain management, but nothing provided lasting relief. I remember going with him to those hospitals. I really don't recommend that
Just when we reached our lowest point, we discovered Affinity Wellness. They offered a holistic approach that we were skeptical of. But with their help, he’s regained strength and mobility, and it’s been incredible to see his progress. I truly hope you find a path that works for you as well.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Phelen_Kell,
Posts: 1437 | Location: County 18, OH | Registered: April 11, 2007
A good chiropractor can do amazing things. A fantastic chiropractor cannot replace a missing disk. I don’t know whether a neurologist or an orthopedist (or something else?) is the right answer, but I’d be making haste to an appropriate MD to get help.
Posts: 7171 | Location: Lost, but making time. | Registered: February 23, 2011
How active were you before your problems got to this point, and what kind of activities are you missing out on that you'd be willing to undergo surgery to get back?
Originally posted by r0gue: I've got my share of problems, and experience with chiros and various ortho docs. Bilateral pars fractures, spondylolisthesis, stenosis. In lay terms, a slipping vertebrae L4/L5 is acting as a cigar cutter on my spinal cord.
I think your guy probably has the right idea, but I'd damn sure see an ortho doc to make sure you've got the whole picture. If that disc is gone, I'd want a good MRI and professional radiologist's read to understand what the full situation is. I'm doing PT, and chiros to avoid surgery. So far, so good. That said, not a day, nor an hour goes by that I forget I have the issue. It is at best, background noise. But I did run a marathon in May, so I've not lost yet.
