[Guest]

Hi; Thank you for this great forum,and your time.
I am in the initial phase of a ruptured disc dilemma.
My problem started about 6 weeks ago/with (standard) shooting pain in my back while I was doing my job handling heavy equipment.
It has taken 6 weeks of conservative treatment for my doctor to finally have a MRI of the back,and find the problem. My symptons were obvious,and he even rejected the idea of a back problem until he realized I wasn't responding to conservative treatment (6 weeks of pain).My doctor is sincere,but I feel we could have found this out a lot sooner.
The MRI shows an obvious rupture with the material pressing on the nerve causing my pain.
My question (s) are related to therapy.
He has suggested a shot in the effected area,and I have to see a specialist to have this done (more waiting in pain).
Is it possible with the severity of the rupture that the shot will be a waste of time,and I should get a second opinion to see if Arthroscopic surgery would be a better and final solution?
It seems like the shot is a temporary solution,and always leads to more pain after the effects wear off.
Can the shot actually heal the effected area? Has anybody on this forum been permanately healed with only the shot?
My pain is only moderate for now. I have pain and weakness in my right thigh/hip and knee,along with minor spasms. Initially the thigh was radically inflamed(first emergency room visit),and was diagnosed as an IT Band strain by the Orthopedic surgeon I was referred to by the ER Doc.
I am using Darvocet for relief.
I tried Vicodin,but didn't react well with it.
I am thinking of your suggestion of a University Spine Specialist for a second opinion,unless you feel the shot will solve my problem. The rupture is approx 5x9x9 mm.
Thank you very much.
Chris (50 year old male)

[Guest]

You are asking good questions at this point. If you are having any objective weakness in your leg, and there is evidence of nerve root compression on the MRI, it would be a good idea to see a neurosurgeon in consultation about the possibility of surgery. If surgery is not thought to be an option at this time, other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy, medications or epidural injections may be helpful. In some cases, even if there are small amounts of disc material impinging on the nerve root, the situation can resolve without surgery. The injection mainly treats the symptoms such as pain. Good luck.
[quote] Hi; Thank you for this great forum,and your time.
I am in the initial phase of a ruptured disc dilemma... [/quote]

[Guest]

Thank You Doctor for your time,and insight.
If I might ask one last question?
There is a procedure using a drug (Chymopapain) (sp)that is injected into the effected disc to reduce/dissolve some of the disc material to take pressure off the nerve. This procedure has been recommended to me by my Orthopedic Surgeon upon his examination of the MRI. Should I see a Neurosurgeon before schedualing the procedure, or should I trust my Doctor's recommendation?
It appears there are conflicting ideas on the procedure,and Arthroscopic Surgery may be a better alternative,but my Doctor did not address it.

Thanks again
Chris
[quote] You are asking good questions at this point. If you are having any objective weakness in your leg, and there is evidence of nerve root compression on the MRI, it would be a good idea to see a neurosurgeon in consultation about the possibility of surgery... [/quote]

[Guest]

I was wrong about the procedure recommended.
The proper procedure that has been schedualed is the Epidura injection using Xray to guide the needle.
He has recommended 3 shots over 3 weeks.
Has anybody had these shots,and their situation completely healed?
My doctor says Microsurgery not advised at this time.
Thanks for any help.
Chris
[quote] Thank You Doctor for your time,and insight.
If I might ask one last question... [/quote]

[Guest]

Epidural treatments can be helpful in selected cases, but do not help all individuals, and can be associated with some risks, although are generally safe. You should ask your doctor if there is a liklihood you will benefit, and seek a second opinion as well.
[quote] I was wrong about the procedure recommended.
The proper procedure that has been schedualed is the Epidura injection using Xray to guide the needle... [/quote]