Bulging disc?

[Begonia]

I sustained a back injury at work. I got hit in the pelvis with a heavy fire door (canister was broken). It propelled me forward.
24 hours later the problems began.

Doc said back sprain/strain. Chiro said SI joint disjunction (pelvis knocked out of alignment in 2 different directions). I was on rest and chiro was getting pelvis straightened out. It seemed to be working until week 2 when a new pain began. Much worse and keeps me up all night. Chiro now suspects a bulge between L4 and L5. She tried some extension but it’s exascerbating the SI injury. Only way to tell for sure is an MRI.

I’m exhausted, in pain and scared. I know nothing about disc bulges (if that can be verified), and am worried about my job.

Any former experience with any of the above?

 

[kenny]

So sorry, Begonia.

Gentle hugs to you.
Hope this heals quickly.

 

[redwood66]

Oh no. I am so sorry this happened and I know how scared you are. This is exactly what I have and needed surgery after MRI. Don't wait too long. I ended up with nerve damage and have no feeling in the back of my right leg from hip to the middle of my foot. All of a sudden went numb a week after injury and I waited a month for MRI. I had surgery a month later. No feeling ever again and that was in 2006. Surgeon said it was pinched too long and if nerve did not repair within a year after surgery it would never come back. I recommend MRI asap and get the best neurologist you can. Hugs to you.

 

[Begonia]

So sorry, Begonia.

Gentle hugs to you.
Hope this heals quickly.

Thanks Kenny.
I sure do need that hug

 

[Begonia]

Oh no. I am so sorry this happened and I know how scared you are. This is exactly what I have and needed surgery after MRI. Don't wait too long. I ended up with nerve damage and have no feeling in the back of my right leg from hip to the middle of my foot. All of a sudden went numb a week after injury and I waited a month for MRI. I had surgery a month later. No feeling ever again and that was in 2006. Surgeon said it was pinched too long and if nerve did not repair within a year after surgery it would never come back. I recommend MRI asap and get the best neurologist you can. Hugs to you.

Okay redwood.
I see my doc again on Monday.
MRI’s have a long wait list in Canada but WCB may be able to get me in sooner.
Sigh...I’m just tired and have lost perspective. The OTC pain meds aren’t working and pain keeps me awake.

 

[redwood66]

Okay redwood.
I see my doc again on Monday.
MRI’s have a long wait list in Canada but WCB may be able to get me in sooner.
Sigh...I’m just tired and have lost perspective. The OTC pain meds aren’t working and pain keeps me awake.

It may help to sleep with a pillow under your knees if you are a back sleeper or between if you are a side sleeper. No tummy sleeping if possible. Slight elevation in your upper body too. I hope your chiro is giving you good advice as well.

An adjustable bed is always great and I wish I had one. I am working on getting one but have been doing the pillow thing for years. I don't even really wake up anymore when I change positions.

 

[MarionC]

Maybe even rest with something larger than a pillow, like a footrest or a box under your knees.
I am so sorry to hear of your injury. It sounds scary as well as painful. Please report in when you know more.
(I just read somewhere that mixing OTC pain meds can be as effective as opiods for pain relief.
I’ll see if I can find the reference for you.)

 

[Dee*Jay]

Begonia, biggest hugs to you from one member of the bulging disc club to another.

I ended up in the ER several years ago thinking I had a kidney stone due to severe pain and it' location. The diagnosis in the ER was inconclusive (I had what looked like a 12 year old--although he assured me he was a bona fide physician) pump me full of pain pills (which I promptly puked back up -- now THAT was fun... NOT) and send me home.

A week later I was still walking around like something out of the cro magnon stage and a colleague insisted I go to see her chiropractor. I'd always thought of chiropractory as akin to voodoo medicine, but at that point I would have tried anything. The chiro took an x-ray (which the 12 year old at Northwestern had NOT) and showed me that I had a curve in my spine. He could tell it was a long-growing thing based on the way the vertebrae had become trapezoidal over time (rather than rectangular) and now one hip was also higher than the other too. My best assessment is that it all stemmed from a knee injury back in '97 that I never had surgery on, and my gait being thrown off was the source of all this.

I've never had surgery, but I do manage to aggravate this problem a couple of times a year, usually doing something completely mundane like making the bed. That lays we me up for several days and the severity varies, sometimes getting so bad that I get shooting pain down my leg and can't move from a lying or sitting position to standing without help.

Your situation sounds much more severe than mine, unfortunately, and my heart goes out to you.

Have you tried something as simple as a back brace? I think in the long term the conventional wisdom is they are "bad" in that the core muscles get weak because they don't have to work, but in the short term you might get some relief that will at least set you on the road to recovery...? I actually bought one off of Amazon a while ago, and I wear it when I'm doing stuff around the house that might be problematic. I don't really think it would keep me from hurting myself, but it acts as a physical reminder not to bend and twist, etc, so I'm much more conscious of my movements.

Also, do you have (more) pain going from lying to sitting, sitting to standing, etc.? I've found if I use my arms to push myself up rather than relying on my core it helps A LOT. Even getting up from the toilet, I use my hands and push up on my thighs.

Finally, what about ice? I'm sure that sounds stupid, but I find ice to be kind of a miracle drug... I've got a giant gel cold pack thing that I always keep in the freezer and it takes the edge off just enough that I don't want to scream at times.

Really really really hope you get some relief soon my friend.

 

[Missy]

Begonia I am so sorry this happened sweetheart and sending you big gentle healing hugs and lots of good thoughts and good luck dust for relief and recovery.

 

[Missy]

OTC pain meds can be as effective as opiods for pain relief.

Here you go. Not sure this is what you are referencing Jimmianne but you are right and my doctor told me something similar but said it can be *more* effective than opiod pain relief.

http://www.pharmacytimes.com/public...st2017/otc-pain-medications-the-pros-and-cons

"OTC pain medications are, by far, the most widely used of the OTC medications. According to a white paper released by the National Safety Council on October 6, 2014, the combination of OTC pain medications ibuprofen and acetaminophen is more effective than opioid pain medications when treating acute pain."

 

[MarionC]

Thank you so much, Missy. I couldn't find it.

 

[House Cat]

My husband has three herniated disks in his lower back. When it first happened, he was in a huge amount of pain. He couldn’t function, needed rest to reduce the flare, but then he was ok to start physical therapy.

He’s alright now. About every two years, he does something funky and hurts it. Then he’s down for a few days, but he recovers quickly.

Everyone’s situation is different. After your MRI, you will know more. I wish you luck B.

 

[Calliecake]

Begonia, I'm so sorry. I know nothing about bulging disks but hope the doctor is able to get your pain under control quickly. I'm sending good thoughts and healing dust your way. Hugs

 

[AGBF]

I sustained a back injury at work. I got hit in the pelvis with a heavy fire door (canister was broken). It propelled me forward.
24 hours later the problems began.

I have had no experience with this, Begonia. It sounds terrible. I am so very sorry. I am glad others here have the ability to advise you.

Gentle hugs,
Deb

 

[yennyfire]

I've dealt with this for years. I've passed out several time from the pain and DH has found me unconscious on the floor. My issues stem from carrying a very heavy laptop case on one shoulder when I worked for PwC many years ago. Like DeeJay, one hip is now higher than another. After the initial incident 20 years ago, I've had flare ups every few years (usually when pregnant and carrying a huge belly out front, putting stress on my back). However, something as stupid as reaching for my purse can also do it. Also like, DeeJay, I was never a fan of chiro until my OB sent me to his after the birth of my second child. I couldn't walk, much less take care of my kids at that point. The chiro worked wonders and once she got me back to normal, I see her monthly for maintenance, which is way better than dealing with flare ups. Get an MRI asap and look into the other suggestions posted. I agree with all of them. The only other thing I'd suggest is a TENS unit. They kind of trick your brain and somehow, it helps lessen the pain. Please take care of yourself. Sending gentle hugs!

http://m.bestreviews.com/best-muscle-stimulators

 

[Begonia]

Oh no. I am so sorry this happened and I know how scared you are. This is exactly what I have and needed surgery after MRI. Don't wait too long. I ended up with nerve damage and have no feeling in the back of my right leg from hip to the middle of my foot. All of a sudden went numb a week after injury and I waited a month for MRI. I had surgery a month later. No feeling ever again and that was in 2006. Surgeon said it was pinched too long and if nerve did not repair within a year after surgery it would never come back. I recommend MRI asap and get the best neurologist you can. Hugs to you.

Sorry for the late reply. Been dealing with the above.
The symptoms have eased so doc thinks no bulge and chiro does.
I’m being very careful and resting the back a lot. Physio starts on Friday.
If symptoms return, I’m insisting on an MRI.

Thank you redwood

 

[Begonia]

Maybe even rest with something larger than a pillow, like a footrest or a box under your knees.
I am so sorry to hear of your injury. It sounds scary as well as painful. Please report in when you know more.
(I just read somewhere that mixing OTC pain meds can be as effective as opiods for pain relief.
I’ll see if I can find the reference for you.)

They have given me a prescription ibuprofen, which I’m to take with caution as I have NERD (non-erosive reflux disease).
The symptoms have eased quite a bit so I’m not sure what to think. I can tell you this: no one plans on being injured at work, but take great care. It happens from behind too.

Thank you jimmianne

 

[Begonia]

Begonia, biggest hugs to you from one member of the bulging disc club to another.

I ended up in the ER several years ago thinking I had a kidney stone due to severe pain and it' location. The diagnosis in the ER was inconclusive (I had what looked like a 12 year old--although he assured me he was a bona fide physician) pump me full of pain pills (which I promptly puked back up -- now THAT was fun... NOT) and send me home.

A week later I was still walking around like something out of the cro magnon stage and a colleague insisted I go to see her chiropractor. I'd always thought of chiropractory as akin to voodoo medicine, but at that point I would have tried anything. The chiro took an x-ray (which the 12 year old at Northwestern had NOT) and showed me that I had a curve in my spine. He could tell it was a long-growing thing based on the way the vertebrae had become trapezoidal over time (rather than rectangular) and now one hip was also higher than the other too. My best assessment is that it all stemmed from a knee injury back in '97 that I never had surgery on, and my gait being thrown off was the source of all this.

I've never had surgery, but I do manage to aggravate this problem a couple of times a year, usually doing something completely mundane like making the bed. That lays we me up for several days and the severity varies, sometimes getting so bad that I get shooting pain down my leg and can't move from a lying or sitting position to standing without help.

Your situation sounds much more severe than mine, unfortunately, and my heart goes out to you.

Have you tried something as simple as a back brace? I think in the long term the conventional wisdom is they are "bad" in that the core muscles get weak because they don't have to work, but in the short term you might get some relief that will at least set you on the road to recovery...? I actually bought one off of Amazon a while ago, and I wear it when I'm doing stuff around the house that might be problematic. I don't really think it would keep me from hurting myself, but it acts as a physical reminder not to bend and twist, etc, so I'm much more conscious of my movements.

Also, do you have (more) pain going from lying to sitting, sitting to standing, etc.? I've found if I use my arms to push myself up rather than relying on my core it helps A LOT. Even getting up from the toilet, I use my hands and push up on my thighs.

Finally, what about ice? I'm sure that sounds stupid, but I find ice to be kind of a miracle drug... I've got a giant gel cold pack thing that I always keep in the freezer and it takes the edge off just enough that I don't want to scream at times.

Really really really hope you get some relief soon my friend.

My goodness you’ve been through the ringer! It’s amazing how we all have our back stories. The design of our back is so far from perfect and then Lifestyle, genetics, and injury. Sigh.

I do use my arms and legs a lot more right now, and that helps somewhat. I’ll consider the brace too. What strikes me about back issues are how tired one is with them. Ridiculously so. Of course WCB putting the squeeze on me isn’t helping.

Thank you Dee Jay

 

[Begonia]

My husband has three herniated disks in his lower back. When it first happened, he was in a huge amount of pain. He couldn’t function, needed rest to reduce the flare, but then he was ok to start physical therapy.

He’s alright now. About every two years, he does something funky and hurts it. Then he’s down for a few days, but he recovers quickly.

Everyone’s situation is different. After your MRI, you will know more. I wish you luck B.

My symptoms eased this week and the doc won’t send me for an MRI now. Mind you I spent almost a week in total rest so how can they say it isn’t? I’m concerned without a proper diagnosis, work will cause a relapse. I have a very physical job on a ship and do a lot of lifting with ship vibration and rocking. Sent me for an X-ray of my pelvis as I also have a pelvis injury. I’m not pleased about that. At all.

Well if I relapse...scream louder I guess:

Thank you House Cat

 

[Begonia]

Begonia, I'm so sorry. I know nothing about bulging disks but hope the doctor is able to get your pain under control quickly. I'm sending good thoughts and healing dust your way. Hugs

Ahhh, thank you Calliecake

 

[Begonia]

I have had no experience with this, Begonia. It sounds terrible. I am so very sorry. I am glad others here have the ability to advise you.

Gentle hugs,
Deb

I will take that hug Deb!

Thank you

 

[BennYoga]

Hi Begonia,

I have lower back problems too but nothing like an orthopedic lumbar support and some ice can't fix! Try it. I bring my cushion everywhere. Perfect for when you are driving.

Wish you a prompt recovery!

 

[Begonia]

I've dealt with this for years. I've passed out several time from the pain and DH has found me unconscious on the floor. My issues stem from carrying a very heavy laptop case on one shoulder when I worked for PwC many years ago. Like DeeJay, one hip is now higher than another. After the initial incident 20 years ago, I've had flare ups every few years (usually when pregnant and carrying a huge belly out front, putting stress on my back). However, something as stupid as reaching for my purse can also do it. Also like, DeeJay, I was never a fan of chiro until my OB sent me to his after the birth of my second child. I couldn't walk, much less take care of my kids at that point. The chiro worked wonders and once she got me back to normal, I see her monthly for maintenance, which is way better than dealing with flare ups. Get an MRI asap and look into the other suggestions posted. I agree with all of them. The only other thing I'd suggest is a TENS unit. They kind of trick your brain and somehow, it helps lessen the pain. Please take care of yourself. Sending gentle hugs!

http://m.bestreviews.com/best-muscle-stimulators

Thank you for the link Yenny!

Like I mentioned, cuz symptoms have eased somewhat, they are refusing a MRI now. Sigh. Injuries are enough without dealing with the system. I’m tired so not explaining things well today, but wanted to respond before too many more days passed.

One experience like that is enough. Sigh. I have to baby my back muscles cuz of a car accident, pulled my QL seriousLy a few years ago, my pelvis got smacked out of alignment 2 weeks ago and now (maybe?) a bulge. Crap on a cracker. I was being so careful at work and then to get smacked by a fire door from behind?

We watch for danger to the front of us but people, consider what might be bearing down on you from behind.

I have had some great relief from chiro too yenny. She can’t help much with this... but for muscle tension and the pelvis. Oh. Yeah.

Thank you yenny

 

[lyra]

It sucks that you can't get an MRI, because it might show something other than what is expected. Or at least confirm what you were told so far. Do you see a rheumatologist? I wouldn't be happy without a firm diagnosis. I always thought my back pain was just something like wear and tear, and bad recovery from accidents. It wasn't, it was something hereditary and serious. Hope you feel better and that the pain goes away. If not, be insistent.

 

[Begonia]

Hi all,

I’m quite tired so not making the best decisions.

Here are my signs and symptoms, maybe someone else can connect the dots.

Friday: got hit on right buttock by heavy fire door. Did not see it coming as it is quiet and canister broken so it came at me fast. I twisted as I heard it coming. The impact sent me a few feet forward into a cleaning locker/closet.

Started to stiffen up that night. Slight pain. Got it written up at work the next day as I was having trouble making my legs move properly. Pain in pelvis as I stepped going up and down stairs. Ow ow ow.

Left work early and got to chiro. She diagnosed SI joints out of alignment in 2 directions/axis? Worked on alignment of pelvis and did some muscle work as glut muscles tight and QL pissed off.

Weekend pain and stiffness as above but twinges when I’d move or twist at waist. Saw chiro thru that week with same treatment with some ultrasound. Discomfort stabilized. Spent a good weekend. Was walking better and discomfort improving.

Saw chiro on Monday and felt well on way to recovery. More pelvis and muscle work. Left feeling much looser and almost pain free. Happy.

Tuesday night felt some twinges, increasing into Wednesday. Hips not working again. Twinges are more painful than at the start of the injury. Hips stiff and hurt. Sharp ones up in right buttock when sitting, standing, walking. Just could not get comfortable. 3 robaxacets thru the night did nothing. No position comfortable thru the night. Awful and no sleep.

Got in to chiro on emerg visit and she suspects bulge after doing valsalva and braggards tests. She did some extension therapy at that time and felt relief BUT that night it exacerbated the SI joints and I was up all night.

She writes a note to my doc about her suspicions. I followed her advice thru the next 4 days: rest, no forward bending and back stretches designed to pull bulge back in. By yesterday, discomfort during day eased a lot to twinge in right buttock and mid lumbar. Some stiffness in walking but improved. Discomfort in pelvis at night and can’t get comfortable with slight pain radiation down left leg (as opposed to right buttock?). Overall tho, much better than the sudden acute stage of last week.

Doc says as of yesterday he can’t find evidence of bulge but has given me another 3 weeks to heal and 3 weeks light duty. So even tho he can’t find evidence of bulge, has given me time to heal. Feels the acute pain of last week was irritated piriformis muscle. I’m well acquainted with that little gal and it wasn’t that exactly although there was some involvement.

WCB is now arguing about time frame of not working for next 3 weeks (1 week of that is bc of Xmas and doc office is closed), and wants “evidence”. Doc had ordered X-ray of pelvis, which I had to do, but am not one bit happy about. WCB trying to find reasons to cut me off.

Anyone see anything familiar here or have some insight?

 

[lyra]

I'm not qualified to suggest anything, but I'm so mad the WCB is trying to cut you off! Also mad that you're not getting the MRI. It's obvious you had a workplace incident and you should be covered. Sounds awful.

 

[yennyfire]

Thank you for the link Yenny!

Like I mentioned, cuz symptoms have eased somewhat, they are refusing a MRI now. Sigh. Injuries are enough without dealing with the system. I’m tired so not explaining things well today, but wanted to respond before too many more days passed.

One experience like that is enough. Sigh. I have to baby my back muscles cuz of a car accident, pulled my QL seriousLy a few years ago, my pelvis got smacked out of alignment 2 weeks ago and now (maybe?) a bulge. Crap on a cracker. I was being so careful at work and then to get smacked by a fire door from behind?

We watch for danger to the front of us but people, consider what might be bearing down on you from behind.

I have had some great relief from chiro too yenny. She can’t help much with this... but for muscle tension and the pelvis. Oh. Yeah.

Thank you yenny

Ugh! How short sighted of the insurance company! Don't they know that dealing with issues quickly ensures that they might not worsen?? Grr. You know, sometimes (for me), I get horrific muscle spasms when the disc flares up and my chiro IS able to help with that. It might be worth a try? I'm sending tons of healing vibes your way!! Huge hugs too!

 

[Begonia]

Ugh! How short sighted of the insurance company! Don't they know that dealing with issues quickly ensures that they might not worsen?? Grr. You know, sometimes (for me), I get horrific muscle spasms when the disc flares up and my chiro IS able to help with that. It might be worth a try? I'm sending tons of healing vibes your way!! Huge hugs too!

Thanks yenny, I sure need that hug