Suggest Treatment For Disc Bulge Leading To Nerve Compression

Posted on Fri, 11 Jul 2014

Question: Ive been given hydrocodone 4 times a day. All of my discs are bulging and they all have arthritis in them. I'm also taking celebrex, which doesn't seem to help. Also using ice packs. I've noticed sitting on the floor packing things, or walking in the sand really hurts me, my neurologist says I'm putting too much compression on them. Any help you can give me would be much appreciated. Also trying to get up in a van, my legs almost give out.l

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
disc bulge may lead to nerve compression

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have studied your case.
There is probably involvement of nerve root due to degeneration.
disc bulge leading to nerve compression.
As this is age related. ,there is involvement of multiple disc.
I will advise to take methylcobalamine and neurotropic medication like pregabalin consulting your doctor.
Physiotherapy plays important role in treatment .
Also take vitD supplements.
You may need MRI spine if pain did not reduced.
I hope I have answered your questions. If you have further questions please feel free to ask. I will be happy to answer your question. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (30 minutes later)

Thankyou. I had a lumber spine mri and a cervical spine to see why I was in so much pain. I also wear a belt. I have also taken gabapentin which did not help. Can you tell me why it hurts to get up in a van? Also my kids want me to go to Sanibel, it's about a 7 hour drive and I don't think I should go, sitting in a squishy seat also causes me pain. My Dr also told me to walk, but not too much, otherwise I am in bed for 2 days. Sleeping on my left side also makes me hurt worse. My comfort is when I am laying on my right side in bed but I can't do that much either, they say I need to move more. Also walking in squishy sand on the beach hurts me. Is it all from putting more compression on my back?

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Steroid injection shot may help to relieve pain.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

If you do not have relief with pregabalin then probably tramadol or morphine may help, you can take it consulting your doctor.
Steroid injection shot may help to relieve pain.
If you really want to travel you can take 2-3 breaks in journey so that you can do some joint relaxation exercises in between.
Yes walking, jogging, sitting for long time will put pressure on your disc and back.
So you need exercise protocol from physiotherapist.
Many of my patients get relief by yoga pranayama and XXXXXXX XXXXXXX so you can also due that.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar