Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Lower Back Disc Bulge And Heaviness Throughout Right Leg
Question: Hi Doc,
I have had complaints of low back disc bulge startng Jan15. up until now, I had physio and oral drugs as medication. The symptoms were initially sharp shooting pains, extreme heaviness in right legs/calfs/knees/ weakness ( from Jan15 to Mar15 ). From mar till now, I have been on physiotherapy stretches mostly. And i saw the heaviness and shooting pains fade off considerably. from may onwards the symptoms had shifted to mild-to-moderate tingling sensation on both feet(R~>L, toes, benath, sides + very mild numbess). No heaviness in legs as of now. I went for a repeat MRI ( I am attaching both XXXXXXX and jun MRI report + films here ). The tingling is quite mild , but after excess seaing/standing, it goes to moderate levels.
I understand that l5-s1 has been compromised to an extent from the MRI basis. Please let me know how serious a condition i am in and what treatment should i opt considering an effective recovery in mind. I dont wanna rush through rehabilitation. But at the same tiem, I am planning for masters studies for 2 yrs in USA. Is this a bad decision considering the back state i am in ?? Am i asking my back too much by deciding to go abroad ? Will my back be able to handle this , considering i would lead a disciplined physiotherapy included life here onwards.
Please prescribe the suggested course of treatment you think of ?? Preferable conservative - physio/drugs.
Please providec correst posture tips for seating/standing/walking/sleeping/picking/bending/lifting/twisting/rotating/side bending.. I believe this is pivotal to how my back shapes in the future.
I am currently doing buttock tucks to release low back tension . anteriod pelvic tilt to regain lost lumbar curve, and XXXXXXX prne ups to push the disc back in, standing back bends every now and then after getting up from seat. Please let me know if what i am doing currently is int he right direction ????
Any other useful tips for l5-s1 betterment will be very helpful.
I have had complaints of low back disc bulge startng Jan15. up until now, I had physio and oral drugs as medication. The symptoms were initially sharp shooting pains, extreme heaviness in right legs/calfs/knees/ weakness ( from Jan15 to Mar15 ). From mar till now, I have been on physiotherapy stretches mostly. And i saw the heaviness and shooting pains fade off considerably. from may onwards the symptoms had shifted to mild-to-moderate tingling sensation on both feet(R~>L, toes, benath, sides + very mild numbess). No heaviness in legs as of now. I went for a repeat MRI ( I am attaching both XXXXXXX and jun MRI report + films here ). The tingling is quite mild , but after excess seaing/standing, it goes to moderate levels.
I understand that l5-s1 has been compromised to an extent from the MRI basis. Please let me know how serious a condition i am in and what treatment should i opt considering an effective recovery in mind. I dont wanna rush through rehabilitation. But at the same tiem, I am planning for masters studies for 2 yrs in USA. Is this a bad decision considering the back state i am in ?? Am i asking my back too much by deciding to go abroad ? Will my back be able to handle this , considering i would lead a disciplined physiotherapy included life here onwards.
Please prescribe the suggested course of treatment you think of ?? Preferable conservative - physio/drugs.
Please providec correst posture tips for seating/standing/walking/sleeping/picking/bending/lifting/twisting/rotating/side bending.. I believe this is pivotal to how my back shapes in the future.
I am currently doing buttock tucks to release low back tension . anteriod pelvic tilt to regain lost lumbar curve, and XXXXXXX prne ups to push the disc back in, standing back bends every now and then after getting up from seat. Please let me know if what i am doing currently is int he right direction ????
Any other useful tips for l5-s1 betterment will be very helpful.
Brief Answer:
Yes you can go abroad provided you strengthen your spine and maintain it.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have read your query seen your MRI reports
There is no major nerve root compression, so do not worry.
Yes you can go abroad provided you strengthen your spine and maintain it.
You may consult physiotherapist for further guidance. He may start TENS, or ultrasound which is helpful in your case.
You can do XXXXXXX prone ups to push, standing back bends. No need of anterior pelvic tilt.
Some exercises which can be done after pain has reduced include- Spine extension exercises, lying on your stomach flat lift leg 6 inches from ground, do it for other leg.
Now lift both hand and leg simultaneously, 6 inch off the ground and stay
Position for around 10 breathes. Core stabilizing spine exercises will help.
You can add back press and back lift in lying down supine on back.
Some life style modifications to prevent pain– Take break every 40 min from computer and do some lumbar rotation, stretches, walk and get back to work. Sit with taking support to your back, and do not watch television constantly.
Sit with spine straight and supported. Walk with spine erect and neck straight, Sleep on back or lateral on one side, while lifting weight band from knee and keep weight close to body.Dont over do rotation. Maintain ergonomic while working.
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
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.
If you find this answer helpful do not hesitate to rate this answer at end of discussion.
Take care.
Yes you can go abroad provided you strengthen your spine and maintain it.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have read your query seen your MRI reports
There is no major nerve root compression, so do not worry.
Yes you can go abroad provided you strengthen your spine and maintain it.
You may consult physiotherapist for further guidance. He may start TENS, or ultrasound which is helpful in your case.
You can do XXXXXXX prone ups to push, standing back bends. No need of anterior pelvic tilt.
Some exercises which can be done after pain has reduced include- Spine extension exercises, lying on your stomach flat lift leg 6 inches from ground, do it for other leg.
Now lift both hand and leg simultaneously, 6 inch off the ground and stay
Position for around 10 breathes. Core stabilizing spine exercises will help.
You can add back press and back lift in lying down supine on back.
Some life style modifications to prevent pain– Take break every 40 min from computer and do some lumbar rotation, stretches, walk and get back to work. Sit with taking support to your back, and do not watch television constantly.
Sit with spine straight and supported. Walk with spine erect and neck straight, Sleep on back or lateral on one side, while lifting weight band from knee and keep weight close to body.Dont over do rotation. Maintain ergonomic while working.
I will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.
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.
If you find this answer helpful do not hesitate to rate this answer at end of discussion.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi doctor ,
Thank you for the very detailed suggestions ..I will certainly incorporate them in my routine ..my physion has currently making me do.this one exercise for.low back tension release ..lying flat on back .. Knees bent ..and breathe in ..tuck in tummy and and tighten buttocks .. Is this doing harm for l5 s1 area ? I someyime s see a slight increase in tingling when I do this . or is it that I am doing them wrongly ..
Also do u see any neccesity of muscle relaxants .? I have quite a bit of spams in low back which I feel when u do back bends and slight fwd bend..
One most important thiig is that I m faced with this situation very often when I have no option but to sit in autos or four wheelers ..when the seats are in obtuse angle reclined fashion and heights is quite low or very high .. Seating portion is not flat but inclined upwards .. In such case I end up sitting reluctantly and tightly ..my mind just doesn't allow me to sit relaxed..I feel I wud end up.roundingspine .. What are your suggestions to face such cases ... Am I better standing in such cases and opting for public transport ?
Thank you for the very detailed suggestions ..I will certainly incorporate them in my routine ..my physion has currently making me do.this one exercise for.low back tension release ..lying flat on back .. Knees bent ..and breathe in ..tuck in tummy and and tighten buttocks .. Is this doing harm for l5 s1 area ? I someyime s see a slight increase in tingling when I do this . or is it that I am doing them wrongly ..
Also do u see any neccesity of muscle relaxants .? I have quite a bit of spams in low back which I feel when u do back bends and slight fwd bend..
One most important thiig is that I m faced with this situation very often when I have no option but to sit in autos or four wheelers ..when the seats are in obtuse angle reclined fashion and heights is quite low or very high .. Seating portion is not flat but inclined upwards .. In such case I end up sitting reluctantly and tightly ..my mind just doesn't allow me to sit relaxed..I feel I wud end up.roundingspine .. What are your suggestions to face such cases ... Am I better standing in such cases and opting for public transport ?
Brief Answer:
Yes you can do that exercise while sleeping on back.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Yes you can do that exercise while sleeping flat on back.
Muscle relaxant for 3 to 5 days will help you.
You can sit in obtuse angle but make sure that your sacrum [buttocks and lower back] is touching on back side. I mean pelvis should be supported from back side fully.
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.
Yes you can do that exercise while sleeping on back.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Yes you can do that exercise while sleeping flat on back.
Muscle relaxant for 3 to 5 days will help you.
You can sit in obtuse angle but make sure that your sacrum [buttocks and lower back] is touching on back side. I mean pelvis should be supported from back side fully.
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
Hi Doc,
I have NOT consulted my physiotherapist yet. But i came across the XXXXXXX routine on the web. I want to try them for a week to see if it helps my case. Basically the routine involves 5 exercises ( 2-3 times a day )-
1. Lying facedown , with face on one side, and hands by the side for 2-3 mins
2. PLace elbows under shoulders and lean on the forearms for 2-3 mins with pelvis and thighs relaxed
3. PLace hands under shoulders in the push up position -> Straighten the elbows and push the top half of the body up as far as possible and pain permits. Allow the pelvis and below section to sag here. Hold for 3-5 sec and come down back .. 10 counts per session.
4. Standing back bends - 6 counts
5. Lying on the back with knees bent .. Pulling both knees to the chest . Hold for 3-4 sec and come down .. about 5 - 6 counts with each count pulling more the previous one.
PLease let me know whether this routine can/does have the possibility to worsen my condition in which case, i would stop it immedietly. Or whether its in the right direction. The symtoms of tingling are very mild now.. immedietly after exercise i do not see much difference positively or negatively , but again no exercise would do miracle in one session.
Regarding sleeping posture, do you recommend pillows ?? If yes where all should i place them ?? below knee ? below head ? in the lumbar portion ??
I have NOT consulted my physiotherapist yet. But i came across the XXXXXXX routine on the web. I want to try them for a week to see if it helps my case. Basically the routine involves 5 exercises ( 2-3 times a day )-
1. Lying facedown , with face on one side, and hands by the side for 2-3 mins
2. PLace elbows under shoulders and lean on the forearms for 2-3 mins with pelvis and thighs relaxed
3. PLace hands under shoulders in the push up position -> Straighten the elbows and push the top half of the body up as far as possible and pain permits. Allow the pelvis and below section to sag here. Hold for 3-5 sec and come down back .. 10 counts per session.
4. Standing back bends - 6 counts
5. Lying on the back with knees bent .. Pulling both knees to the chest . Hold for 3-4 sec and come down .. about 5 - 6 counts with each count pulling more the previous one.
PLease let me know whether this routine can/does have the possibility to worsen my condition in which case, i would stop it immedietly. Or whether its in the right direction. The symtoms of tingling are very mild now.. immedietly after exercise i do not see much difference positively or negatively , but again no exercise would do miracle in one session.
Regarding sleeping posture, do you recommend pillows ?? If yes where all should i place them ?? below knee ? below head ? in the lumbar portion ??
Brief Answer:
You can take pillow below head and in between knee if you are lying on one
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have read your query,
Yes you are doing good exercises, continue them.
You can take pillow below head and in between knee if you are lying on one side.
If you are sleeping on back take thin pillow below head.
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.
You can take pillow below head and in between knee if you are lying on one
Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have read your query,
Yes you are doing good exercises, continue them.
You can take pillow below head and in between knee if you are lying on one side.
If you are sleeping on back take thin pillow below head.
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
I am taking neo-relax MR 8 for about 4 days after lnch/dinner .. The basis for this is - My ortho had suggested this 2 years back, when i had a little back pain..
Let me know if thats fine ?
Also i observe that i am doing back bends extremely often probably every 20-30 mins (abut 4-5 counts ) in a day. Am i overdoing here ?? Anything wrong in overdoing here ???
How to tackle protective spasms at mid and low back L3,4,5 levels ??
Let me know if thats fine ?
Also i observe that i am doing back bends extremely often probably every 20-30 mins (abut 4-5 counts ) in a day. Am i overdoing here ?? Anything wrong in overdoing here ???
How to tackle protective spasms at mid and low back L3,4,5 levels ??
Brief Answer:
Yes you are doing good exercise continue it.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
You can take medicine under your doctor’s guidance.
Yes you are doing good exercise continue it.
Maintain your posture and do daily exercises to reduce spasm. Physiotherapy may help in moderate spasm.
Take care.
Yes you are doing good exercise continue it.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
You can take medicine under your doctor’s guidance.
Yes you are doing good exercise continue it.
Maintain your posture and do daily exercises to reduce spasm. Physiotherapy may help in moderate spasm.
Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
