Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
As per your description, you suffer with
Lumbar disc disease. The initial management of this problem includes the following -
- Usually 1-2 days of
bed rest will calm
severe back pain. Do not stay off your feet for longer, though.
- Take rest breaks throughout the day, but avoid sitting for long periods of time.
- Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese
- Avoid lifting heavy weights as it imparts more strain on your back
- Change your daily activities so that you avoid movements that can cause further pain, especially bending forward and lifting as it will worsen the
disc protrusion. if you want to bend forwards, do it with your hips and knees flexed.
- Use a lumbosacral back support to stabilize your spinal muscles
- Intermittent pelvic traction (under the supervision of a physiotherapist) might be helpful to cause a regression of the protruded disc
- After the initial pain has subsided, remedial exercises to strengthen the spine are very important to restore normal spinal movements and muscle strength. The main aim of exercise is to encourage mobility, reduce muscle spasm, prevent further deterioration in the muscles and speed recovery.
- Use analgesics and muscle relaxants to relieve pain and muscle spasm, as needed.
Vitamin B12 supplements &
Pregabalin may be helpful in controlling the
neuropathic pain.
If your fail to improve with the above measures, an Epidural steroid injection may provide good symptom relief for a few months. There is good evidence that epidural injections can be successful in 60-70% of patients who have not been helped by 6 weeks or more of conservative management ( nonsurgical care).
Hope this information is helpful. Good day