Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
The initial management of a lumbar
disc protrusion causing sciatic symptoms is always conservative by the following means -
- Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese
- Avoid lifting heavy weights as it imparts more strain on your back
- Avoid excessive forward bending activities 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 might be helpful to cause a regression of the protruded disc
-
Physiotherapy is needed to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided.
- Use analgesics like advil or aleve and muscle relaxants as needed.
Vitamin B12 supplements &
Pregabalin may be helpful.
If your fail to improve with the above measures, an Epidural
steroid injection may provide good symptom relief for a few months.
If all these measures fail to provide you relief, then surgical decompression may be an option.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day