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Back injury, Sciatica 4-Apr-2008 At 7:36:18 PM jackw

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Let me say that I suffer from a herniated L4L5 disc that in all reality probably started to herniate quite a few years ago. For a long time I regularly experienced sciatic type pain and generalised lower back discomfort. I sought help from Physios, Chiro's, and Osteo's, all helped to a degree however the problem persisted! Finally I convinced my GP to authorise an MRI, yes it was expensive, Cheaper with private cover, but at least the result was a confirmation of herniation...I was able to label and isolate the problem therefore enabling me to plan an attack. A neuro surgical review resulted in me being told to put up with it as it was not within the percentile that indicated an operation, this was fine with me as I did not wish to have an op. Basically I purchased a back brace for lifting (i'm a paramedic) which I can almost hear some of the Professionals here cringing, but the misconceptions aside a brace that is not totally rigid, will not cause atrophy to the spinal muscles. These type of braces simply remind the wearer to lift correctly. The long and short of it all leads me to a regime that involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications when the back plays up, coupled with regular gym work, hiking, general excercise, and beer! I rarely take analgesics, I am lucky that the anti-inflamms do the trick. I would like to re-iterate that a correct diagnosis as early as possible to determine the actual problem in my opinion is paramount to correct treatment. You could go on for years obtaining various opinions based on clinical presentations however until you can actually visualise the problem (if there is one there to be seen) YOUR PISSING INTO THE WIND IN MY OPINION.! Good luck, and remember when all else fails there's always beer..