Hi Rochelle
How long is the waiting list?
hope its not too long, I cant imagine dealing with pain all the time
gentle hugs to you
The only different kinda help I have found is in reference to a Pain Control Self Hypnosis CD
http://www.amazon.com/Pain-Control-Self-Hypnosis-Management/dp/B000EXQ14W#moreAboutThisProduct
below are all the usual types of info
The following may help prevent a recurrence of a herniated disc:
- exercises that strengthen the abdominal and back muscles
- good posture (standing up straight, sitting straight, lifting things with the back straight)
- bending the knees and hips when lifting something and keeping the back straight
- holding an object close to the body when carrying it
- avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes
- avoiding sleeping on the stomach
- keep at a healthy weight
- reduce or avoid smoking
Non-surgical options for a herniated disc include trying to stay active, unless pain is severe. If you do need bed rest, your doctor will likely suggest that you limit this to 1 or 2 days. Anything longer than this may cause muscles to weaken and worsen your symptoms. Avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms, such as bending, lifting, or sitting for long periods of time. Using a firm mattress while sleeping may help. It may also help to put a pillow under the waist and another under the shoulder if sleeping on your side, or putting a pillow under your knees if sleeping on your back.
Your doctor may suggest medications such as acetaminophen* or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., ibuprofen) to help relieve pain. If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe opioid (also called narcotic) pain medications such as codeine or oxycodone, muscle relaxants, or other medications that help with nerve pain (e.g., amitriptyline, gabapentin). Corticosteroids by mouth or by injection may be prescribed for severe and persistent pain.
Cold compresses or ice can help with pain when applied several times a day for no more than 20 minutes. Heat application may help, but should only be used a few days after the injury since heat may initially add to inflammation and swelling.
What are the treatments for a prolapsed disc?
Exercise and keep going
Continue with normal activities as far as possible. This may not be possible at first if the pain is very bad. However, move around as soon as possible, and get back into normal activities as soon as you are able. As a rule, don't do anything that causes a lot of pain. However, you will have to accept some discomfort when you are trying to keep active. Setting a new goal each day may be a good idea. For example, walking around the house on one day, a walk to the shops the next, etc.
In the past, advice had been to rest until the pain eases. It is now known that this was wrong. You are likely to recover more quickly and are less likely to develop chronic (persistent) back pain if you keep active when you have back pain rather than rest a lot. Also, sleep in the most naturally comfortable position on whatever is the most comfortable surface. (Advice given in the past used to be to sleep on a firm mattress. However, there is no evidence to say that a firm mattress is better than any other type of mattress for people with back pain.)
Medication
If you need painkillers, it is best to take them regularly. This is better than taking them 'now and again' just when the pain is very bad. If you take them regularly the pain is more likely to be eased for much of the time and enable you to exercise and keep active.
- Paracetamol is often sufficient if you take it regularly at full strength. For an adult, this is 1000 mg (usually two 500 mg tablets), four times a day.
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers. Some people find that these work better than paracetamol. They include ibuprofen which you can buy at pharmacies or get on prescription. Other types such as diclofenac or naproxen need a prescription. Some people with asthma, high blood pressure, kidney failure, or heart failure may not be able to take anti-inflammatories.
- A stronger painkiller such as codeine is an option if anti-inflammatories do not suit or do not work well. Codeine is often taken in addition to paracetamol. Constipation is a common side-effect from codeine. This may make back pain worse if you need to strain to go to the toilet. To prevent constipation, have lots to drink and eat foods with plenty of fibre.
- A muscle relaxant such as diazepam is sometimes prescribed for a few days if the back muscles become very tense and make the pain worse.
Physical treatments
Some people visit a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or osteopath for manipulation and/or other physical treatments. It is debatable whether physical treatments would help all people with a prolapsed disc. However, physical treatments provide some short-term comfort and hasten recovery in some cases.
Surgery
Surgery may be an option in some cases. As a rule, surgery may be considered if the symptoms have not settled after about six weeks or so. This is the minority of cases as in about 9 in 10 cases, the symptoms have eased off and are not bad enough to warrant surgery within about six weeks.
The aim of surgery is to cut out the prolapsed part of the disc. This often eases symptoms. However, it does not work in every case. Also, as with all operations, there is a risk from surgery. A specialist will advise on the pros and cons of surgery, and the different techniques that are available.
