Slipped disc 

Introduction 

Lumbar spine illustration

Lumbar decompression surgery

1. Healthy disc
2. Nerve
3. Slipped disc
4. Damaged disc
5. Spinal cord

A slipped disc, also called a prolapsed or herniated disc, occurs when one of the discs of the spine is ruptured (splits) and the gel inside leaks out. This causes back pain and can also cause pain in other areas of the body.

The spine 

The spine is made up of 24 individual bones called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of each other. Discs are the protective, circular pads of cartilage (connective tissue) that lie in between the vertebrae. The discs are responsible for cushioning the vertebrae when jumping or running.

The spinal cord is a collection of nerve fibres that are attached to the brain and are protected by the spine. Nerve fibres from the spinal cord pass between the vertebrae as they take and receive messages to and from different parts of the body.

A slipped disc

The discs are made from a tough, fibrous case, which contains a softer, gel-like substance. A slipped disc occurs when the outer part of the disc ruptures (splits), allowing the gel inside to bulge and protrude outwards between the vertebrae.

The damaged disc can put pressure on the whole spinal cord or on a single nerve fibre. This means that a slipped disc can cause pain both in the area of the protruding disc and in any part of the body that is controlled by the nerve that the disc is pressing on.

How common is a slipped disc?

Slipped discs are most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. The condition affects twice as many men as women.

A slipped disc occurs most frequently in the lower back, but any disc can rupture, including those in the upper back and neck. Around one-third of adults in the UK have lower back pain, and a slipped disc is responsible in less than 1 in 20 cases.

Outlook

It can take around four to six weeks to recover from a slipped disc. In most cases, treatment involves a combination of physical therapy, such as exercise and massage, and medication to relieve the pain.

In severe cases, or if the pain continues for longer than six weeks, surgery may be considered. A number of different procedures can release the compressed nerve and remove part of the disc. The success rate for surgery on the lumber (lower) spine is around 60-90%.




  • show glossary terms

Connective tissue
Connective tissues help to provide support and structure to other tissue and organs.

Spinal cord
The spinal cord is a column of nervous tissue located in the spinal column. It sends messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

Spine
The spine supports the skeleton and surrounds and protects the delicate spinal cord and nerves. It is made up of 33 bones called the vertebrae.

Last reviewed: 30/03/2010

Next review due: 30/03/2012

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27 Comments

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Comments are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

Kit petit said on 04 February 2012

After suffering on and off with severe back pain and sciatica,my GP referred me to have a MRI scan,which showed a herniated disc S1/L5 with nerve irritation. After 6 weeks of physio ( electic,dry needeling,exercises,massage) etc The pain in both legs was worse and sensation in my left foot was dwindling. Walking with cructhes,and developing scoliosis,was booked in to have the operation on 26.01.2012. Surgery went fine,came home next day with discomfort ofcourse but pain in right leg only.............after taking numerous pain killers and spending time resting for the first week ( GP orders) yesterday I decided to do some light duties such as dusting and cooking tea which has resulted in me feeling good that I'm beginning to get back to normal in a sense. But after sitting down after eating,I couldn't move........every time I tried moving my right leg pain shooting down my leg made me scream for my husband. He tried to help me which made me scream even more. After 20mins of this I couldn't stand anymore pain and just moved to stand screaming and crying :-( and phoned my GP,who is away until Tuesday,but nurse said I cold possibly have another herniated disc but will hopefully see Dr on Tuesday,and to take painkillers......has anyone else suffered with pain 1 week post op.....??????

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Huggs said on 03 February 2012

I must agree about exercise. I slipped my disc in 98, I was in Portugal at the time, went to see a physio who sent me off to the gym, I had 8 sessions (twice weekly) with a sports injury personal trainer, who showed me what exercises to do. He also showed my several stretches as did the physio. I used to do some stretches before getting out of bed then others on the bedroom floor, I also did some at work during lunchtime. The best advice I got was to lie on the floor on my stomach whilst watching TV/reading, leaning on elbows, with my face in my hands, or at the first sign of pain, it works! Sitting around on soft armchairs and sofas are the worst, walking is great and within a few weeks I found dancing was easier and less painful than sitting!

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ArcPilates said on 31 January 2012

I am noticing a pattern with all of these comments: basically A doctor can't fix your back for you, you have to take action (albeit sore and slow!) to fix it yourself. I have suffered on and off from back pain, and following a particularly bad herniated disc L5-S1 (due to hyper mobility in certain joints) last year I was astounded by the lack of knowledge and treatment offered by the NHS. Only pain killers were offered, no physio, no scan.. I eventually fixed mine with several (private) physio sessions and Pilates with a highly qualified teacher (not in a gym). Expensive but worth it for the total recovery
There is a mentality that we should be able to do nothing but pop a pill to get better. People, I emplore, DO SOME EXERCISE! Gentle, careful exercise, preferably under the watchful eye of a good Pilates teacher. It's the best way to strengthen your back, lower abdominals and
gluteal muscles and avoid further problems. We need to
have more awareness of our bodies and our take
responsibility for how they work, it's in our own hands!

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mclaren149 said on 29 January 2012

Hi everyone, Im 29 have been having back problems for 5 years. at first doc put it down to inflamed pelvic joint, I had steroid injection, did nothing. then had x-ray that was fine. Over a period of a couple of years I then had repeated 'flare ups' where my back would go into spasms for days at a time and i literally couldnt do anything. I then had a spell of about ten months relatively pain free, nothing had changed it just dissapered...but then came back with a vengence, I was sent to specialist, who really didnt care, and sent me to physio, that did absolutely nothing! After a while I went back to gp and asked to be reffered for second opinion, that specialist then sent me for MRI, this showed 2 'slipped disks', disks which had decressed in height, that I was born with a slender spinal canal and tarlov cysts in spinal canal. still nothing was offered to me. In the past six months I have got significantly worse, I am now on an epilepsy drug, co-codamol and naproxen and sometimes tramadol. I have had another steroid injection which had no effect. Doc sent me for an urgent MRI as I now have constant pins and needles in my leg and foot and loss of sensation on my ankle. I had MRI within two weeks of him reffering me, I now have to wait 10-12 days to see my gp for results, I am hoping its adviced that I have surgery, I am sick of living my life in pain it has such an impact on me and the side effects from the tablets are none to pleasent either. I sympathise with you all.

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back pain34 said on 27 January 2012

I injured my back at work after twisting when lifting a heavy piece of equipment, I did have another person help with the lift but the twisting action did the damage.
After being prescribed several different medicines from anti-inflamatories and muscle relaxants my doctor reluctantly refered me to a specialist.
The waiting was forever and it took 6 weeks to even get a referal to the physio, they agreed there was an urgent need for physio but after only one treatment they refused to do any more work as they considered the injury too bad, eventually after ringing the hospital on a daily basis and having an MRI scan the appointment came through for another 6 weeks wait, all the time the symptons were getting worse and I was struggling to hold on to my job.
One day the pain got so bad that I went to the accident and emergency department, while there was plenty of sympathy the general opinion was that I would have to wait for the consultants appointment.
The big day arrived and finally somebody who seemed to understand my problem, been diagnosed as having a slipped disc but made worse because the base of my spine had not formed correctly, we discussed the options and I decided to go for the epidural steroid injection although my consultant recommended only one as he believes an operation will be necessary, at last somebody was talking sense and listening to me.
So how silly of me to think that the wait for an injection would not be so long , after endless phone calls I was told I was not even on the waiting list as they had to first get approval for the funding....apparently my case will be refered to the funding commitee who only meet every 4-5 weeks and then if approved I can go on the list. Well I am fed up with the never ending pain the never ending medication I have to take and the likelyhood of loosing my job any day soon.

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User622821 said on 07 December 2011

And I thought I had a problem!! Dodgy back on and off for a few years, mainly after playing squash or on the golf course but 3 months ago it really went on the squash court. Turned out to be a large central prolapse L4/5 which gave me pain like i have never known.
NHS sent me home after 4 days in Neurosurgical ward where I was supposed to have an emergency op.
Amytriptiline/Dehydracodeine and Dyclofenac make it manageable but life on hold.
Short story is that I have now seen the same neurosurgeon through my health insurance and had a second MRI which shows it has not regressed so advice is an op and can be done within a couple of weeks.
I'm opting to have it done but wait until january. I'll let you know how it goes!
Im 54 and should probably have stopped a few years ago but I'm officially retired from a court now. Intend to get back to golf in the spring. All being well.

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shelly77 said on 04 December 2011

I'm 34 and have had 2 herniated discs (L4-L5 and L5-S1) for 7yrs. Was able to cope with the pain up until 3 months ago. I have been admitted to hospital 3 times in the past 3 months to be literally knocked out with morphine for days due to severe pain. I have tried every painkiller/anti-inflammatory on the market, physio, chiropractors, accupuncture,epidurals...and nothing works. I have severe back pain, radiating down both legs to my feet, tingling and numbness. I cannot even put on my own socks or shoes in the morning. I have been told by a few doctors that if i continue like this, i will end up in a wheelchair by the time i am 40yrs old. I am on a waiting list to see a neurosurgeon but could take 6-9mths....what am i suppossed to do until then? I am afraid of the damage that is being caused not only to my spine but also to my nerves in my legs. I cannot continue to live like this - i have no quality of life and am too young to face a future like this. Don't know where to turn to....

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TXSunshine said on 13 November 2011

At home I injured my back & could not move for 15 minutes & in 2 hours I could not walk. The pain was above a 10 central low above tailbone and lightening pain in buttocks. I went to GP, chiropractor, specialists, pain management dr for injections. I was disappointed that MRI#1 only reported a bulging disc which could or not cause pain. This made the doctors unsure about the level of pain I was really in. For 6 weeks I struggled to walk, sit, normal activities and was in tears with every bump in the road driving my child to school every morning. Months later I started having pains in feet & legs. I went to a specialist for the feet and leg pain. I have purchased an inversion table, backtolife machine, pillows, seat cushions, new desk chair, vitamins, books, lotions, inflammation patches, pain & muscle meds & list goes on. My old dr commented that the MRI was not reliable as it was open instead of closed and the place I went to did not have a great reputation. I asked why would they do the open instead of closed and he said so that I would need to come back and need a 2nd MRI..more money for them. So I had a 2nd MRI at another location & reported a 6 instead of a 4 bulge but no more detailed information. After 2 very long years in pain I found a dr that recommended a Discography (pain mapping) and a Plasma Disc Decompression (minimally invasive surgical procedure) if we found the herniated disc was contained. I was very excited about this procedure but unfortunately my discography results report a grade 5 full thickness tear at L5-S1 with contrast material leaking to the epidural space with mass effect on the thecal sac ending at S1nerve. So I am meeting with my dr this week to discuss other options for me. If you are not ready for surgery & your disc herniation is contained you should find a doctor that does the discography and the PDD. If you have any ideas for me please share. Living in Pain. :( I want my life back.

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Dickens66 said on 09 October 2011

I have made a forum for people with back problems - if any of you would like to join, and have a chat about our experiences
It needs a few tweaks still :)

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Paulmcgy said on 01 October 2011

I have had a bad back for years and saw an osteopathic on and off for the whole time. At various times over the years it would be worse or better with me often unable to bend and on lots of medication. After three children and ten years of picking them up and dragging prams in and out of cars, my back eventually could take no more. In August this year I had surgery for something else and awoke to horrendous and unbearable back pain that got quickly worse until I could barely walk and had lost all feeling in my foot. I was lucky as my GP was very good and referred me to a friend of his who is a very good neurosurgeon. Again very luckily we have private healthcare with my husbands job, so I was seen quickly. Even the consultant was shocked at how much pain I was in and said he generally sends most people away as they are not bad enough for surgery. An MRI scan showed a massively prolapsed disk that was almost entirely out. I had surgery a few days later when in actual fact I had almost two whole disks removed. When the surgeon came to see me after the operation it was to tell me what a mess my back had been in and why the operation had taken a lot longer because so much work had been needed. I am very pleased that I had surgery as now a week after surgery the pain has gone apart from an odd ache, which he expects to go with recovery. I feel very lucky and am pleased to have been able to had this done so quickly as would had had permanent damage otherwise. He did say that the patients who get the most out of surgery are those who have been in acute pain for shorter periods of time. People who have had the pain for much longer will take much longer to recover and will probably not get as much benefit. It is a difficult decision but the age argument seems ridiculous as I am only 35 and age was never a consideration. The decision to have surgery must be between patient and surgeon and I know does not help everyone, but was the right answer for me.

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ray786 said on 26 September 2011

Im writing on behalf of my father whos been suffering with this issue for several years, for upto 20years he was diagnosed with a slipped disc, the usual channel was painkillers, morphine based, physio therapy, eventually injections into the back. Temporary relief for several months a time. I feel really very very sad and can imagine how many people in the comments section have endured, dad is mid 60's, over 24months ago suffered with gradual pain becoming deep and severe and radiating to hips and legs now too, after xrays and then 2 mri's a prolapsed disc was noted. Constantly being advised for physiotherapy and a crazy amount of painkillers, a person whom walked everyday, took the grandchildren out all day long and could drive, can barely walk to and from the bathroom without pain and discomfort. His whole body has arched and with restricted movement and walking other health issues are flaring up. His not even able to get in the car, we have changed everything in our home thankfully we have a purpose built annexe but as a bed and mattress designer myself we have changed his beds many many times. We've tried all types of clinics private and nhs, and i feel like everything is on slow conveyor belt, Im not stating painkillers and physio do not work, but i guess for some it doesnt especially with age. He has been on a cocktail of meds, including ones placed under the tongue, well his had that for many years now. After bugging the gp many times, the hospital would say too old and risky for OP, but if nothing works and quality of life is diminished what choice does he have? after much suffering i took him private bupa, a specialist recommended in west mids seen him and stated an OP is required, reassured though there are risks quality of life will be better than now.. funny thing is that this op is available via NHS, but long waiting times (thanks to our recession and banks!!) means we are still waiting since May, im hoping it could be in october or nov. :oS

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gizzyrose said on 15 July 2011

To anyone this will help - I have suffered with a bad back since I was a very young child dismissed at 15 with diagnosis of scoliosis. Led onto severe sciatica where I too was under a Consultant and advised to go to physio who left me housebound for 12 months and on crutches to move at al for 18 months. I also had 2 epidurals which did nothing for me other than caused additional problems with the 2nd one and led to me leaving hospital in a wheelchair! Physio on final appointment admitted didn't know what was wrong with me and how to help by then the damage was done! Though I am continuing to suffer I currently work full time how do you ask, through an exceptionally talented Osteopath. After being told I was young enough to put up with it (being housebound at 25!) I was in despair and visited her with no real hope or belief in her abilities and with her taking 1 look at me and stating she was not sure what she could do for me but after 3 sessions I was off my crutches (remember after 18 months!) I still see her periodically and have massages whenever I can afford it and I have just (today) been further diagnosed with Osteoporosis, prolapsed discs and nerve damage which affects my entire body (im often falling down the stairs) and would say to you to fight for operations if and when theyre on offer to you and run a mile from physio! Research the best surgeon for your specific issue around the country and get your GP to refer you to that person if they wont change your GP - I am still working full time though I have constant pain that nothing touches so your life can improve but don't accept what your doctors GPs etc tell you fight for whatever you really want. I sincerely hopes this helps and would advise to select only an Osteopath that someone you know well has recommended after personal treatment. I wish you all well and a good sleep!

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r c chapman said on 10 July 2011

i have have 2 corroded lower discs for 4 yrs now which have got severley worse this yrive had 2 mri sans and ive being to see a back surgeon last dec and he basicly said i was to young for a operation (im 36) and offered me to go to pyhsio which i have being to the hospital twice a week which has done nothing but make the pain worse ive also had a injection in one of the muscles in my lower back 3 months ago which never worked im back at the hospital in 3 weeks for another desision for the needle in my spine ive took diclfenic, tramadol, codine, dizipan , dihadrocodine, in the past to no pain relief im now currantly taking liquid morhine and nefopam tablets.... 2 days ago at work i was just doing my normal job and got a really bad pain and ive being in severe pain since 2 days in bed it really hurts when i walk i would really like to know why the surgeon can make the desission that im to young for surgury should'nt i make that choice???

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christinac47 said on 29 June 2011

i have suffer really bad back pain for around 4 years now last year was the hardess as when it gets bad can not move at all as ther is to much pain been to see a spicaless and he said i have a slip discs was very cheeky to me because i could not explain my self to him properly i felt so let down as i thought this docter would listen ,cant do anything about this matter now as he said sorry to me he put me in touch with a thiseo to see if this will help me then i have to see him again in 3 month time i dont know what to expect from this docter as i feel he was a bit to head strong i find it hard to trust the hospital and this docter has just made it worse as i did not get the time of day to tell him what was going on with my pain he even had my mri scan in his office which he did not even look at until he spoken to me then looked at i suffer from dyslxea and find it hard to expain things right away its much hard when people are rushing you out the door i had a very bad experance in the hospitail as some went wrong i dont want to get into detail with it but i fell very afraid of going back i just dont know whats next

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kerinsian said on 21 June 2011

To Josh
Hi, you asked if anyone here had had the surgery for prolapsed discs!
I had that surgery at age 19, and while I cannot tell you what to do, I can tell you that it owrked for me. I only had one problem disc, but the pain was severe and prolonged so my doctor referred me to a specialist in Cardiff. I had the op and from the first day noticed that despite the pain from the op, my backpain was greatly reduced. It's a serious step to take, and no doubt your doctor will have told you that it can go wrong, and that nothing is guaranteed, but for me it was well worth having it done.
I'm now 50 and my discs above and below startied bulging and causing pain 5 years ago, so bear in mind that you may suffer later in life if this operation works for you now. (This trouble was in no way caused by the operation)
Do I think it's worth having the operation? For me yes, very much so, but please make your decisions based on your own desires and the advice of your doctor, not mine. All the best :)

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julieatbolton said on 21 June 2011

I have suffered with back pain for over 25yrs now (I suppose being 6ft tall doesnt help). I have managed to help myself by doing pilates at home (Darcey Bussell) which has been really great for over 14 months. Approx 6-7 weeks ago I started getting a dull ache around my right knee area. This has gradually gone worse now where the pain is now from my right butttock all the way down to my ankle. I have tried to carry on with pilates but cannot as this makes my leg/buttock feel like it is 'burning'. The pain is constant, like someone is pressing a potato peeler into my muscle and turning it. I have had x-ray (came back clear) and had result from MRI yesterday which states I have a L5/S1 disk protrusion. I have a morphine patch on each buttock which is changed every 7 days, I take a strong painkiller 3 times daily, paracetamol, and diazepam (which I only try to take when in desperate pain). I also take a morphine tablet which dissolves under the tongue when again I only use when I am desperate and cannot sleep (which was again last night). I have paid for 2 sessions of acupuncuture which did nothing at all. In fact, the last session, when the needle went into my buttock, hurt so much I felt like I was going to be sick - he put 13 needles in altogether all the way down my leg - did not help at all. I have rang my gp today to ask him to refer me for urgent physio. Nothing seems to be helping. I have cried so much today (as being off work also gets me down as I feel guilty - ridiculous I know). Its was a nice feeling reading some of these comments as it makes me realise I am not alone. And writing this all down is making me feel a little better - stopped my crying anyay. Sort of counseling I suppose. Had my mobile hair dresser round last night to try and make me look (and maybe feel better) it didnt work :) On that note, I am going to pull myself together and get my makeup (mask) on.

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queenbee33 said on 15 June 2011

hi nathhanade,
well im not on the same level as you, as i only have 1 prolapsed disc (although i have been told im showing signs of another prolapse higher up) but havent been sent for another mri!! what you said about the steroid injection is very interesting! i dont know if its the same as the epidural? ive been told i cant have that, as im on medication for migraines, & i have injections for various other things! i just cant seem to get any further than physio, & i really dont want to go through that! if i had the money, i would bypass everything, & go straight to a back specialist, afterall the issue is with our backs, not something a gp deals with everyday!, thats my opinion anyway!
hope your getting by (as thats what we do) take care..

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nathhanade said on 10 June 2011

I have had a prolapsed disc for the last few years after a car accident. The doctor said he was not going to bother putting me on the list for a consultant as i would never get seen anyway. had physio for months until they gave up and said it's having no effect.
Last result as i could hardly walk was going private. £750.00 within one week had the mri scan showed 4 slipped discs and a degenerating one at the lowest point. Went onto nhs had a steroid injection all within 1 month. I was told this process takes 14 months.
They said they would not open up the disc area as there was a very high risk of infection.
The injection lasted 19 month pain free until 2 days ago where i was unable to move. the hospital sent me home in a wheelchair with pills. 2 days on still can hardly move and having to sleep downstairs on the sofa. Have to borrow money to go private again as my doctor told me i would be waiting at least 3 months to see someone about it.
and as im self employed i dont receive any money.
Also the steroid injection went wrong and i ended up in hospital for a week but that should not put you off as i would have it again just to be able to walk without the aid of lots of pain meds

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queenbee33 said on 09 June 2011

@josh, im dreading physio!, my appointment isnt untill july 14th, hopefully after that i will be refered to a back specialist! ive been told physio wont help me, but i have to build a case for the specialist! im on tramadol at the moment, doesnt help at all, doesnt even send me to sleep (i wish it would) im having trouble sleeping now! a new thing creeping in now is, both my feet are going numb, only for short periods, but im told could last longer! neway i really hope your appointment with the spinal surgeon went well? id love to know the out come! take care.. queenie :)

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Josh2011read said on 01 June 2011

@queenbee33 I totally agree with you, I had to do physio, its so painful for my back! i have the pain going down my leg into my toes some days it can be terrible! I am seeing a Spinal surgeon on Monday after waiting since 24th december 2010. So see what they have to say, im only 17 and ive had back pain since 2004. I guess I do want surgery to relieve the pain alot, cause its frustrating not been able to work properly, and to walk around with pain constantly there. But I look at the pros and cons and success rate and how many operations took place at the hospital im going to.
Been on all sorts of medication naproxen, codrydamol, cocodamol, gabapentin, celebrex even tramadol, none of them work just send me to sleep.
Good luck with it :)
Josh

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queenbee33 said on 31 May 2011

it seems wrong to be relieved, to hear of other ppl suffering the same as me! but untill i read this i felt totaly alone. ive only had a prolapsed disc for 5 months, but it feels like 50 yrs! ive been told my my doctor my disc has a unusaly big tear, and its pressing on multiple nerves! my left leg is in constant pain (on some days i have to drag my leg) my knee is affected, constantly hurts & is swollen. one of the nerves runs to my toes, recently my big & little toes are swelling up, going purple & are extremly painful. the back pain i cant even describe, nothing helps, im going thru every pain killer, nothing helps. i have been told i would be a candidate for back surgery, but nobody realy wants surgery (i do)! my doctor is very good, but i feel just doesnt understand, unless your going thru this, you never will! i cant even get refered to a back specialist untill i have tried a course of physio, & im on a 3 month waiting list! the thought of physio worries me, when my doctor does his tests on me ( raises my leg & so on) i can hardley walk & my leg & groin atre left black & blue! but i know to see a back specialist i have to go through with it. im 33. but everyday now, i feel 133!

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Josh2011read said on 05 May 2011

So the best option is to see if I can have surgery?
My nan had slipped discs and tried chiropracters/acupuncture and they hadnt helped her apart from making the pain more.
Its limiting what I can do from day to day activities, and is frustrating.
Thanks Josh

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moggiemag said on 04 May 2011

Hi, I know exactly where you're coming from, back pain can totally ruin any enjoyment you get from life. I've been suffering from middle back pain on and off for about 20 years now. The local surgery aren't much help, all they've been able to offer me are painkillers and physiotherapy, neither of which have gone anywhere near solving the problem. In desperation I started looking around for alternatives, I tried hypnotherapy - didn't work on me, then had a go at acupuncture - no difference whatsoever.....then I visited a registered chiropractor.....he can't cure me, and doesn't claim that he can, but he has managed to reduce the length of time that I'm in pain from each "flare-up" from 2-3 weeks to just a day or so, this has made a big difference to my life. Without surgery the problem will never go away but a chiropractor can certainly help with the pain management, give it a try. Hope this helps, good luck, Mags

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Josh2011read said on 27 April 2011

I have had these prolapsed discs (3) / back pain since I was about 13 and I'm now 17 and have only found out the pain in my back was these discs causing it. I have had all the tablets my doctor can prescribe me from naproxen/amytriptilene/célèbrex/codrydamol/cocodamol/ to the strongest tramadol and none of these have worked. I am currently waiting to see a spinal surgeon at Birmingham Royal Orthopedic Hospital and wondering if any one can advise me if surgery is successful? (anyone who has had the procedure) because I've had physiotherapy and hasn't really much helped doctors are quite concerned because of my age having these ruptured discs. Would be much appreciated. Josh

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jedra said on 26 April 2011

Hi, no idea where to turn to for advice, so hope someone reading this website may have some help. My husband first suffered a prolapsed disc 8 years ago. He had very strong medication and a root block injection. He was off work for 6 months, but when he returned, he was in and out of work for two years with recurrent flair-ups. His condition then returned to normal for 3 years. Sadly two years ago though, he slipped slightly and again prolapsed the same disc, but also the one below. He was in the most severe pain I've ever witnessed and during the night, I called an ambulance where he was given gas and air to just get him down the stairs. The paramedic said he'll need emergency surgery. Sadly the A&E just drugged him up and sent him home the following day, where I struggled to get out GP to constantly come and review his pain and medication. He spent 8 weeks sleeping(ish) on a lylo downstairs, he had to crawl into the kitchen to use the toilet (bucket), and often collapsed with the pain and exhaustion. He was not the same man as was so drugged up. He was constantly assured that he'd suffered enough from this condition and would be a surgical candidate. Sadly (again) on finally getting into the NHS, he was given another root block and told no operation as he can now make it to the toilet!. Anyway, he lost his job (and all his self esteem), but thankfully was a very fit man before this 2nd flair up. He managed to get himself walking about slightly, then when he could, he swam. Fast forward two years and he has found a part time job and copes (just) with daily duties. My question to anyone who has experience with this debilitating condition is this: is there anything that can be done? we have to evaluate everything we do as a family. He can only walk so far, only sit for so long, only drive so far, he gets numb foot, pins and needles plus constant sciatic pain. He can't do things with the children and holidays are hell. He's 41 and I think 8 years is enough

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belle30 said on 18 April 2011

Hi Linda

I dont really know where to start but I can understand where you are at this moment. Im only 30 but i had a bad car accident five years ago and I was left with chronic back pain, and like you the pain was so unbearable that I was able to give birth to my 9lb Daughter without any pain killers as I was use to the pain. To date I have had SI & Facet joint steriod injections x 2, more painkillers than Boots, Physio x 16, MRI Scan x 3, CT Scan x1 and I am currently on the waiting list to have the nerves burnt out of my lower back for the 3rd time. I have finally been dignosed as have two prolapsed discs with annular tears. I recently spent a week in hospital because the disc torn and the pain was unbearable, although the bulge of the disc wasn't pressing on the nerve to make me qualify for surgery it was enough to alter the spinal fluid causing a loss of sensation in my bladder and bowel and I struggled for about 3wks with walking. The first three years I found very difficult trying to make people understand and treat me. The best advice I can offer is control your illness and not let it be the other way around. I was also put in touch with a Pain Management Consultant which I found very helpful as they are there to teach you how to live with your condition and how to get the best results out of your medication and treatment. As I live in Wales I am lucky enough to be attending a free course called "The Expert Patient" which is designed to teach patients how to live with and manage their long term health condition www.eppwales.org. I know its difficult but the best thing is to try keep going, although Im on a nice cocktail of pain killers at the moment I try and not let my condition take over my life. I hope my story can be of some assistance, take care and all the best Jo :)

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fedupwithpain said on 18 April 2011

I have been in pain since october 2010. i have been bed ridden for most of that time all over christmas and now im at the point where iv been told i need an op on my back I have 2 grown up kids the pain of child birth is like shelling peas compaired to the pain I have in my back I have to go for a mri scan and im so so scared I dont know what to do But i do know i cant go on like i am doing without any sleep taken tramadole like smartes and my life is on hold as i can only go out unless i have someone with me im not young but im not old im 56 and my daughter has just had my second grandson and i want to beable to take him out in his pram .....You would not think that this kind of thing would change my life so much , I have had tracsion and you name it all kinds of pain killers but no good ... So looks like its going to be the op but im hopeing there is someone out there to tell me there have been where i am and that there now are ok fingers crossed .. linda thank for taken time out for me .........

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What to do about different types of pain, including joint pain, back pain and migraines, and managing long-term pain

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