Disc Bulge
Hello All, I have PPMS - I think at least five or six years but diagnosed just over two. An MRI around three months ago showed a disc bulge on L4/5 which causes regular pain - especially in night/mornings and weakness on that side (right) and thus mobility and balance issues. I know three non-MS friends who have had successful surgery for similar. I met my surgeon after the MRI and he told me he advised against surgery and he could end up leaving me a lot worse than I am. Looking at the damage he said he didn't know whether MS or wear and tear was the cause. I have absolute respect for this guy and appreciate his advice even though it is not what I hoped for. Has anyone else had similar? Did you undergo successful non-surgical treatment? Is it possible to do so? Thanks.
I had three bulging discs 20 years ago. Did non-surgical therapy form and it worked fine. They hurt now some but I mean that was 20 years ago
Good morning! I have had 4 bulging discs for many years but went to daily yoga classes until I could no longer make it up the stairs to the yoga studio. There’s no question that 1.5 hours of daily yoga helped because within 1 year of stopping (I switched to water fitness.) one of the discs herniated. Now THAT is some serious pain. At any rate, as I had been a surgical tech for nearly a decade, I was determined to NOT have surgery - so laid flat on my back (under my MD’s instruction) for 10 days and then started PT. It was super-painful at first but am now doing chair yoga, walking daily with Ottobock brace+crutches, riding stationery bike and mediating (TM). I’m still in pain ALL THE TIME but it’s LESS!!!! Needless to say, I’m doing my very best to avoid surgery and am suprisingly pleased with the PT-approach. The body wants to heal. Even our poor MS-bodies!