BACK INJURY QUESTION

Hi everyone it's been a while since I've posted but had a question about a back injury that maybe someone here has experienced or may be able to lend some advice for. I had an MRI of my back on 9-15 and it showed I have a 5mm central subligamentous L5-S1 disc herniation impinging on the anterior aspect of the thecal sac. Also Degenerative disc disease involving the lower lumbar spine and Facet Arthropathy involving the lower lumbar spine. My doctor has recommended 12 sessions of physical therapy but I was wondering if anyone else ever had this type of problem and is PT the right thing to do or should I contact a Back specialist Doc. Thank in advance for any advice anyone can give me. This is very painful and sometime unbearable Jim

Just my opinion, Im not a doctor but if it was me I would see a specialist. They are pros in their area of med. Check with your insurance you might need a referal from your regular doc, but he/she should understand you want to see a Orthopedic Specialist. Anyway, good luck and hope you start to feel better no matter what you do... Pam 314/130

I had an MRI in March that showed I have 3 bulging discs and one has a 12 mm extrusion. I was referred to a surgeon by my chiropractor but I don't want to have surgery. My chiropractor has been doing manual traction with me since March and I've been doing much better. Do you go to a chiroprator? That might be something to consider before having surgery - to me nothing is more scary than back surgery. Good luck - I know how painful it can be sometimes. Do you have an exercise ball? That seems to help mine too.

see a specialist. I have very similiar back injuries & degenerative disc disease. Diet & Exercise did/does help - some, my D.O. wanted to adjust my back, send me to P.T., my Neurologist, said no. Of course different Doc's are going to say different things. With my weight down to "normal" even though I can do more, I still hurt more, and with the cooler temps, less insulation, owie, my arthritis flares bad, especially in the morning's.