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Suggest Treatment For Right Leg Pain, Sciatica And Bulging Discs In Lower Back
Hello Dr I am female, 64yrs old, suffer from sciatica with symptoms you have just described, i have two discs bulging in my lower back, pain is terrible right to my foot with tingling sensation. I take painkillers which help a bit, i have had physio for six months,but didnt help, it's really getting me down, I approached my doctor re surgery but he said it wasn't advisable, I cant do things like gardening now which I loved. Is there any cure or anything which would give at least some ease. Thank you.
posted on
Thu, 2 Jul 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 31 Jul 2015
Answered on
Fri, 31 Jul 2015
Last reviewed on
Hi there and thank you for your question.
I appreciate your concern regarding this matter and I'll try help you where I can.
I assume that the bulging disks are in the lower part of your lower back around L4/5 and L5/S1 seeing that your symptoms involve your leg up to your foot. These symptoms that you're experiencing would make one think that these bulging disks are actually pressing against the roots of the nerves that supply power and sensation to your leg.
You are still in pain despite using pain medication and having seen a physiotherapist. Other non-surgical options could include a pain block but that's only treating the symptoms and not the cause of the problem. A pain block is a procedure where cortisone and local anesthetic medication are injected around the nerves running down the sides of the spine.
I would suggest that you consult with a neurosurgeon to look at your scans and exam you and then let them give an opinion on what the next step would be regarding management of this issue.
If the doctor you consulted is a neurosurgeon, then suggesting the pain blocks would be an options. Otherwise, if you're still not getting any satisfaction with the progress of your possible further management, then maybe a second opinion would be a good idea.
I hope this helps and good luck.
I appreciate your concern regarding this matter and I'll try help you where I can.
I assume that the bulging disks are in the lower part of your lower back around L4/5 and L5/S1 seeing that your symptoms involve your leg up to your foot. These symptoms that you're experiencing would make one think that these bulging disks are actually pressing against the roots of the nerves that supply power and sensation to your leg.
You are still in pain despite using pain medication and having seen a physiotherapist. Other non-surgical options could include a pain block but that's only treating the symptoms and not the cause of the problem. A pain block is a procedure where cortisone and local anesthetic medication are injected around the nerves running down the sides of the spine.
I would suggest that you consult with a neurosurgeon to look at your scans and exam you and then let them give an opinion on what the next step would be regarding management of this issue.
If the doctor you consulted is a neurosurgeon, then suggesting the pain blocks would be an options. Otherwise, if you're still not getting any satisfaction with the progress of your possible further management, then maybe a second opinion would be a good idea.
I hope this helps and good luck.
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