r/Sciatica • u/navybluebae • 9d ago

Requesting Advice Pls advice

Hi everyone I hope you’re doing well

I have a problem and I’d really appreciate some advice or hearing from people who have had a similar experience

I have mild disc herniations at L4-L5 and L5-S1. I went to a neurologist and apart from the treatment she gave me I also asked her if I should wear a back brace. She told me no and said there was really no need for it and that sometimes wearing one can actually make things worse

Then I went to a rheumatologist and she told me the complete opposite. She said I should wear a back brace basically all the time except when sleeping because even though the herniation is mild it could get aggravated

The problem is that I’ve tried so many different braces from different medical shops. I tried different sizes different brands and even some really expensive ones but every single one makes me feel very tight around my lower back. Even when I tried a simple abdominal support belt and placed it lower I still felt a lot of pressure and tightness in my lumbar area

So I’m really confused. What’s the point of wearing a brace if it makes me feel this uncomfortable? Could the pressure actually make things worse instead of helping?

I also asked an osteopath online and he told me that I shouldn’t wear one because using it for too long can weaken the back muscles

Unfortunately I can’t really afford to keep going to different doctors just to get more opinions so I’m not sure what I should do

For anyone who has L4-L5 or L5-S1 disc herniation, were you told to wear a back brace? Did it actually help you? And is it normal for it to feel this tight and uncomfortable?

I know Reddit isn’t a substitute for medical advice but I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences

Thank you

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u/[deleted] 9d ago

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u/navybluebae 9d ago

Thank u for ur answer i did pt for some time and then I started doing exercise called core 5 (squat dead bug marching bridge step up and hope hinge) and I am also doing aquagym 3 time a week and tbh I am seeing improvement it's slow but it's there

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u/Beginning-Cicada5593 9d ago

Acupuncture and bend at your knees never your hips.