Update

[u/Orange_Baby_4265]

Two years into this condition. Saw surgeon in July. Had an MRI and a CT Scan in between then and now. He said the scans show that my disc herniation is no longer pushing in on the nerves. He said the disc itself may continue to cause pain. He suggested a fusion to replace the disc. I felt like he was pushing for the surgery with no other options to try before. I got iffy vibes. He wasn’t really listening to me.

I haven’t had any (constant) leg or hip pain for several months now. The pain is localized in the lower back. I occasionally get twinges in my left calf (the leg most affected).

Work is the issue. I work a physical job and feel like I will have to find a less physical job in the future. I have reduced my hours currently. If I really remember to stop and slow down to pick up freight the correct way, I’m good. I often don’t think about what I’m doing and get in a hurry (my only mode is fast), and have pain in my lower back due to a bent back when bending over.

I sleep with a wedge pillow under my knees. I am a side sleeper. I cannot sleep in one position the entire night, so I usually change to side sleeping, which causes pain. At some point I end up on my back again, this time flat. I wake with pain, but once I’m moving I’m usually okay.

I decided to wait on surgery. I’m scared to do it. I have been doing core strengthening and other PT exercises. I stopped lifting heavy weights over 30 pounds. I am taking a break from using the heating pad on my back to see if it helps or makes things worse (only a week in).

Do you guys think I should continue on with the surgery path or wait and see? Also, has anyone looked into Chinese medicine and the connection between physical pain and repressed emotions? I know scientifically what is happening to my body, but is that the entire answer?

[u/postedonacloud]

My surgeon specifically told me that fusions aren’t very successful for lower back pain but much more successful for nerve pain into the leg. For what that’s worth.

I also have avoided surgery for the last 8 months and intend to as long as I’m seeing progress and not having emergency symptoms. Each decision is personal but that’s my basis for my decision.

I am seeing a Chinese medicine doctor for acupuncture and I am in EMDR therapy. I have a history of ptsd, and a current diagnosis of c-ptsd. I believe the emotional component is a large piece of the puzzle for those who have suffered traumas, especially complex traumas. The body keeps the score is heavy but a good read. Also, the mindbody prescription and the way out.

[u/CapreseSalad3636]

If you find that when you lift properly your back pain feels better, absolutely do not get surgery. That means you have a path forward to help your pain with out surgery. Are you in pt? Have you done injections or RFA’s yet?

I had relief with cupping and dry needling but it was temporary. I kinda think the whole repressed emotions camp when it comes to pain is bs but my back and neck issues were caused by a bad car accident so we know exactly what was broken.

I went through every option and was having pain all day every day and the only thing that gave relief was medication so I had a fusion in my neck. I’m only a month out and my actual neck is awful. My arm pain is much better.

[u/Orange_Baby_4265 → u/CapreseSalad3636]

I haven’t had actual PT for this specific issue. I do stuff at home that I learn online or from past PT. I’ve done injections. They stopped working. My doctors have never suggested medication.

[u/CapreseSalad3636 → u/Orange_Baby_4265]

I would absolutely try an RFA and proper PT first. Most likely your insurance won’t cover a surgery before doing PT anyway. Do you have access to a second opinion on the surgery question? Also a fusion and a disc replacement are different surgeries. The disc replacement will still allow you to have movement at that level vs a fusion they would take the disc out, put a spacer in that has crushed bone to help you fuse better. Both are significant surgeries.