Torn L4-L5

[BOPJohnDoe]

I've never heard of a disc being torn? I'll have to have a look at that. I have a herniation at L4/L5.... it rarely gives me trouble now but I did have my first flare up a few weeks ago. I'd definitely seek alternative opinions/medical scans as previously suggested if you haven't already, I appreciate some medics specialise in this area but I would not just take their educated opinion. You do not want to be rolling the dice with your back

if the gabapentins efficacy wears off I'd recommend an epidural, I've just checked and surgery is indicated should physical therapy fail. For me personally with my back I ice the fk out of it and push through the pain. I keep mobilising normally without too much lifting heavy and it generally subsides... if i rest too much it gets worse. Ice will help with the inflammation in that area, I got one off of amazon that comes in a sleeve and I can rap around my abdomen/lower back for 25 minutes.

Other things would be not to sit for too long without standing up after 25-30 minutes, your spine will decompress a little when standing. You can also buy ergonomic cushions etc that you can use in chairs which give you that additional support you may need.

If you're going back to work my advice would be to bend your knee's when lifting..... before you call me captain obvious.... I have lost count of the amount of days when I seem to be pain free and I forget.... the shooting pain up my left leg gives me a sharp reminder when i forgot to use my knees. Even as I sit here in this chair my posture isn't great, so i guess it's about you being very mindful until you progress through your convalescence.

Thank you for your detailed response. My ortho doctor did say if pain did not subside w Gabapentin and physical therapy the next step would be an epidural to calm down inflammation. I don’t think an epidural is necessary as of right now.