Surviving the Pain of a Herniated Disk and Sciatica

Getting over a herniated disk is a slow and frustrating experience. After sleeping on my couch, twisted in a pretzel configuration while watching TV, I woke up with sharp pains shooting down my left leg. It was excruciatingly painful to move, let alone walk or bend. In the past, I’d had back pain from carrying too many plastic grocery bags or lifting heavy boxes the wrong way. This time, things were different. The pain didn’t subside, and made it uncomfortable to sit, and to lie on my bed or couch. Crawling over to the phone, I got on the internet and looked up what it was.

On different spine-related websites, I found multitudes of information on my problem. Until I had a doctor look at me, I could only guess, but it appeared to be Sciatica. I found an orthopedic doctor nearby and made an appointment. It took a few days to be strong enough to even walk, so I could leave my apartment and go down two flights of stairs to catch a taxi. In my condition, there was no way I could drive a car by myself.

The doctor took a CT scan and a bunch of spinal x-rays, and told me that the problem was indeed sciatica, caused by a herniated disk in my lower lumbar spine. He showed me the x-ray of my spine on the computer, and the pain was coming from the very last vertebra before my tailbone area. I winced as he had me get up on the examination table, where he checked my reflexes and looked for complications of my condition. He reassured me that he will help me, and not to worry. That was incredibly reassuring, since I was very scared. Reading about spine problems on the internet and about the horrific potential complications and surgeries, my mind was spinning. He told me that there didn’t appear to be any complications, and then prescribed me painkillers, muscle relaxants and steroids. Normally, I don’t like taking that many medicines all at once, but I was at the mercy of the whopping, sharp pains that told me that my back was in control. My meds were called in and delivered to me, to my relief.

At home, I laid flat on a slab of memory foam (from my bed) on the floor. Nothing else was comfortable enough to lie down on. For weeks, I dutifully took my medicines, and did what the doctor told me to do. Trying physical therapy didn’t work for me because it sent my back into spasms and hurt so bad I couldn’t move for two days. So, I bought a muscle stimulating machine (TENS unit) and did a more subdued form of therapy to myself. It worked wonders and in time, the pain subsided slowly.

It has been eight weeks since this back ordeal had begun, and now I am able to walk and sit up again. It will be awhile before my body will return to normal, but I see light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. If you are diagnosed with a herniated disk, don’t panic – just make sure to go to the doctor to get help. It’s amazing what they can do to help. No more waiting out the pain for me, my back has taught me to be more conscious of my movements. The spine doesn’t like to be twisted, and sitting for long periods is bad because it compresses the spine. I’ve bought different health aids like pillows to sit on, for my office chair, massage pillows and even a massage chair. Together they all help. The doctor told me it was OK to use them, but to follow my body’s lead. If it hurts, stop. Having back pain has changed my life by making me aware of my movements. Be conscientious of your spine and treat it well. That way, you may not ever have this kind of problem that I had. As for me, life is good, and I’m getting better, one day at a time.