Hello, this is my first posting. I stumbled across this site so hope you can help me.
I have had sciatica on and off for about 18 months. an MRI showed a disc bulge and I am now due to have the disc trimmed. It it has taken so long for the surgery to come around that I am no longer in pain. I want the surgery because I know it will reoccur at some point. My question is whether there is still a bulge if I am not in pain and will the surgeon therefore be able to do anything when he operates, will there be anything to trim off?
Afternoon Jordan,
That is fantasic news that the sciatica has gone whilst waiting a long period for the operation. If you dont need to have an operation, I would advise you not to although you surgeon should be the best person to answer your question.
I suffered left leg sciatica and had an L5 S1 discectomy on 29th April 2009 which I have recovered from really well.
I also have a slight central disc bulge at L4/5 level which did not require surgery and is manageable. My other reason for stating not to have an operation unless absolutely necessary is that I was told today my disc will not regenerate when being discharged by my consultants registrar at my local NHS hospital.
I have been told on this website it would not although one physio told me it would but another physio told me it would. You never know what to beleive unless the ask the experts really who should be your surgeon/consultant.
I would say the bulge it still there, you must be doing the right things to manage it?
Do you know what caused the bulge. What caused mine was not warming up and cooling down when playing sports as well as suffering injuries and not letting them heal.
Your surgeon might want to arrange a further MRI scan to determine why the sciatica has now gone.
Good luck in your pursuit of the answer.
best wishes
dalep115
Hi Dalep115, thanks for your reply I shall let you know how I get on!
Hi Jordan, I am no doctor but if my pain went, I would not go through with any operation, but think myself lucky and live each day as my last 🙂 Can they postpone it?
I know that many doctors say that if the whole polulation had an mri 30% would have disc prolapses but only 1% would have any pain from them. Hope you stay painfree whatever you decide 🙂
Hi Jordan
I am with no group. As all surgery carries a level of associated risk.
Given your good fortune prehaps its time to fully investigate prevention.
Core stability, pilates, exercise, stretching, massage. ENJOY
Regards steve
Hi! Jordan
I had a disc (L 3/4) which went back in to place by itself and has not popped back out since. Don't fix what ain't broke!
As the others have said look after your back and keep fit and hope for the best!
Best Wishes and continued good spinal health
SPINELF.