I’m pretty sure I have a herniated disc. I have been in extreme pain for 11 days now with no sign of improvement. If I bend over or move wrong, it feels like I’m getting shocked by electricity. I mean REALLY shocked, not just tingling. It usually shoots down my legs, but yesterday I had one that made my cheeks tingle. This is the worse pain I have ever felt. I don’t have insurance, but it doesnt matter because I have had back problems in the past where I had physical therapy, so this is considered a pre-existing condition. I don’t want to form a habit of taking painkillers, but right now that seems to be my only option.
#1 by Anonymous on February 28, 2010 - 8:47 am
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Yep that sounds like at least a herniated or ruptured disc. And what’s worse, it sounds like a nerve is impinged and that is what is causing that pain down your legs. I strongly suggest that you somehow get yourself to the nearest county hospital ER. I have been where you are and you don’t want to play around with that nerve like that for long, or it will haunt you for the rest of your life!!
There is a difference between ‘having back problems’ and herniating/rupturing a disc. Stay on bed rest until you see a doc, altho I bet I don’t have to tell you that. You seriously need to see a doc and get an MRI done to see how bad the damage is. You are talking your future and the difference between just ‘back problems’ or being disabled.
#2 by Carrie on February 28, 2010 - 3:06 pm
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A herniated disc will give you the type of pain that makes you pray that you would just pass out. Don’t rule out the possibility that you may have some edema (fluid) gathering at the sight. This increases the pain with the additional pressure. Ask your doctor if you can have a non-steroidal inflammatory drug to take away some of the pressure. Celebrex is very expensive and is not available in generic. There are many others that you might try before reverting to pain meds. Many are not expensive. If you have already had a PT, go get the steroid shot. In the meantime, use heat at the site. Remember to protect your skin from direct contact with it. The longer you wait, the worse you will continue to injure yourself. Nothing worse than chronic back pain…unless it eventually causes the terrible hip/leg pain along with it. Your life will then be toast. I hope you get some relief soon.
#3 by Anonymous on February 28, 2010 - 5:38 pm
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It sounds very serious. I agree you will need an mri. unfortunately, i also hear you have no insurance.
if you go to the ER, as far as I understand it, they have to treat you, at least enough to stablize you.
they cannot turn you away for lack of insurance.at least, that’s what i’ve been told all these years is the reason my hospital bills are so high, to pay for those without insurance.
so that whole pre existing thing is irrelevant.
is there a free clinic where you live? I know the pain must be horrid. This happened to my cousin and he was literally down for the count. pain medication is the only thing i can think, and a heating pad alternating with cool packs. don’t put cold on skin directly put a wash cloth underneath. don’t exceed 30 minutes with either one. Take aspirin if your not allergic, for it’s anti inflamation properties. My cousin slowly got better, but it took a long time. try not to just lay in bed,as that is really not good for the back. try to do some movement, slow gentle walking around the house if you can, so you don’t lose mobility. i don’t mean exercise, just don’t keep laying in bed.
consider the er.
good luck to you.