What Should I Do Now (lower Back Pain+sciatica)?

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:23:23 +0000

ive had this pain going on roughly 5years now and recently was able to see a doctor just 3 years ago.
i was diagnosed with sciatica, spinal stenosis, and 3 protruding disks in my lower spine. keep in mind i am only 23yrs old.
so far ive my doctor has told me to go to physical therapy, witch helped a little. i was only able to go for 3months before i was told there was nothing more that i could do except exercise at home .
well since then my pain has gotten progressively worse to the point that every time i get up from a chair or bed my left left gets those tingles (when your leg falls asleep). i can no longer walk long distances (i cant even walk up the street). i was given a steroidal shot in my but because the doctor claimed that it would relax my muscles and pull some of the tension off my nerve. but some how it made my pain even worse off then what it was. and to top things off my pills have given me Extream constipation.
as of now my docters have me on generic froms of : IBUProfen(anti inflammatory), Robaxin(muscle relaxer),ultram(pain killer),norco(pain killer), dok(stool softener), andalvial.(antidepressant?)
every day i try to get up and walk a little bit. and i also try to do the exercises my old physical therapist gave me but i can bearly do any of those. i lay down most of the day writhing in pain and only get to take any where from two to three 3hr naps. ive gotten my MRI witch shows the damage
and was given the following choices.
1.more Physical therapy
2.more injections.
3 omt (spinal manipulation)
4.Surgery
so my my question is. after most of the these things havent shown a positive result as of yet. should i go on with the surgery and get the relife i so badly want and need. or should i put it off try more physical therapy and hope that i dont suffer any long term nerve damage from not getting the surgery?
keep in mind im only 23.,,
Further details include.
.unemployed because back pain became too sever and need a source of income badly
. cant stay living with parents forever. im supposed to be the one takeing care of them now.
.im trying to weigh my options in hopes to make the right choice.
my medical plan is a Free Plan from the State of California (MIA) if that helps at all.
Please help me make a good choice.

Physical Therapists » Pain+sciatica

What Should I Do Now (lower Back Pain+sciatica)?