Bulging/ruptured Disc

Updated on February 16, 2010
C.S. asks from Pacific, MO
6 answers

I have had back pain my whole life. I finally started having pain in my left calf and went to my PCP. He stated that I had a bulging disc between L5 and S1. He referred me to a Pain Management doctor. The PM doctor would not prescribe me any oral medication, stating he didn't want me to get addicted to anything. So, his only reccomendation was an epidural cortisone shot. I agreed and had the procedure done in January 2009. The relief from the pain in my calves lasted about 4-5 months, the pain in my back faded, but never completely went away. He told me that the coritsone shot should last 9-12 months. It didn't even come close to that. I really didn't like the PM doctor that I saw. He was not friendly at all and not helpful. I told him that I was going to try to lose weight and asked what exercises I should or shouldn't be doing. His response was, don't do anything to make it worse. Gee, thanks!

Everyone here always seems to have great advice and referrals, so I'm asking for any help for this. If you did anything to help the pain from a bulging/ruptured disc, please let me know. From new shoes, to exercise to an amazing doctor, i am willing to look into anything at this point to help with the daily pain and not being able to stand on my feet for more than an hour.

I understand that a chiropractor would be a great help to me. I've been to 3 different ones and they all wanted to do a "treatment program" which consisted of 2-3 appts per week for 8-12 weeks. My co-pay is $40 per appt, and in no way can afford the extra $300 - $500 a month right now. If you know a great chiropractor that can work with payments, that would be great.

I live in Pacific and work in Westport, I am willing to drive anywhere in St. Louis, Jefferson or Franklin Counties to find something that will help.

Thank you in advance for all your help, advice and info. It is very much appreciated!
C.

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S.C.

answers from St. Louis on

My whole family (6 kids!) goes to Dr. Jason Harre in Florissant. I have had a bulging disc in my neck that he was able to fix without me having to resort to cortisone shots or surgery. It did take a while(about 4 months) and I averaged about 2 visits a week. I was in a lot of pain and he was very sympathetic. Always explaining to me that it would get better, it justs takes time for that kind of injury to heal. He always had suggestions for temporary pain relieving techniques when I thought it was hopeless. I persisted and I have never had a reoccurance of the problem. It's been over 2 years. Back to the cost. My family has been seeing Dr. Jason for over 4 years. We started out at 3 times a week to correct our sublexations (yes even the little ones have them). We have gotten so much good advice from Dr. Jason about getting healthy and being proactive with our immune systems that I can't begin to tell you how much money we have saved in medical costs over the years. We very rarely get sick. That's saying alot with 6 kids all in school exposed to all the germs there! When one of the kids or my husband or myself does, we immediately see Dr. Jason instead of our PMD. We are well very soon. He has worked with our family and our insurance to create a monthly payment that fits our budget and works with our insurance. Each situation is different, I know, but he has made it very affordable for our family of 8. Dr. Jason is a christian, and a great family man, very patient and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him for your problem. His phone number is ###-###-####. His practice is called Harre Family Chiropractic and his office is on St. Francois St. in Old Towne Florissant.

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B.K.

answers from St. Louis on

I am sorry that you are in so much pain and that you had a bad experience with your pain management doctor. I am a physical therapist and I work often with women with low back pain issues. Alot of times pain is the result of how we move and postures we are in on a day to day basis which result in imbalances. A physical therapist is trained to look at how people move and to help eliminate pain. Physical therapy is usually covered by insurance. I would be happy to try to help you out. Check us out at www.legacytherapystl.com
B.

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T.M.

answers from St. Louis on

Hi C.:
I saw a pain management doctor for neck pain in the past. I really liked him as he always listened to me and worked with me to achieve the best posssible results. His name is Dr. Nabil Ahmad MD. His contact information is as follows:

14561 N Outer 40 Road, # 201
Chesterfield, MO 63017
###-###-####

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C.S.

answers from St. Louis on

My cousin is a chiropractor and his dad was one as well. He is quite good and I think he may be willing to work with your budget. His name is Dr. William Schatt. He is located in south St Louis city area. I would also, if I were you, look seriously into getting your hands on some essential oils by a company called Young Living. They are of the best quality and I have had excellent results from them. Go to www.oil-testimonials.com and put in a search for bulging disc or other key words for back pain and injuries. That should give you great ideas on how the oils can help heal you. If you need someone to help get you into a wholesale account with them, I can help you. Good luck, I know back pain is horrible to live with so I hope you can solve this and get on with enjoying life!

C.
____@____.com

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M.S.

answers from St. Louis on

C...I feel your pain and I know the best Chiropractor in the world. She is just he most caring person I know. I'm sure she will work with you on the payments and the best part of it is she is very very good and gentle.

Dr. Robyn Lawerence
###-###-####

Tell her that M. Shepard had you call..please don't wait too long,the longer it is bludged the harder it will be to keep in alinement..Trust me those are words of experience. When I first went to her I couldn't walk or stand up and I mean couldn't do either one..I tried PT first and the pain was so bad I cried through it..Then I found Dr.Lawerence and I improved on a daily bases..Do yourself a favor and call her now..

Feel free to email me if you'd like ____@____.com

Best Wishes
M. Shepard
Florissant-

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C.A.

answers from St. Louis on

Oh C., I have been right there with you. I had 3 epidural treatments within 2 mos and the first 2 seemed to start helping but something went wrong with the third. I kept going and tried accupuncture with a chiropractor. I went about once or twice a week this helped for a while and then I had surgery for something else and the back was so bad it was all I could do to get up and go to work. Walking eased the symptoms until the last 2 -3 weeks before surgery then nothing helped not the meds, walking, sitting, I was miserable. I saw a neurosurgeon and he did help me. After 1 1/2 years of pain (not all bad) I am so much better. I was out 3 weeks but was up walking and feeling good even the day of surgery. I could stand and cook! I still have another month of no lifting or bending but wow.........Go to an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon and see what help you can get. I chose a neurosurgeon. Good Luck

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