Hello,
I am a 30 year old female with history of a small L4/L5 herniation diagnosed in 1998. I did well after and epidural and pt for many years. However, last year after moving small boxes, my pain returned, but instead of presenting only with left hip pain, I now have moderate leg pain to my foot and severe intermittent pain in my back at the disk space. It is made worse by sitting and almost any kind of movement, especially walking, which is making work and physical therapy quite difficult.
I am on anti-inflammatories and traction and have tried pt, one recent epidural, a tens unit, rest, etc. yet the back pain seems to be getting worse. My doctors cannot seem to agree whether I currently have an annular tear, bone spur, herniation, etc. but they all agree my disk has dried up. I go in for a third MRI next week and will have more epidurals to see if they "take".
My primary question is: How long am I supposed to try conservative treatment before I have surgery? A neurosurgeon I consulted with feels that surgery doesn't often relieve pain in the back, just leg discomfort. From what I have read, it doesn't seem like back surgeries are very successful, and I feel I need someone to better isolate the problem. I have had almost one year of difficulty, and I feel like I must find relief, especially for the back pain.
Thanks for your input!