What non-surgical methods have helped your herniated Disc?

[dredg]

I was recently diagnosed with an L5 S1 herniated disc in my lower back.  I have sciatic pain radiating down to my foot which becomes numb daily.  I injured my back 2 yrs ago and re-herniated my disc 2 months ago.   I have gone to physical therapy and this seems to have helped a bit.  I also stretch/swim/and do all back exercises outlined by my PT often.  The pain is pretty consistent and has gotten in the way of my regular physical activities.  

I have heard of a drug called Neurontin, has this helped anyone?

Also what kind of non-surgical treatments have worked for you?

Thanks!

[dredg]

Yes,  I am 30 and injured my back when I was 28.  I am not on any narcotics, just ibuprophen for now.  Some days my back is feeling great and others it's like I'm back to square one.  

If you don't mind me asking, what surgery are you having and for what condition?

Thanks

[danswife]

I take the newer form of Neurontin called Lyrica and I haven't seen a noticible difference with my pain.  I'm still taking 1-3 morphine 30mg a day and I'm only 29yrs old (I'm having my surgery in 2 days.)  I'm in some pretty bad pain where I can't play with my kids who are 6 and 1 year.  I wish you good luck in your quest for pain management.

[Zak_Han]

There are a lot of alternative medicine which works for lower back pain.
As you know,It is a common misconception that back pain always stems from the pressure of a slipped disc or a trapped nerve.  This is misleading, the cause of pain is inflammation stimulating nerves, causing the pain signal.
So non-surgical treatment works for your back pain?
Dependent on where the inflammation is .  non-surgical treatment works well when the inflammation is outside of the spinal column.  non-surgical treatment does not work when the inflammation is in the spinal column itself.
Ok,you should consult your doc first.Good luck!