Dear Forum,
I am 45 year old man with back injury back in 1995. Since then I have low-back pain consistently on and off. However, since last three weeks, I have pain originating from my back radiates down to the legs, shoulder blades, biceps, and arms. I have been advised to do MRI and have been diagnosed with L5-S1 disc herniation with the following points :
1. Osteophytosis, disc dessication, Schmorl's nodes, type-II end plate changes with end plate irregularities.
2. Disc height reduction, posteriror annular tear, disc protrusion at L1-L2 and disc extrusion at L5-S1 level causing varying degres of thecal sac indentation and neural foraminal narrowing resulting in compressive impingement upon the left S1 traversing nerve root
My orthopedic suggested that if I take complete bed rest, I can avoid surgery and I am on a conservative therapy since last 10 days and in complete bed rest. I have been given dial medication (Etodolec two times a day, Methycobal 1500 mcg, and Paracetamol) and advised complete rest. However, since last three days, I am experiencing muscle weakness in my legs and arms and today the weakness is severe in legs so much so that I have difficult in climbing down or up stairs. Though my pain in the legs have improved!
My bladder control is fine and having no tingling or numbness. What should be my course of action. Should I continue with the conservative approach or look out for serious consulation leading to surgery.
Kindly advise me as I am getting very depressed.