Herniated Discs and Questions

[lee73010]

I have a few questions.  I have 3 herniated discs in my thoracic spine and 2 in my lumbar spine.  There are more details to each herniation, i.e., one is ruptured, one is anterior, etc.  I haven't had an MRI on my cervical spine yet but I have pain there all the time.  My back kills me every day.  It hurts to stand for more than 20 minutes.  I am on my 3rd round of epidural injections in my lumbar spine and I'm sick of injections and pain meds.  
I have my sister crack my back every so often and it helps a million (even through I know she's not 'official').

What does a chiropractor do to help the problems with my back?  How do I find a good doctor?  Is it possible to get 'longer-lasting' relief from chiropractic work?

[lee73010]

Lidocaine is a numbing medication.  It's what they use prior to the epidural injections to numb the area before injecting the steroid.

[thirdeye33]

I'd love to know how it works out.Thanks! I was thinking about Lidocaine, when I said Cortisone?

[lee73010]

Well, steroids and cortisone are pretty much the same thing.  Cortisone is a type of steroid.  I get epidural injections.  I have had 2 rounds (3 injections two weeks apart).  I'm on my 3rd round now.  The first round of injections worked great for me.  The second round did not because I was lifting and hurt my back in the middle of the series.  I'm on my 3rd round and get my last injection tomorrow morning.  I'll let you know how it works out.  

[thirdeye33]

I think we have some similar injuries. I was in a car accident 6 months ago and have severe whiplash and my MRI shows Disc Herniations/Bulges C 5-6, C 6-7  L 2-3, L3-4, L4-5 ,L5-S1. I have been going in a circle w/ doctors, PT(too painful) Acupuncture 14 sessions(did nothing)
Now I'm back to finding an alternative pain management doctor who doesn't just wanna offer injections(that is what I was told was next step) I really do not want injections, are they working for you? What kind did you get? Steroids or cortisone?

I am now on my 6 session w/ a Chriopractor....hurts like hell afterwards(for days)! But, I feel like I am finally seeing someone who understands my injuries.

Sorry I couldn't answer your questions....wish I knew myself :) Hope you're feeling better soon!!