spine

[burtonwood]

I have been told I have some discs bulging from the spine, which may be putting pressure on other things. any information ?

[Scarlett]

This is basically a "slipped disc". The squashy yet firm "disc" in between the bones in your spine which act as buffers, can wear out, or suddenly be squeezed due to bad posture, heavy lifting, being overweight etc. Once they are out, it's like toothpaste out of tube. If yours are just bulging, that means they are under stress but you can help this by losing weight, doing back strengthening exercises, lifting and bending properly etc. Chances are you have some lower back pain, which means the discs are pressing on the nerve in your back (sciatic) which is the long one that runs down to your feet. This is why some people get leg pain with a back problem. Get a book on back care and try and strenghten yours up.

[Nannyjill]

I'd try swiming and pilates if you can.

[burtonwood]

thankyou for your advice scarlett and nannyjill. I do swim nearly every day, and I do not carry any extra weight, weighing in under 9 stone. I have had back pain for years and have had physio, but now it is causing neck pain and also in my collar bone. Hope the spinal specialist can sort me out.

[Scarlett]

I recommend facet joint injections! I have these every 6 months- 6 injections into the small joints in your back - steroids- which over time, reduce the inflammation to the nerve endings, which are causing the pain. This may not suit your problem, but steroid injections really do help with pain control. Also have you seen a chiropractor? It sounds like you are all out of allignment and hence why it is now spreading to your neck etc.

[burtonwood]

thanks again scarlett, I will ask my doctor about this

[Postdog]

Chiropractor helped me. I did have reasons for a mishapen spine (like an s) and it was straightened by a course. Expensive but worth it.