Hi I have had a prolapsed L5 since I was 20. It has continued to get steadily worse

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I have just recently noticed an indent on my back just above my left buttock, this is about 3 to 4 inches long, would the disc be causing this?

2

Hi Karen the first thing is do not have surgery like did now i have failed back surgery i dont think they dont know what they are doing the dealings i have had with surgeons is unreal they just protect themselves and are not interested after surgery go for pain management first regards peter

3

Hello Karen

I too have indents, but they are on each side,  my problem is arthritis and scolliosis with accompanying osteophytes.  It may just be coincidence that these indents are where pain/discomfort is felt, I don't know, mayby we all have them but I can't ask anyone can I see your back.  

I hope your disc problem can be alleviated soon, please don't let it drag on in case it leads on to arthritis in other places in your spine.  This can happen as your spine compensates itself for discomfort,  try stretching excersize,  see if you can get some release on the pressure on the disc,  I do this by reaching up to the top of the door frame and holding on to a count, also curling round and stretching out whilst laying in bed,  walking is always good.

Hope for a positive future for you.

Jessie.

4

Oh dear Peter am so sorry it didnt work out for you! My gp told me years ago not to have the op if i can control the pain, which I am at the moment,  because he said the close proximity of the disc to my spine, could go either way, so I decided against it! I do hope you get somewhere soon with yours  <3

5

Hi Jessie

I am sorry that you too are suffering in this way! You dont really want to see my back lol it's not a pretty sight lol. My gp given me those exercsies to do and physio, but thats all they can offer! I would love a full bone scan as I also have psoriasis arthritis which doesnt help  

Many thanks for your reply 

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I waited twelve months because the neurosurgeon was to keen to operate i litery seen the pound notes in his eyes so i had a word with my family and gp i cancelled the op twelve months later i was in agony so had the surgery a couple of days later i was in complete agony i went back to see him its got to settle down i said i was in the worst pain ever he just let me as was right over the christmas period until january went to see him he said its settled down hasnt it i said you must be joking i have got more pain in different places had a scan it showed the same disc had re herniated more surgery couple of weeeks later in absolute agony he discharged me could not believe what was happeningjust said you have failed back surgery

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Hello Karen

Sounds like your clothes hang as well on you as mine do on me  .  Sorry to hear you also have the psoriasis, I do also, but the doc's in my case have never connected the two,  have you not been given anything to ease / help with this, or pain relief of any kind?  I do take good pain meds,  they don't however touch the spasms that occur.  Are you worried about osteoporosis - is that why you want a bone scan?   I think you have to be over 60,  for a DEXA scan anyway.    Hope you are able to do as much as you can to keep the muscles strong and give good support, and of course pace yourself,  take care and hope you get relief from the disc problem.

8

Thank you both for your kind replies, I am getting the help I need i have a brilliant team of medics who help me ten fold.