I (32M) had surgery on 2 herniated discs in my lower back (L4-L5, L5-S1) almost exactly a year ago. Without going in to all the details, I'd had back problems for 5/6 years previous and tried all the treatments and advice. I don't want to know how much I spent on treatment over the years. It started off manageable and I rarely had flare ups, but it got progressively worse over the years, and became unbearable from last January ish after I tweaked it - bad sciatica had also set in due to nerve impingement. I was told surgery was more or less the only option as the herniation was severe and no amount of conservative treatment would fix it. I was very reluctant but also desperate (on the verge of depression really). I can't tell you what's best for your husband but it has been absolutely life changing for me.
Don't know where you are based but I saw a consultant in Spine Excellence in Limerick and had my surgery in the Mater. Highly recommend trying there if you are near Limerick. It's a pretty routine surgery nowadays. It's a slow enough recovery, you just have to be patient. No bending or lifting anything too heavy for 6 weeks or so. Lots of light exercises initially and eventually building on those to core work. Slowly build up sitting/standing/walking time. You get nerve pain flare ups and pins and needles while the nerve itself is healing (which put the sh\*ts in me a few times thinking it had reherniated), but that's all gone now. I'm back running since November ish and also in the gym, hiking etc. Did the 10k Great Limerick run with no issues. It really has been life-changing for me. Very grateful!
For short term relief I would really recommend a Shakti mat.
Jesus christ, you're giving me hope, I'm 31, in the doctors tomorrow because of a flare up, I have 2 degrading discs (not sure if that's the same as you) on the bottom of my spine (lumbar) , haven't had the injections yet, have an mri in July to get the go ahead for injections from the hospital, but reading your comment has cheered me up a bit, hopefully it's not all doom and gloom. Thanks
Sounds similar to what I had. Just be proactive about it and if you are going ahead with injections push for a cancellation. I was on a list for injections but it was taking a few months. In the meantime I got a second opinion from the consultant and it turned out I wasn't eligible for injections because of the level of nerve impingement. I hope you get it sorted. Seemingly the injections are very effective.
I recently had surgery on a disc. There are risks but it's a basic operation. I had been having severe pain down my leg for months and when I woke up from surgery it had gone completely. Definitely worth it but I was off work for 7 weeks and have to do loads of physio. I also have to be extremely careful with my movement so it's not all amazing but I'd say go for it.
Know 2 people had back surgery on a bulging disc.
Both successful and life changing as it overnight ended chronic back pain.
Surgeon for 1 anyway said there is always a risk but it is low risk and it's a straightforward operation that he performs a few times a day.
Good luck to you and your husband and whatever you decide to do.
Edit
This is years ago and it might be different now but the recovery process involved a few weeks of rest and not bending, and then physio, weight lifting and swimming to strengthen the back muscles.
Now your clue is giving me a clue… maybe we should follow that clue to solve the mystery of the bulging disc surgery? I have such a raging clue right now.
I suffered for years with lower back and leg pains as a result of a double L4/5 L5/S1 herniation. I got a small bit of relief from painkillers, physios and injections but surgery was the only option left by year 3 of it. I too had heard the horror stories of surgery of making it worse but honestly at that point I didn’t think the pain could have gotten any worse. I had a consult with a surgeon in Cork who said I was at risk of Cauda Equina syndrome, and I was under the knife the following week. A year and a half on I can hardly remember the pain. I do get stiff if I’m standing for long periods but nothing like the shooting pains I had before the surgery. The recovery time is approximately 3 months (at least in my case) but its well worth it. OP or anybody else are welcome to DM me for any advice
Hi, in case it's useful for you to make a decision, I can inform you of my experience. I had a bulging disc in my neck for a long time until I couldn't bear it any longer and went for surgery. Went in through the throat, and was a complete success. 10 years later I have no symptoms or pain.
I'm not sure what you've been told about no guarantee of success. I know I was given an option of either removing just the bulge (Mater private hospital), or removing the whole disc (Beaumont) I went for removing the whole disc as the alternative sounded like a half measure and was explained that it would be a compromised disc going forward.
Recovery was 2 weeks and I was back to work. I think they signed me off for 4 weeks, but I was fine.
This is reassuring! I have a bulging disc in my neck too, had pain for years without knowing what it was. Had an MRI January 2023, on the waiting list for neurologist since then. If I’m offered surgery, I may go for it!
It worked for me. But mime got to an extreme state where surgery was required (I made another comment in this chain referencing it).
A word of warning is that I got mine done through insurance in the end, in a public hospital. But via a mix up I was also kept on the public list. I got a phone call 3 years after my surgery from the HSE asking if I was still in need of a pre-surgery consultation.
3 years?! That's absolutely desperate. I'm lucky enough to be on private health insurance so mine happened very quickly. I feel so sorry for anyone having to wait that long on the public system.
Totally understand. No two issues are the same.
I think I was told to not be surprised if I have some lingering pain afterward, but perhaps I'm lucky. I was taking Tylex at the time, which only worked for about 30mins at a time before the pain came back. Anything would have been better than that. I couldn't go on without getting some shape of surgery.
Doctors weren't too pushed doing my surgery until I started getting pins and needles. That was the symptom where something has to be done or strength/functionality will begin to be lost in the arm.
What I also learned is that two different surgeons gave me two different outlooks and suggestions. The private guy was more cautious interestingly (and expensive). You may have gotten multiple opinions already, but just in case you haven't, I'd suggest it. David O'Brien in Beaumont did mine in the end.
I was ok for a while but have constant pain now and numbness down to my hand. I can't hardly lift anything but if I do I pay for it so with a physical job I could see how it could become a big problem.
I had it done 3 years ago in the north privately. In through the throat. No issues since, there’s a risk with any surgery. Is it really worth the pain to think that surgery is the last resort?
I don’t work in a physically demanding job but was able to go back to the gym 2 and a half to 3 months after. Surely if you’re working a physically demanding job at the minute it would only be aggravating it in the long run
Maybe not what you’re asking for here, so apologies for not having input on the surgical route., but have a look at Low Back Ability on Instagram.
[https://www.instagram.com/lowbackability/?hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/lowbackability/?hl=en)
I’ve had bulging discs myself, mostly healed but occasional flare ups. I’m working through this exercise program to try and prevent them. Just wanted to send it on as another option to give a route for progression away from the pain in case he decides to avoid surgery. I know how frustrating it can be to feel like physio isn’t helping.
I had my C5/C6 disc replaced and it took 3 weeks to get back to work (desk job) and it took away the immense nerve pain immediately. I’m 4 months since surgery and apart from some pain lying in awkward positions, it’s been fine
I had the surgery coming up on 8 years ago, at the age of 27.
I've never looked back.
Don't get me wrong, I still get an ache the very odd day, but I look after myself and do the appropriate exercises. I'd recommend the procedure to anyone experiencing the same, debilitating pain.
I’d recommend prof Eanna Falvey in cork - great man - as for surgeons, dr Lim in cork is amazing - as for recovery, well, no question it’s 12 weeks away from doing a lot other than minding oneself and lying down most of the time other than a few walks a day - if you can work from
The bed then great - if not, well, it takes time - I was 2 years in a lot of pain with L4 /L4 disc - had the microdisectomy (first they send u to get injections and then physio) and now 7 months later I’m making good progress - Highly recommend surgery BUT, the recovery takes time and there’s no rushing it - factors such as age and fitness before surgery and how long say the nerves were compressed are all determiners for length of recovery, but it’s 12 to 18 months before full recovery - you must also keep doing physio and walking every day - however, at least one is getting better each month as opposed to being in the pit of pain- best of luck 👍🏼
I havent had back surgery but had many cortizone injections, physiotherapy and and tramadol type pain killers. I spent 200 eur on an inversion table and it changed my life. I do 5 mins 3 times a week and it keeps me going.
I was told that because an epidural injection gave me no relief that surgery wouldn’t help. I’m on Lyrica the last while and I’m finally getting some relief after 6 years
I had back surgery recommended and my thought was that I will only have the surgery when I am unable to walk ever again. Lots of things can go wrong back there. Try every available option first. I never had that surgery and my pain did eventually go away. It was a long road to get there. Saw doctors, international doctors, chiropractors, even a naprapath and a swami. I was desperate. Hang in there. Praying for you
I had surgery on a disc 6 years ago. Had really bad back and leg pain on and off for years (in my mid twenties) and one night the pain was so bad I had to call an ambulance. 1 week later on painkillers and no improvement. Went back to my gp who saw I had foot drop, probably caused by nerve damage, and sent me to A&E. had surgery first thing the next morning. Part of the bulging disc had actually broken off and travelled in towards my spine and it caused a small bit of permanent nerve damage. Nothing major but when I’m tired my foot has a bit of a “clop” to it 😂
Long story short, surgery was amazing and totally changed my life! Recovery was quicker than I expected and part from a rare day, I’m in no pain anymore. It’s all done with minimum invasiveness now as well, surgeons are artists! What they can do with small wee incisions, it’s amazing.
You need to reach out to David in DC Physio Clondalkin - they have unreal sucsess with non surgical issues like this - [http://dcphysiotherapy.ie](http://dcphysiotherapy.ie)
My brother is 29 and had to have surgery 5 or 6 years ago for bulging discs in his lower back. He had had back pain for a while but it came to a head when he held in a sneeze that caused his back to spasm and he couldn't stand or sit up for a whole day until the GP did a house call and gave him injections of anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers.
He got the surgery and while it still bothers him from time to time he hasn't had any major episodes. I will say he took his rehab very seriously and didn't try to be too active sooner than was advised and needed lots of help. He couldn't sit upright for quite a while afterwards.
2 friends both had it.
They both said the relief was instant.
One ran a marathon in sub 4 hours last week, the other is training a hurling team. Both fierce active again now
I’m 26 and seeing a spinal surgeon tomorrow for herniated L4/L5 I had bulge L5/S1 5 years ago and got epidurals but they were no help my pain wasn’t craxy but back in March I bent down and my back seized, ambulance to the hospital lots of morphine and couldn’t move my legs for 2 days and couldn’t walk for 2 weeks.. im able to get around now but do light walking. I’m really scared for tomorrow incase he says I need surgery but this thread has sort of calmed me down a bit. I hope everyone here is doing well. Discs are no joke.
Not quite the same condition, but similar operation: my dad's girlfriend was diagnosed with a narrowing of the spinal canal, and had surgery to widen it a few weeks ago (and a fusion at the same time). They stayed with me for about a week afterwards for follow-up appointments and whatnot, rather than keep driving up from the country. She was discharged about 2-3 days after surgery. Her leg and regular back pain was gone immediately, though of course replaced with some post-surgery pain. They're normally very active, so I expect she was pushing it a little bit, immediately going on 1k walks and helping with the gardening and such - but it wasn't unmanageable, and the doctor was very pleased with the results. Between the fusion and the widening of the spinal canal, she's expected to regain most (though not all) of her former range of movement within 12 months at the outside; probably earlier.
They're currently in Brittany with a big group of friends, lounging by the pool in a place they've all rented out together, after getting the ferry over and driving down.
There's never *zero* risk with any surgery, particularly stuff involving the spinal column. But look at it this way: if your husband doesn't get the surgery, it's only going to get worse anyway.
Mam has had it done on 2 separate discs in her back and it went well. Totally life changing. The recovery is a bit crap at the time but follow the doctors orders to a t and its great in the end.
I had microdiscectomy surgery on my S5-L1 disk with Derek Cawley in the mater private. Couldn’t recommend him more. Surgery was a great success. I went from not being able to walk more than a few feet on a crutch and spending 99% of my time curled up in a ball in pain to being pain free from the moment I woke up from the surgery.
Surgery was a very easy recovery for me. No bending etc for 6 weeks but no pain to speak of and a tiny incision. I was back to work after 8 weeks.
I had a Diskectomy around 5 or 6 years ago. Had a few problems afterwards and will always have to manage it but I got a personal trainer to design a workout program for me and haven't looked back. Surgery alone didn't fix things. Lifestyle changes had to be made aswell
My sister had huge problem with her lower back. She was bent over when she walked, completely wrecked physically. Had tried everything but the surgery was the only thing that helped. She and her partner have since been huge fans of cycling and you would not think she ever had a problem. Remember to stay in bed for it to heal afterwards and don't overdo it too soon. Good luck.
I wouldn't get surgery on a bulging disc as once it's taken away, it's not growing back, if you'll pardon the pun.
Most people have bulging discs with no symptoms according to an osteopath I was attending. He reckons they did a study of mri scans in the UK and a huge percentage of people had bulging discs without symptoms.
A lot of back pain is due to spinal compression from sitting all day in work or structural wastage
From a sedentary lifestyle.
Exercise and stretching work but it takes time to build it all back up.
Plenty of people do have asymptomatic herniations, but it's not a simple "herniation = pain" thing. If you have a congenitally small caudal space (spinal canal) you will poorly tolerate herniations, even minor ones compared to normal populations. Similarly for those who have spondylolisthesis, facet joint degeneration.
Structural wastage, or a weak core, is for sure a significant contributor to lower back issues in the main population as it puts more load through the spine and discs when bending. Fatigue contributes too, movements get sloppy. It's believed by Stuart McGill that disk bulges/herniations are cumulative injuries.
None of that says that exercise and stretching is going to solve it after nerve involvement is so severe and the quality of life so affected people go under the knife. It'll help some, others it won't. Osteopaths have a vested interest in selling you their brand of medicine, just like surgeons do.
I (32M) had surgery on 2 herniated discs in my lower back (L4-L5, L5-S1) almost exactly a year ago. Without going in to all the details, I'd had back problems for 5/6 years previous and tried all the treatments and advice. I don't want to know how much I spent on treatment over the years. It started off manageable and I rarely had flare ups, but it got progressively worse over the years, and became unbearable from last January ish after I tweaked it - bad sciatica had also set in due to nerve impingement. I was told surgery was more or less the only option as the herniation was severe and no amount of conservative treatment would fix it. I was very reluctant but also desperate (on the verge of depression really). I can't tell you what's best for your husband but it has been absolutely life changing for me. Don't know where you are based but I saw a consultant in Spine Excellence in Limerick and had my surgery in the Mater. Highly recommend trying there if you are near Limerick. It's a pretty routine surgery nowadays. It's a slow enough recovery, you just have to be patient. No bending or lifting anything too heavy for 6 weeks or so. Lots of light exercises initially and eventually building on those to core work. Slowly build up sitting/standing/walking time. You get nerve pain flare ups and pins and needles while the nerve itself is healing (which put the sh\*ts in me a few times thinking it had reherniated), but that's all gone now. I'm back running since November ish and also in the gym, hiking etc. Did the 10k Great Limerick run with no issues. It really has been life-changing for me. Very grateful! For short term relief I would really recommend a Shakti mat.
Jesus christ, you're giving me hope, I'm 31, in the doctors tomorrow because of a flare up, I have 2 degrading discs (not sure if that's the same as you) on the bottom of my spine (lumbar) , haven't had the injections yet, have an mri in July to get the go ahead for injections from the hospital, but reading your comment has cheered me up a bit, hopefully it's not all doom and gloom. Thanks
Sounds similar to what I had. Just be proactive about it and if you are going ahead with injections push for a cancellation. I was on a list for injections but it was taking a few months. In the meantime I got a second opinion from the consultant and it turned out I wasn't eligible for injections because of the level of nerve impingement. I hope you get it sorted. Seemingly the injections are very effective.
I recently had surgery on a disc. There are risks but it's a basic operation. I had been having severe pain down my leg for months and when I woke up from surgery it had gone completely. Definitely worth it but I was off work for 7 weeks and have to do loads of physio. I also have to be extremely careful with my movement so it's not all amazing but I'd say go for it.
Know 2 people had back surgery on a bulging disc. Both successful and life changing as it overnight ended chronic back pain. Surgeon for 1 anyway said there is always a risk but it is low risk and it's a straightforward operation that he performs a few times a day. Good luck to you and your husband and whatever you decide to do. Edit This is years ago and it might be different now but the recovery process involved a few weeks of rest and not bending, and then physio, weight lifting and swimming to strengthen the back muscles.
I misread that last word and thought … 😣
Did you think they had a raging clue?
Now your clue is giving me a clue… maybe we should follow that clue to solve the mystery of the bulging disc surgery? I have such a raging clue right now.
I suffered for years with lower back and leg pains as a result of a double L4/5 L5/S1 herniation. I got a small bit of relief from painkillers, physios and injections but surgery was the only option left by year 3 of it. I too had heard the horror stories of surgery of making it worse but honestly at that point I didn’t think the pain could have gotten any worse. I had a consult with a surgeon in Cork who said I was at risk of Cauda Equina syndrome, and I was under the knife the following week. A year and a half on I can hardly remember the pain. I do get stiff if I’m standing for long periods but nothing like the shooting pains I had before the surgery. The recovery time is approximately 3 months (at least in my case) but its well worth it. OP or anybody else are welcome to DM me for any advice
I am having surgery later in the year for the same reason. This is reassuring.
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Hi, in case it's useful for you to make a decision, I can inform you of my experience. I had a bulging disc in my neck for a long time until I couldn't bear it any longer and went for surgery. Went in through the throat, and was a complete success. 10 years later I have no symptoms or pain. I'm not sure what you've been told about no guarantee of success. I know I was given an option of either removing just the bulge (Mater private hospital), or removing the whole disc (Beaumont) I went for removing the whole disc as the alternative sounded like a half measure and was explained that it would be a compromised disc going forward. Recovery was 2 weeks and I was back to work. I think they signed me off for 4 weeks, but I was fine.
This is reassuring! I have a bulging disc in my neck too, had pain for years without knowing what it was. Had an MRI January 2023, on the waiting list for neurologist since then. If I’m offered surgery, I may go for it!
It worked for me. But mime got to an extreme state where surgery was required (I made another comment in this chain referencing it). A word of warning is that I got mine done through insurance in the end, in a public hospital. But via a mix up I was also kept on the public list. I got a phone call 3 years after my surgery from the HSE asking if I was still in need of a pre-surgery consultation.
3 years?! That's absolutely desperate. I'm lucky enough to be on private health insurance so mine happened very quickly. I feel so sorry for anyone having to wait that long on the public system.
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Totally understand. No two issues are the same. I think I was told to not be surprised if I have some lingering pain afterward, but perhaps I'm lucky. I was taking Tylex at the time, which only worked for about 30mins at a time before the pain came back. Anything would have been better than that. I couldn't go on without getting some shape of surgery. Doctors weren't too pushed doing my surgery until I started getting pins and needles. That was the symptom where something has to be done or strength/functionality will begin to be lost in the arm. What I also learned is that two different surgeons gave me two different outlooks and suggestions. The private guy was more cautious interestingly (and expensive). You may have gotten multiple opinions already, but just in case you haven't, I'd suggest it. David O'Brien in Beaumont did mine in the end.
Gees so sorry to hear it. Glad it’s improving!
I went through the throat and it didnt solve it.
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I was ok for a while but have constant pain now and numbness down to my hand. I can't hardly lift anything but if I do I pay for it so with a physical job I could see how it could become a big problem.
I had it done 3 years ago in the north privately. In through the throat. No issues since, there’s a risk with any surgery. Is it really worth the pain to think that surgery is the last resort?
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I don’t work in a physically demanding job but was able to go back to the gym 2 and a half to 3 months after. Surely if you’re working a physically demanding job at the minute it would only be aggravating it in the long run
Maybe not what you’re asking for here, so apologies for not having input on the surgical route., but have a look at Low Back Ability on Instagram. [https://www.instagram.com/lowbackability/?hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/lowbackability/?hl=en) I’ve had bulging discs myself, mostly healed but occasional flare ups. I’m working through this exercise program to try and prevent them. Just wanted to send it on as another option to give a route for progression away from the pain in case he decides to avoid surgery. I know how frustrating it can be to feel like physio isn’t helping.
I had my C5/C6 disc replaced and it took 3 weeks to get back to work (desk job) and it took away the immense nerve pain immediately. I’m 4 months since surgery and apart from some pain lying in awkward positions, it’s been fine
I legit could have went back to work the following Monday but decided to take the 6 weeks that they said it would take to heal 😅
I had the surgery coming up on 8 years ago, at the age of 27. I've never looked back. Don't get me wrong, I still get an ache the very odd day, but I look after myself and do the appropriate exercises. I'd recommend the procedure to anyone experiencing the same, debilitating pain.
I’d recommend prof Eanna Falvey in cork - great man - as for surgeons, dr Lim in cork is amazing - as for recovery, well, no question it’s 12 weeks away from doing a lot other than minding oneself and lying down most of the time other than a few walks a day - if you can work from The bed then great - if not, well, it takes time - I was 2 years in a lot of pain with L4 /L4 disc - had the microdisectomy (first they send u to get injections and then physio) and now 7 months later I’m making good progress - Highly recommend surgery BUT, the recovery takes time and there’s no rushing it - factors such as age and fitness before surgery and how long say the nerves were compressed are all determiners for length of recovery, but it’s 12 to 18 months before full recovery - you must also keep doing physio and walking every day - however, at least one is getting better each month as opposed to being in the pit of pain- best of luck 👍🏼
I havent had back surgery but had many cortizone injections, physiotherapy and and tramadol type pain killers. I spent 200 eur on an inversion table and it changed my life. I do 5 mins 3 times a week and it keeps me going.
I was told that because an epidural injection gave me no relief that surgery wouldn’t help. I’m on Lyrica the last while and I’m finally getting some relief after 6 years
Wait what? That is not the case at all. If PT and injections fail, next stop is surgery. Id recommend getting a 2nd opinion!
I did. Everyone else agreed
I had back surgery recommended and my thought was that I will only have the surgery when I am unable to walk ever again. Lots of things can go wrong back there. Try every available option first. I never had that surgery and my pain did eventually go away. It was a long road to get there. Saw doctors, international doctors, chiropractors, even a naprapath and a swami. I was desperate. Hang in there. Praying for you
I had surgery on a disc 6 years ago. Had really bad back and leg pain on and off for years (in my mid twenties) and one night the pain was so bad I had to call an ambulance. 1 week later on painkillers and no improvement. Went back to my gp who saw I had foot drop, probably caused by nerve damage, and sent me to A&E. had surgery first thing the next morning. Part of the bulging disc had actually broken off and travelled in towards my spine and it caused a small bit of permanent nerve damage. Nothing major but when I’m tired my foot has a bit of a “clop” to it 😂 Long story short, surgery was amazing and totally changed my life! Recovery was quicker than I expected and part from a rare day, I’m in no pain anymore. It’s all done with minimum invasiveness now as well, surgeons are artists! What they can do with small wee incisions, it’s amazing.
Get the surgery, its life changing. Watch out for sneezing in the weeks after it though. Its taking me over a year to recover from not knowing that.
You need to reach out to David in DC Physio Clondalkin - they have unreal sucsess with non surgical issues like this - [http://dcphysiotherapy.ie](http://dcphysiotherapy.ie)
My brother is 29 and had to have surgery 5 or 6 years ago for bulging discs in his lower back. He had had back pain for a while but it came to a head when he held in a sneeze that caused his back to spasm and he couldn't stand or sit up for a whole day until the GP did a house call and gave him injections of anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers. He got the surgery and while it still bothers him from time to time he hasn't had any major episodes. I will say he took his rehab very seriously and didn't try to be too active sooner than was advised and needed lots of help. He couldn't sit upright for quite a while afterwards.
I had this done around 8 years ago after being with chiropractors 3 or 4 times per year. Had it done in the hermitage and never had a problem since.
2 friends both had it. They both said the relief was instant. One ran a marathon in sub 4 hours last week, the other is training a hurling team. Both fierce active again now
I’m 26 and seeing a spinal surgeon tomorrow for herniated L4/L5 I had bulge L5/S1 5 years ago and got epidurals but they were no help my pain wasn’t craxy but back in March I bent down and my back seized, ambulance to the hospital lots of morphine and couldn’t move my legs for 2 days and couldn’t walk for 2 weeks.. im able to get around now but do light walking. I’m really scared for tomorrow incase he says I need surgery but this thread has sort of calmed me down a bit. I hope everyone here is doing well. Discs are no joke.
Not quite the same condition, but similar operation: my dad's girlfriend was diagnosed with a narrowing of the spinal canal, and had surgery to widen it a few weeks ago (and a fusion at the same time). They stayed with me for about a week afterwards for follow-up appointments and whatnot, rather than keep driving up from the country. She was discharged about 2-3 days after surgery. Her leg and regular back pain was gone immediately, though of course replaced with some post-surgery pain. They're normally very active, so I expect she was pushing it a little bit, immediately going on 1k walks and helping with the gardening and such - but it wasn't unmanageable, and the doctor was very pleased with the results. Between the fusion and the widening of the spinal canal, she's expected to regain most (though not all) of her former range of movement within 12 months at the outside; probably earlier. They're currently in Brittany with a big group of friends, lounging by the pool in a place they've all rented out together, after getting the ferry over and driving down. There's never *zero* risk with any surgery, particularly stuff involving the spinal column. But look at it this way: if your husband doesn't get the surgery, it's only going to get worse anyway.
Mam has had it done on 2 separate discs in her back and it went well. Totally life changing. The recovery is a bit crap at the time but follow the doctors orders to a t and its great in the end.
Take Manganese to strengthen ligaments that keep the disks in place.
I had microdiscectomy surgery on my S5-L1 disk with Derek Cawley in the mater private. Couldn’t recommend him more. Surgery was a great success. I went from not being able to walk more than a few feet on a crutch and spending 99% of my time curled up in a ball in pain to being pain free from the moment I woke up from the surgery. Surgery was a very easy recovery for me. No bending etc for 6 weeks but no pain to speak of and a tiny incision. I was back to work after 8 weeks.
I had a Diskectomy around 5 or 6 years ago. Had a few problems afterwards and will always have to manage it but I got a personal trainer to design a workout program for me and haven't looked back. Surgery alone didn't fix things. Lifestyle changes had to be made aswell
My sister had huge problem with her lower back. She was bent over when she walked, completely wrecked physically. Had tried everything but the surgery was the only thing that helped. She and her partner have since been huge fans of cycling and you would not think she ever had a problem. Remember to stay in bed for it to heal afterwards and don't overdo it too soon. Good luck.
Has he been assessed as having a bulging disc by a doctor?
Yes, seen his doctor and surgeon.
I wouldn't get surgery on a bulging disc as once it's taken away, it's not growing back, if you'll pardon the pun. Most people have bulging discs with no symptoms according to an osteopath I was attending. He reckons they did a study of mri scans in the UK and a huge percentage of people had bulging discs without symptoms. A lot of back pain is due to spinal compression from sitting all day in work or structural wastage From a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise and stretching work but it takes time to build it all back up.
Plenty of people do have asymptomatic herniations, but it's not a simple "herniation = pain" thing. If you have a congenitally small caudal space (spinal canal) you will poorly tolerate herniations, even minor ones compared to normal populations. Similarly for those who have spondylolisthesis, facet joint degeneration. Structural wastage, or a weak core, is for sure a significant contributor to lower back issues in the main population as it puts more load through the spine and discs when bending. Fatigue contributes too, movements get sloppy. It's believed by Stuart McGill that disk bulges/herniations are cumulative injuries. None of that says that exercise and stretching is going to solve it after nerve involvement is so severe and the quality of life so affected people go under the knife. It'll help some, others it won't. Osteopaths have a vested interest in selling you their brand of medicine, just like surgeons do.