[artlady]

Hope someone out there can give me some info.

I have two herniated discs in my back L4 and L5.

I was hit on my bicycle many years ago and this is a recurrent pain.Hit and run by the way.
Last Monday ,I stretched to answer my cell and there it went.

The pain usually lasts about a week but this time it is not improving at all.
It is excruciating,the muscle spasms are enough to bring me to my knees.

I just recently got insurance so I have no family doctor.
Went to the E.R. and they gave me 30 Percocet and 30 Flerixil.

I can not get an appointment until August 21.I called everywhere and it's a no go.

The question is if I go back to the ER for pain meds ,considering I can't be seen for weeks,what are the chances they will give them to me? I know you can't say conclusively but an opinion would be great.

I do not want to go through the pain of waiting in the ER if I will come out empty handed.This is a Catholic Hospital and they are notorious for not prescribing narcotics.

I am in limbo here and I can not tolerate this pain much more.

Suggestions anyone ?
Thank-you in advance.

I may not respond to you immediately as I never know if I will be able to sit at the comp or not.

[Wondergirl]

Would you consider going to a chiropractor? Is there a well-recommended one around there? A chiro did more for me than medical science that just wanted to toss muscle relaxants and pain pills at me (my problem too was a bulging disk at L4-L5).

Meanwhile, lie on the floor with your knees bent and your calves/feet on the seat of a chair. That was the only position in which I could be fairly pain-free. Occasionally, pull your legs slowly toward your chest and hold for a minute. Feel the stretch in your low back. Do this several times.

[Wondergirl]

Never lie totally flat so your low back arches. Always have a pillow under your knees so your low back will flatten out. (I worked in physical therapy for two years after quitting teaching, plus have the personal back-pain experience.)

Shiatsu and acupressure also may help.

[artlady]

Never lie totally flat so your low back arches. Always have a pillow under your knees so your low back will flatten out. (I worked in physical therapy for two years after quitting teaching, plus have the personal back-pain experience.)

Shiatsu and acupressure also may help.

I would try anything at this point.The spasms are horrible.I actually yell out loud when I have one,it feels like a knife is being plunged into my back.

My feet are like ice and numb,so I know it is pinching a nerve somewhere.

I will see if my insurance covers the treatment options you gave me.

I have no desire to be doped up all the time.I'm dopey enough without it :)
Thanks WG,I appreciate it!

[Wondergirl]

Inversion therapy might help too. Even if you lie head down on a slant board that's tilted at a hmmmmm 20-degree angle. I always feel wonderful in the dentist chair when he puts it back so my head is lower than my feet, could feel my spine open up.

[artlady]

Inversion therapy might help too. Even if you lie head down on a slant board that's tilted at a hmmmmm 20-degree angle. I always feel wonderful in the dentist chair when he puts it back so my head is lower than my feet, could feel my spine open up.

That is interesting! I know it is good for the blood flow.
I do Yoga nearly everyday and I haven't had an attack in over a year so it seems to work for me ,just one wrong stretch and here I am ,a mess :)
I will take your suggestions to heart when I have less pain and more mobility.It sounds like a good way to keep the spine healthy and strong.
Thanks again !