[sbartlett23]

I suffer from having a herniated disc in my lower back-- L5S1 the lowest disc in the spine. I have been suffering with the pain from this for close to 2 years. Physical therapy for a year, then a few cortisone (steroid) shots every few months the 2nd year did little to help. I am seeking alternate ways to possibly help alleviate my pain, and was not sure if Nopalea might be worth a shot. Does anyone have any personal experience with similar pain, could you please advise?? Thank you so much

[JudyKayTee]

The medical profession says no, it cannot help. It has no healing "powers."

There are believers (usually people who are selling the product) who claim great results.

Have you asked your Doctor about trying it but still staying on your current treatment? I certainly wouldn't stop what you are doing.

[sbartlett23]

Thank you for your help! After a little research myself I kept coming to that same conclusion, that it has no actual "healing powers"... but like anyone else that's tired, still had a little hope. It was actually suggested by both my physical therapist, and the specialist I saw that I no longer continue with PT, as after bi-weekly visits for a year I had not improved very much at all, so I have not been in almost a year. I still do my "at home" exercises they taught me, though. I am not sure what else to do that might help... I am only 23 years old and am tired of feeling years older because of my back.

I have heard a few success stories involving trying acupuncture as well, do you know anything in regards to this alternate method? Thank you again for your response, and any further help you might be able to provide, I sincerely appreciate it!

[JudyKayTee]

I have a friend who had wonderful results with accupuncture. I believe she had a ruptured disk. I thought the whole idea was insane but I could see how much it helped the pain. Based on her experience I would try it myself if I ever had the need.

Totally different subject but my Vet does alternative medicine and actually does accupunture on dogs. I've seen them limp in and walk out so it must work for some problems.

You must just be sick and tired of being sick and tired - as the old line goes.

I think it's great that you are looking for alternative methods and I'm curious to find out what you decide, if it helps.

[sbartlett23]

I've always had a fairly open mind to alternative methods for well, almost anything. I have also heard many dog success stories, from a few friend's families and by word of mouth... After a some advice from all over, I've decided I am definitely going to look into acupuncture. Conventional methods have only made my pain "stable" enough so that I can tolerate it, for the most part, in my daily life. But I am definitely sick and tired of just tolerating, and working through, this pain. It's affected so many parts of my life, I would like to feel better again!

It never hurts to try, right? If you don't try, you can't succeed.

[JudyKayTee]

Please come back after treatments and let us know how you feel.

[rickdoesnt]

I don't want to burst your bubble but I fell out of a truck 28 years ago herniated L4/5/S1. I have been poked & prodded by "experts", faith healing to spinal fusion, every medication from asprin to morphine and gabbapentin. I have fought every medical practitioner for relief from my local GP to a dozen specialists and every alternative idea that I have seen advertised and there is not one thing I could recommend to you to do or say. If your disc is prolapsed and touching your nerve, it is going to hurt but that doesn't mean I recommend surgery to anyone, it leads to another set of problems, I have not stopped looking and enquiring as I was looking up this product. This has been my journey it doesn't mean yours will be the same so keep searching, The one thing I have found with certaintity is that no two people seem to be exactly the same, it is totally frustrating at times but never give up, but you just might have to learn to deal with it and I am not being flippent when I say that because it is not an easy thing to do. I wish you well in this journey and hope like hell it is a short one for you.