EMG results

So, had my EMG yesterday (4th one in 6 months) and they did trace the nerve issues in my legs to the bulging disc's in my back at L5. Has anyone every had bulging disc's that are cutting off the nerves? If so, how was it treated?

Thanks in advance for the replies....

Hi ! I've had lots of EMG's and plenty of bulging discs and herniated ones too. I've had surgeries, and I would NOT recommend that at all. I wish i had never let them touch me as i'm worse now than I was before.

Usually for bulging discs, they recommend physical therapy. That would be the best way to go. Surgery is not done for bulging discs as a rule. In physical therapy, they teach you many exercises you can do to help with the pain and to strengthen your back muscles so that the other discs don't bulge and you might even make this one retreat back where it's supposed to be. Many therapy clinics also have a pool where they will have you do some exercises too.

If physical therapy doesn't work and you have severe pain, usually you are referred to a pain management doctor. There they give you many options for pain relief.

I hope you find some relief. God bless and take care! Hugs, Lee

I just realized you were in NE PA not NW. I was going to suggest you make an appointment with the Cleveland Clinic's Spine Health Center. Their neurosurgeons do amazing things there. It is where my brother was sent to once he moved to PA and wished he'd gone sooner. Had he known he would have driven the distance, the results were remarkable. Call the Cleveland Clinic to find out if there are any neurosurgeons for a referral that might have practices or affiliations your direction; many travel throughout the country and especially throughout PA.

In the meantime check out Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic's websites for what they are doing for bulging discs - all the possible therapies, treatments, and surgeries to get an idea.

I am not saying you will have surgery but this is who you want handling you at this point, a neurosurgeon to discuss all the possibilities, most definitely.

http://www.nerehab.com/

Gentle hug Actually, if someone has a back problem it tends to be at the L4-L5 area because that is the weakest area of the spine!

Yes, yes, yes physical therapy helps in adjusting the vertebrae into their spots and allowing for proper support (if posture is correct, the bones sit upon bones (vertebraes) and no disk is involved when static. The disks do bulge for various reasons (I have to be careful with my diet and inflammation in general) and can upset the cart. Ice and heat help then too.

But physical therapy will also give you exercises that you MUST do to strengthen your muscles to help hold your spinal column in correct posture. These will include strengthening your abdomen muscles which are key.

It's not an easy road, but it can be quite simple...rather than trying surgery and or just suffering. Hope you are willing and able and find a good PT to help you get your pain or numbness down to minimums.

sure did and in my case the solution was surgery due to the severity of my prob. there are many other actions you may take as posted. i'd talk with your doc preferably a neurologist.

{{{{Skully~!}}}} i sure hope the PT does the job, and if you could find a way to get to a pool, i know that really helped me... keeping your recovery in mind,, best wishes~ Gus

I have 3 bulging disks and a herniated one, my neurologist and GP are not even contemplating any treatment, all i get told is take paracetamol for the pain!!!