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Herniated Disk, any chance of recovery, epidural?
Hi,
I injured my back about a year and a half ago falling out of a tree from a very high height. I sustained a L4/L5 disk herniation if I remember correctly. I did physical therapy for a little while, but I declined to have an epidural steroid, something my doctor recommended. I felt alot of pain, and only took a month off, and then ignorantly, went back to my favorite activity, weight lifting. I did this for about a year until I realized I was just hurting my back more and more. I took about 2 months off, and noticed improvement(very little pain was noticeable in my back). Then I stupidly tried lifting again, and the back pain came back, and now I have tingling in my feet only that I did not ever have before. I wanted to know if an epidural steroid shot would be beneficial, or would I be better of just doing some very simple aerobic exercises and stretching for a year or so. Should I just realize that I should never weightlift again in my life? Also, does an epidural actually help the healing process at all, or does it simply reduce the pain. I know it reduces swelling, but does that allow the body to actually heal faster or better? Any information would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.
-- Joe
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