Spinal damage symptoms: red flags and management? — Scope | Disability forum
If we become concerned about you or anyone else while using one of our services, we will act in line with our safeguarding policy and procedures. This may involve sharing this information with relevant authorities to ensure we comply with our policies and legal obligations.

Find out how to let us know if you're concerned about another member's safety.
Please read our updated community house rules and community guidelines.

Spinal damage symptoms: red flags and management?

jamesmon2021
jamesmon2021 Community member Posts: 2 Listener
Well hurt my back in may 2020 doctors said it was a lumbar strain then got an mri 2 months later and found disc bulge with protrusions at L5 S1 but workers comp doctor said not work related so got a lawyer but went from may 2020 till September 2021 being treated as a strain. In September workers comp changed it to disc bulge with protrusions so im afraid theres permanent damage due to that but currently waiting to see a spine doctor. Is there any symptoms i should be worried about or that are ared flag and what can i do to ease the pain

Comments

  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,562 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @jamesmon2021 and welcome to the community. I'm sorry to hear about what you've been going through. To help with your query I've moved it to our 'Chronic pain and pain management' category and edited the title a little.

    Hopefully any members with experience can help advise you, and if you have any other queries please do let us know.

    Alex 
    Online Community Coordinator
    Scope

    Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.

    Want to give us feedback? Complete our feedback form now.
  • Libby_Alumni
    Libby_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 1,251 Pioneering
    Hi @jamesmon2021 :)

    Welcome to the community and I'm sorry to hear about your spinal symptoms. Firstly, I think if you're really concerned about the immediate pain, it might be wise to go to the GP, just to see what they say, as I realise you are currently waiting to see a spinal doctor too.

    I experience chronic pain with one of my health conditions and there's a few things that help me, but I do realise that pain thresholds and type of pain can be very individualistic. For me, hot water bottles are fantastic for relieving pain and also deep breathing exercises. I also drink a lot of herbal tea (ginger, turmeric etc.) and that seems to help also. Again, these things work for me and I realise they might not work for you. 

    Hopefully some of our members will chip into the discussion too, and help further with your query. If we can help in any other way, please just let us know :)

    Libby
    Online Community Information Coordinator
    Scope

    Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.

    Did we do a good job at answering your queries or concerns? If so, complete our feedback form now. 
  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Community member Posts: 16,007 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @jamesmon2021 - & welcome to the community. I'm sorry for what you've experienced with hurting your back. As a long-retired physio, I wonder if you've been offered physio in the meanwhile, or whether you're now just waiting to see what your specialist recommends?
    There are some very gentle positions that you may find helpful (sleeping with a pillow between your legs can also help), & again, very gentle exercises you might like to try in the following video. As stated, please stop if these cause you any pain. A bulging disc is also sometimes referred to as herniated, so please scroll down to the 2nd video for 'herniated discs.'  Please see: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercises-sciatica-problems/
    There's a very rare condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome, & the only one that would bring up any 'red flags,' which are listed here if again you scroll down: https://caudaequinauk.org.uk/cauda-equina-syndrome/
  • Daniel_2021
    Daniel_2021 Community member Posts: 79 Courageous
    Hi,
    The person above has mentioned CES, I've had this and suffer the after affects still.
    Basically if you lose the use of your bladder or bowel they are red flag symptoms. From a bladder perspective this can also include retaining urine now only voiding.
    Have a look at the above link as it's really good.
    Thanks,
    Daniel 
  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Community member Posts: 16,007 Disability Gamechanger
    Thank you for your perspective @Daniel_2021 - & btw great to see you offering help again. As you may remember I'm a long-retired physio, & had found this link by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy hopefully useful as regards Cauda Equina Syndrome for patients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rRq5QqoK3o

  • Daniel_2021
    Daniel_2021 Community member Posts: 79 Courageous
    Hi @chiarieds, thank you that's lovely of you to say and notice. 
    My health continues to decline so i'm just not able to get into a routine with anything which has then impacted my mental health, i've been reading messages on here but just not been able to offer any responses.
    I hope you are well,
    Daniel

  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Community member Posts: 16,007 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @Daniel_2021 - I'm sorry to read your health isn't so good. I'm OK, thank you, just recovering from the booster jab I had on Sunday. I hope despite it all you manage to have a lovely Christmas, & my very best wishes for a better New Year, Daniel.

Brightness

Complete our feedback form and tell us how we can make the community better.