I was diagnosed with a disk protrusion two years ago (L-1/L-2 vertebra). Since afterwards I’ve had two cortisone injections, physical therapy and a diskectomy (sp??) where on earth the Dr. surgically trimmed off the portion of the disk that was protruding. It did have a feeling better for about a month but started hurting again. Since then I’ve have another MRI which showed that the disk has collapsed, another cortisone injection and no relief. It have actually gotten worse since the last cortisone injection to the point that I own a hard time walking, can’t sit for more than 30-45 minutes, can’t pick up my daughters, and now enjoy a sharp pain running down my right side when I stride out while walking. I’ve spoke to my Dr. about a Tens Unit and will be getting one shortly, he have also recommended two more cortisone injections (a week apart), and we have ruled out physical therapy as it seem to have little to no effect.
Now for my questions:
1. Would it be worthwhile have two more injections? The last one did help relieve the aching but it only lasted nearly a week at best, and the pain is much worse now than up to that time.
2. I am thinking about filing for disability, it’s be two years since I was able to work (5years as a Paramedic, Two years as a Lab Specialist), as I can’t achieve my required duties because of the pain. I’ve been told that it’s severely hard to get any type of disability for pay for pain, is this true (I have MRIs that show the trash, along with medical records for the treatments and medical visits)?
3. I am also thinking of trying to folder for a handicap sticker until I get either the problem fixed or the strain managed (I am now have a hard time just walking thru the local Wal-Mart parking lot today!!). I am in Texas and can’t find any info online with the state giving the requirements and guidelines for handicap stickers.
4. Are within any other ideas that one might have that cold relief with the back and backache issues? I really don’t want another surgery if I can avoid it, I’ve also found that soaking in a hot-tub helps more than anything but that in recent times isn’t an option financially and I don’t think that my insurance (while amazingly good (Tri-Care, military) would be willing to shell out the bread for a hot-tub to make my back perceive better!! I love em, but I don’t think they love me as much to be willing to do that!! I’ve tried cortisone shots, physical treatment, surgery, soaking in hot water, using one of those hip bath spas, resting, exercising, prayer, chiropractor, massage therapy, dance in the rain.. You cross it I’ve tried it!! I’m hoping maybe someone might have other accepted wisdom..
Any help on any of these questions would be most appreciated. Thanks for your time and relief.

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Answers:    Its rather bad that your disc have collapsed on account of diskectomy. Cortisone basically help in reducing inflammation if any. In my opinion, though you abhor going for it, I guess some sort of prosthetic intervertebral disc may be the best alternative. Yeah, cold, massages an chiropractors do help, but not surrounded by the long run. You see, this merely provides symptomatic relief, and with respectively passing day it might even carry worse. Fortunately you do not have any kind of neuropathy. Neverthe smaller quantity if cortisone doesnt help, I'd rather propose an opioid analgesic. Ask you doctor for his judgment on this one, if the pain is really severe.
It is usually not recommended due to its addictive properties.
But again its of late 4 temporary relief.
Since the collapse of your disc, the vertebrae might erode respectively other fuelling the pain, and in the long run will head to spodylitis.
I'd advise you to go for a long residence solution rather than temporary reliefs. Even if it way surgery.
Take care.

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