Quote Originally Posted by Stacy9883 View Post
Hi - thanks for your response....

It happened about 2yrs ago when i moved house - i was too impatient to wait for help and was carrying sets of drawers up stairs and i twisted my back. I had the most horrendous back pain for 2 days and as quickly as it came, it went away again. Since then i have horrible lower left leg pain.
Ahhh, i see...
I agree with your comments re the surgeon - he was very flippant despite my obvious distress at the thought of no help.
That's a normal complaint, nothing new there. Pain is a unique thing that Physio's are the most keen to solving, as one can not see pain and other's can not feel it for you.
I have no other underlying medical conditions and i was of the opinion that the gabapentin was a painkiller and the amitryptilene was prescribed as a muscle relaxant to help me sleep at night.
They are indeed, but it is good to know, because they are commonly prescribed in neurological conditions. It is just helpful to know why certain prescriptions are given
I have been for intense physio (with a McKenzie trained physio), acupuncture & osteopath none of which have helped. I also purchased the McKenzie book in the hope that i might be able to control the issue at home.
Interestingly, very little research exists for these problems, and the most significant success is seen by returning individuals to minimal and progressive activity. Unfortunately, as I mentioned with pain, it is really an art of analyzing problems, compensations, and returning an individual to normal life by an appropriate management plan.
The results of my Wikipedia reference-linkMRI scan showed that:

L4/5 Disc dehydration
Posterior Bulging
Disc Prolapse
No evidence of nerve root compression
This is helpful information, but does not necessarily indicate a problem. Some people have very collapsed and dehydrated discs and live fine and well. The key is the prolapse, which is likely the cause of your problem. The best way in my opinion to resolve this is via returning the body to alignment against gravity.
I am the point that i cant take this anymore....do you think its worthwhile getting a 2nd opinion from another surgeon?
If you can get a referral to a Physio, I think that is the best bet. Explain your situation and get onto a full fledged treatment plan. If it doesn't work, continue trying. ANd keep us updated here. Others may wish to provide input
Thanks for all your help
as above regards