05-07-2008, 02:22 PM
A bulge and disc herniation are as different as a broken bone and a compound fracture that protrudes through the skin. Bulges often retreat. Herniations are ruptures of the side-wall of the disc and do NOT retreat back into the disc.
There may be some drying, over time, which lessens the pain, because the ejecta is not as gelatinous as it was originally, but its there, and something can always set it off, including compression that pumps more disc "innards" into the herniated projection.
If you have options to see multiple "Mayo" types in your area, do it. I'm game for whatever relieves the pain, but ultimately, if it interferes with what I do at some level, and it does, it has to be addressed. Over time, even if you go with the epidurals and oral corticoids, you'll come to the same conclusion.
I know more people NOW (as opposed to historically and/or even 20 years ago) who have had great success, even with local surgeons - not something I would do, but am amazed at the people who have had success at a local level.
If you can get by with a micro-discectomy, which is more like arthroscopic surgery, trimming away the offending herniation and cauterizing the disc so it can't leak there,
consider yourself EXCEEDINGLY FORTUNATE, and seriously consider doing it.
I wish that was an option for me.... I'd have been there a long time ago.
There may be some drying, over time, which lessens the pain, because the ejecta is not as gelatinous as it was originally, but its there, and something can always set it off, including compression that pumps more disc "innards" into the herniated projection.
If you have options to see multiple "Mayo" types in your area, do it. I'm game for whatever relieves the pain, but ultimately, if it interferes with what I do at some level, and it does, it has to be addressed. Over time, even if you go with the epidurals and oral corticoids, you'll come to the same conclusion.
I know more people NOW (as opposed to historically and/or even 20 years ago) who have had great success, even with local surgeons - not something I would do, but am amazed at the people who have had success at a local level.
If you can get by with a micro-discectomy, which is more like arthroscopic surgery, trimming away the offending herniation and cauterizing the disc so it can't leak there,
consider yourself EXCEEDINGLY FORTUNATE, and seriously consider doing it.
I wish that was an option for me.... I'd have been there a long time ago.