Hi, I have a bulding disc in L5 - S1 that causes pain, cramps and charlie horses in my leg. There are lots of nights i can not sleep because of the pain. I have tried injections and NSAID s with little or no results I am scared because you hear stories of poeple having this type of surgery and are paralyzed. My back feels swollen in my L5-S1 area and my kidney hurts too. What would you do doctor.
Hello, I will suggest you to go for surgery but when once a careful review of your MRI spine and other blood tests and a physical examination along with a detailed history has proven it to be disc problem. Being a mechanical injury, it is not possible to fix it with medicines only. Every surgery has its complications just like crossing roads has its own.  But it doesn't mean you will never cross a road. The benefit of getting a surgery done is far more and chances of getting paralyzed is very, very low in a specialized unit of surgery. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.