Hi doctor, I am 28 years old. My weight is 89 kilograms, and my height is 177 cm. I suffer from severe back pain. When I was at a soccer camp at the age of 14, I used to have a very stiff back. Now, I have severe pain in my back, and I am unable to stand and walk. I did an MRI, and the report showed a bulging disc in L5 to S1, with a slight tear. I proceeded with physiotherapy to solve my back pain. My physiotherapist noted the cause in me. He told me that my core is weak, along with my glutes and hamstrings. I am taking physiotherapy treatment for two years now. Before two days, I started to have a bad episode of back pain. I had back pain preceded by a gym work out. I might have overdone it with hamstring lifts, and I may have tried it too heavy. I did an MRI yesterday, and the report showed that there is no protrusion, but L5 to S1 showed a degeneration. My orthopedic doctor told me that the pain does not emerge from the disc because it does not pinch any nerves. But I have intense pain in my back with stiffness and dullness in my left calf and foot. I am trying to take ozone-laser injection therapy. What can I do now?
Hi. I agree with your doctor on the fact that the disc protrusion and degeneration does not cause pain in this region. In my opinion, the back pain could be related to a twisted or strained back muscle during the physical activity that you have performed. Ozone laser injection therapy can help against inflammation. It can lead to some benefits for the bulging disc, but I doubt whether it will improve the pain that you are feeling now. I suggest you take a muscle relaxant (Flexeril) and use a topical ointment with painkillers coupled with oral Ibuprofen for the pain. Local warm packs can help. A good back massage can also help to reduce the muscle spasms. Avoid doing physical activity that causes strain. Try to have a rest for a few days.