Spinal Neurosurgeons of the OT...

The epidurals have given my dad some relief.

My treatment advice depends on who caused it and how much insurance they have.

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Yeah the doc said that was the first thing he would recommend if the pain gets worse. Just hate a 6 inch needle going into my spine. Had 2 already and it was pretty painful

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My dad's doctor sedates him for it. He doesn't feel a thing.

Work on hamstring flexibility and core strengthening, especially extension-based back exercises if spinal flexion (i.e., bending at the waist like position you're in when you're sitting) increases your pain. If you're having numbness in your groin or losing control of bladder/bowel, that's an emergency and you need probably need to see a neurosurgeon ASAP.

Btw, neurosurgeons are ballers but they probably aren't the best to ask if you're trying to treat conservatively and avoid surgery.

My dad had a herniated disk in L4. He was complaining of pain for weeks. One day he got out his car and couldnt walk. Two days later he had to have surgery and completely re learn how to walk again. What he does now is he goes in the steam room and stretches. He says that since he has started to do that his back pain has almost disappeared.

My dad has had already 3 back surgeries. The third one was to put in pins and rods. This helped slightly. Do NOT get another surgery if at all possible.

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Found out yesterday I have another herniated disc in Lower back..this time at L4.

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Get the shots if offered and try rehab. I had a L4-L5 herniation after doing crossfit (I deserved it God was punishing me for being a douche) and the shots helped.

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Are there any exercises to do to help my body heal, or is it just a wait and see thing? I'm unsure if this will eventually heal on its own bit I'd rather not go the back surgery route as I've already had 2

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Both. Your body's immune system will degrade the herniated disc on its own, and then core strengthening exercises will help prevent another one. Since you have already had 2 back surgeries go to physical therapy for the exercises, DO NOT just google and do the exercises you will make it worse. Better yet just do what your doctor recommends, a real life doctor is always better than Dr. OT.

Thanks for the advice! Hoping this herniated disc heals..the last one was 11 rated pain on a 10 scale every day for a year before I got the surgery

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a real life Doctor is always better than Dr. OT

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Yeah I'm surprised someone hasn't told me to do some deadlifts yet

Motorboat posted a funny looking pic, but traction will help you tremendously.