To ask for your tried and tested relief methods for slipped disc pain?

IDD Therapy, not cheap but seems to have good success rates. Not that many clinics in the UK but you might find one close enough to you. My osteopath offers it, two of my friends had a course of treatment, both felt disabled by their back pain but are now back to full fitness and pain free, one is back doing iron man challenges.
Might be worth investigating.

I have always been advised by the neurosurgeons to avoid chiropractor/osteopath as they can do way more harm than good.

In my view/experience, surgery IS NOT an easy/quick option. I’ve a 50% success rate on mine, so when it works, it’s great, but when it doesn’t, then it can be catastrophic. Get all of the info first, if you think you’re getting to resorting to that stage.

A nerve root block might work for you - I’ve a 66% success rate on these. There’s not a huge amount of side effects, and can ease things off enough for you to be able to do the exercise needed.

Drugs and movement are the way to go. Don’t just ‘take to your bed’ with it, no matter how tempting that is. I take Pregabalin (amongst my cocktail!) which helps with the nerve pain, without making me a zombie - the Gabapentin put me in a 9 month trance. The pregabalin is more expensive, which is why there can be a challenge in getting it, but it’s worth pushing for.

Good luck. 🤞🏻

I’ve had 4 spinal surgeries for disc herniations, foot drop, suspected cauda equina... good physio, coupled with the right drugs, are the way to go. Every time, we’ve done everything possible to try and avoid the surgery.
Exercise, exercise, exercise is key. I do Pilates based exercises every day (I’m 6 months post spinal fusion this time), a bit of swimming/aqua aerobics, and now a bit of yoga too.
I’d be suspicious of a physio who says no exercise, tbh. 🤔
Steroid injections can help - also losing weight, if you’re carrying anything extra.
Good luck. It’s fucking relentless, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Well, except maybe my boss.... 🤣

TENs machine. Stretching. Acupuncture. Swimming

@whogoncheckmeBoo laughing at that. "Try Pilates or yoga" as I'm drinking oramorph out the bottle after the doctor did a home visit. I didn't even think they would do a home visit but I was stranded in bed like an upside down tortoise while screaming and I can see the surgery from my window. They decided to come out and save an ambulance as that was the next option

I also had a combo of naproxen, paracetamol, diazepam, codeine and morphine all at max doses
That didn't touch it and quite frankly the next person who suggested yoga was likely to get slapped given I couldn't walk without dragging my leg behind me
I had an MRI and saw the neurosurgeon who said "my god, you must be in so much pain, let's get this sorted"

McKenzie stretch
McGill big 3 back exercises

I had a spectacular herniation (as the surgeon called it) of L5/S1 and then got cauda equina and had a 5hr op

I'm waiting for a referral for surgery. In the past (when it last went 10 years ago) a steroid injection sorted it out. This time the injection has helped a bit but not enough sadly. In meantime lots of painkillers and walking helps.

Another vote for surgery- changed my life! I also suggest keeping your weight low if possible, as that takes the pressure off a bit.

I feel your pain (literally)!!
What worked for me after being told surgery was going to be the only option (I couldn’t even lie/ keep straight to be scanned) was a medication programme. Gradually increased dosage of nerve blockers, pain killers and muscle relaxers to sedation level then reducing back. Had a fantastic GP who told me I would get better and this would work. Got out of that awful ‘ can’t carry on like this pain’ and then had a spinal root nerve block. Heard lots of bad things but mine worked instantly and has meant I’m medication free whilst the disk heals. Now physio and exercise ...
also many people gave me advice as I asked loads and was willing to do and pay anything. I regretted this as everyone was an expert despite never experiencing it and gave me the most ridiculous answers ... voltarol doesn’t touch a compressed sciatic nerve believe me!

CBD oil? I have sciatica, CBD oil was recommended and the pain eases up with a few hours I know this won’t help tonight but might be worth looking into for next time. You have all my sympathy back pain is a nightmare xx

I’ve had a slipped disc twice and believe that it’s bulging at the moment (I’m in a lot of pain but nothing like the other two times when I had to call an ambulance because I couldn’t get off the floor).

Really I just want to lie down and not move but I’ve been forcing myself to get up and keep moving. Heat packs help a bit, I’ve been prescribed codeine but it literally knocks me out so I won’t use it when I’m with the kids but I pop two of those bad boys as soon as my husband steps through the door.
Hot baths are also helpful but it’s painful getting in and out. There are also some really good stretches online but I would check with your dr before doing them. I feel you pain (pun totally intended) hope you start to feel better soon.

Tens, Pilates and drugs.

I agree with @raquelW Heatpads are great in the short term, but I think long term you need to go speak to your GP to get a better plan in place.

Intervals of walking for 15 to 20 mins. Sitti g on an upright chair for the same time and lying down for the same in rotation. Its boring but helps massively. In the end building up your core as a long term protective strategy. Ibuleve gel and 15 mins of ice every hour help or alternate ice and heat depending on the person. Walking seems to be most helpful IME. Good luck

The last flare up I had was agony and the only thing that sorted it was gabapentin.
I've had it years but it only occasionally flares up. Strangely my physio said to keep moving as it can it can only help and wouldn't make it any worse which was proven to be true. I'm a keen runner and tried stopping which made no difference so i carried on running, didn't help or make it any worse.

I thoroughly recommend Gravitylife. I have no idea how it works but it does. Takes 24 hours with me once the twitching stops. Ibuprofen and tens machine also help.

I eventually had a steroid injection which helped with my slipped discs but the thing that worked the most was massage therapy - I found the most amazing therapist who has worked absolute wonders. It's taken a year or more but nowadays I barely feel it. It's a nightmare though and I hope you soon feel better x

I did gapabentin and all the stretching and tens but mine was ruptured and the only thing that helped was a steroid injection

The first time it bulged it did go in 8 weeks but it was a tough 8 weeks!

And I'm also awaiting surgery as when I have really bad flare ups it's unbearable, and I have two small children so I need a permanent fix!

I posted nearly the same thread the other day. After much research I went to my doctor and asked for Gabapentin. Since Friday the shooting pain has stopped, still the dull ache but much MUCH more bearable! Everyone I've read about who took it has helped.

Have you the option for surgery? I had a microdiscectomy almost 6 years ago - although it took a while after for the back pain to go away, the excruciating nerve pain went immediately.