Slipped disc advice

[Ouchyhurt]

I've had reoccurring problems with the same disc over 9 years (according to chiropractor), when it goes it causes crippling muscle spasms that leave me unable to move much. Muscle relaxants, pain meds etc seem to ease it after a few weeks, plus a few trips to see chiropractor who is amazing and I see huge improvement after.

Finally saw a lovely sympathetic doctor who was shocked no MRI had been done so due that and then maybe a referral if needed.

Has anyone had similar that's come and gone over such a long time, the intervals between are shrinking, it's gone 3 times in 3 months. I'm wondering if this is just the way it is or if they might offer more options? I'm only early 40s and have a very physical job and have done since I was 16

Yes - mine tends to go badly (ruptured disc and pain for months) every 5 years, but with regular pain at other times.

MRIs showed that the discs were a mess and surgery was an option, but because the pain lessened (my mobility is affected but no regular pain at the moment), we decided against it.

I was advised to do Pilates/yoga/core building exercise by the consultant

Thank you, that sounds very similar. It's such a pain and i worry it will be an issue with my job before long.

Depending on your job, maybe look at ways you can protect your back while you're doing it, also building up your core. Is there any scope to change to a less physically demanding job?

I work in education, but was mostly early years, now in with the foundation age. Lots of on floor, up and down etc. TBH the smallest movement can set it off, this time I leant forward by about 20 degrees

Definitely need to strengthen it, I used to do pilates, so need to get back in to that

The only treatment I had that worked was Intramuscular Stimulation. My physiotherapist worked miracles.

I'll look in to that, thank you