Foot numb since slipped disc

[FleurTing]

I was wondering if anyone has experienced the same problem as me. Two years ago exactly I suffered a severe slipped disc confirmed by a scan. I was in absolute agony for 10 days and bedridden for over a month. I was treated by an orthopaedic specialist who decided not to operate, and prescribed physiotherapy after 2 months. This helped me a lot, as I had become very stiff.
When I went for a check-up about 4 months after the initial problem I told the specialist that my foot was still numb, but he didnt seem worried about it. I had also mentioned it to the physio, who said it often takes 6 months for normal feeling to return. Two years on, I still have numbness along the outer edge of my foot and a strange feeling below my toes as though I have cardboard stuck to my foot when I walk. The numbness is more pronounced when I lie on my left side (the side that the disc herniated). I still get occasional backpain and sciatica, and x-rays showed I have a pinched disc. I dont want to have it operated on (I know someone whose operation went horribly wrong) and I take anti-inflammatory tablets from time to time. Any suggestions please?

Ive always been nervous about that sort of thing, to be honest. The thought of anyone pulling me about makes me cringe! Im not sure how cranial osteopathy would help when the problem stems from my lower back. Have you tried it?

Thanks very much Fiolondon, I found your viewpoint interesting and encouraging. I know it seems a bit silly when some people have much more serious problems than mine to contend with, but it has been getting me down. I feel more reassured now, thank you. As I have other structural issues (slight scoliosis, osteoarthritis of the spine) maybe I should have married an osteopath too!

PS Does he maul you around???

I have similar but different problems to you Fleur. Did the physio give you exercises and have you continued to do them? Also, were you given advice about footwear? I've found that it's important to wear comfortable, flat shoes that have thick soles (they're not pretty!). Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time if possible and use a wedge cushion in the car. Try to sit on comfortable, supportive chairs

The recovery is slow but it does happen eventually. Even when the numbness improves you will still have a weakness and need to take care of your back.

The physio gave me a whole programme of exercises to do in order to strengthen my abdominal muscles, but I (blush) dont <span class="line-through">often</span> always do them. But when I remember to, I still can, thank God - when I began physio I could barely raise my legs at all! I never wear high heels (arthritic bunions, Im afraid - not much going for me really LOL) and am careful about supporting my back when sitting etc. Im now tackling my weight (Im not fat, but starting to look a teeny bit matronly as my mother would say) and am intending to go for regular long walks as soon as the weather cools down a bit (I live 200metres from the Med so it`s still very hot here ;) )

Fleur, before you get treated by an osteopath it might be worth asking a doctor if it's the right treatment as you also have arthritis. I know that some types of spinal arthritis can't have any types of manipulation or massage treatments as they risk causing further damage or fractures.