@captainpegs07 Yes, that is definitely true in the case of a minor disc bulge. If you’re feeling it in the kidney area, the MRI may not have even gone high enough to see it. That would be about T12/L1, which is above the area normally seen on a lumbar MRI.

@rchirodoc Well, only occasionally do I feel it in the right hip. Normally I have a continual ‘discomfort’ in the right side of my lower back – below the kidney area. At first, I thought it was a kidney problem but they checked out perfect. I also read that it is fairly common that buldges are not recognized on some MRI tests – possibly because I’m laying on my back when the test is happening and there’s less pressure on the disk? I don’t know.

@captainpegs07 Hmmm that seems a little odd that the MRI was clear, because I wouldn’t expect something that high up (T5) to cause the symptoms you’re having in your lower back and leg. And if it was a bulging disc in the low back, that would have shown up on the MRI probably. Did they check your hip to make sure everything is ok there?

@rchirodoc Oh! Thank you for the quick reply! Yes, there’s a general discomfort/stiffness/mild pain from lower back that goes to the right hip. But I did have a recent MRI of the lumbar area which came back ‘clear.’ So I didn’t know if the pain may have actually originated somehwere higher up the spine. I’m hoping that, if it’s a bulging disk, the clear MRI means its a very minor thing . . .

Thanks again. I’m ording your book tonight, too.

@captainpegs07 I think I might be reading your question wrong, because you told me where the source of the pain is – you said it’s in the “middle lower back.” That’s where you should apply the ice, and since you have sciatica as well, you also want to apply it over the right buttock.

How do I isolate the lower back pain? I get a general sensation from the middle lower back – the inside of the main inward curve part – which also occasionally goes down to my right leg. I do have a t-5 fusion from 9.5 years ago but I really compressed my lower back and got pain from driving a tractor across a very rutted field – I don’t think the lower back pain originates from the fusion as I never had low back pain before in my life. How do I isolate the pain to pinpoint treatment?

Also, this is assuming that a person is following my strict rule of only leaving the ice on until they feel numbness, or 15 minutes – whichever occurs first, then waiting at least an hour before applying it again.

This rule is to prevent frostbite, so if you’re following the rules as I’ve outlined them, you should be fine unless you have a skin allergy as I’ve mentioned.

Actually, I do mean to apply the ice directly to the skin. It won’t cause a skin burn unless you have a sensitivity to it. Some people have an ice allergy, and that’s when it’s a problem. So if you see any discoloration of the skin, then you should place something between the skin and ice (such as clothing or a thin towel).

However, if you can tolerate having it directly on the skin, it will be more effective because the ice can penetrate the tissues more deeply (where the disc is).

Why does the display say apply ice directly to skin? That usually leaves a terrible skin burn. I am assuming that it means to apply ice directly to skin using a cloth of some type.

hey Doc

Thanks, actually after i seen the first video i quit putting the heat on it, and it really does feel much better. It’s all about doing the stretches and exercises. Maybe it’s easier for me because i’m young and this is my first back injury. My chiro did something called decompression?? he kept pushing my legs up and down while i held on tight, that was the BEST feeling ever! Wish my insurance would pay for it!! I’d like to be a chiro someday..thanks SO MUCH for all the videos!

Hi there! I never like to disagree with someone’s doctor, but I would really not recommend that you use the heat after the ice treatment. This confuses the nervous system, and although many doctors still recommend this, I’ve found that it has an adverse effect with a herniated disc / bulging disc. Everything else sounds good, but stick with the ice for now, and my ecourse will tell you when to start using heat. Thanks!

SO my chiro says i may have a herniated/bulging disc so instead of doing an MRI he diagnosed it as that. he gave me stretches to do, and said before i do them put ice on them, and then after put heat. should i not do that? also i can’t afford his treatment anymore and was just diagnosed two days ago…i’m going to continue his exercies and stretches and hopefully i heal myself!! thanks for the info, i’m only on tip 1 so i got a long night!!

That’s awesome! I think PT is a great thing, especially when combined with other treatments like chiropractic. Thanks for the comment! Dr. Ron

Hi – sorry I didn’t respond to this sooner, but YouTube didn’t send me a note to let me know you had made a comment.

The ice may work, because the numbness comes from pressure on the nerve, which could be from inflammation (which is what the ice helps).

Thanks!
Dr. Ron

I have had lower back problems all my life – I even had physiotherapy!! After the physiotherapy, I could WALK AND SIT STRAIGHT for the FIRST time in my life!!!

HI,

I’ve had a bulging disk diagnosed for 4 weeks now. There has been little or no pain (maybe a dull ache in the shoulder blades but nothing signif.) BUT the 2nd and 3rd fingers on my right hand are CONSTANTLY numb and tingling. one of the fingers on my left hand is numb sporadically. Will the ice method help remove the numbness (though no pain its very uncomfortable and upsetting)?
any help really appreciated

That is definitely not a good sign. I made a free e-course that would probably help you with your back. I can’t post the web address here, but if you send me an email to my youtube account, I can give you the link there. Thanks for watching my videos! Dr. Ron

I play basket ball aswell but the hour after I had hardly get up off the bed.

I have had a bad lower back for years and I am only 20. Nice start to my life!

Thank you so much- I went through all of your steps and found almost immediate relief. I was in pain for months. Now I can even play basketball. You’re the man!

You’re very welcome! I hope you find the information helpful.

Thank you soo much!! for this video, I am experiencing a bulging disk and any help is greatly appreciated.