Discussions regarding a bad back...

Right, I am looking to have a discussion and get some advice about my back problems.

So here is my sob story. I had a baby in Jan 2006, about 11 months later, my back went. Can't remember how, it just went. So after a few months of it not going away, I went to my doctor who sent me a scan and the scan showed that I had a prolapsed disc at 4/5. The same as my sister and my father before me. So I have been living with this disc on and off and now, the back isn't hurting and my leg/hip hurts...the classic sciatica. So fast forward to 3 weeks ago, I went to see my GP and he suggested some medications (Lyrica, a progablin and the usual Co-codamol and an anti inflammatory) and he also mentioned that his mother had the same problem and was helped by accupuncture, so I went and dropped a mint on a course of accupuncture, which I am 5 sessions into.

So this is where I am looking for the opinions, I have no idea if the accupuncture is working. I am enjoying it as it gives me a 45 minute nap at lunchtime, but I am still in quite a bit of discomfort (not straight up pain, its just uncomfortable) I gave myself a day off from the painkillers yesterday, but today I couldn't function with a 2 year old and the discomfort, so I took some pills. I don't want to take pills...

So has anyone had a problem like this and gotten any long term relief without surgery? Do you think I would be better off with a Chiropractor than with accupuncture? Can anyone share any experiences with me...anything at all.

Sorry for the rambling! Thanks!

I've had back problems on and off, but mine are sacroiliac issues, not disc-related. I have a chiropractor I go to when I need to and she's been amazing! She's a big fan of acupuncture, but says that it doesn't work for everyone. I've never tried it, so can't say if it would work for me. But if it's not doing the job for you, I say try something different.

I've had sciatic problems on and off for years.  The only thing that really helps me is keeping active no matter how much it hurts sometimes.  Anti-imflammatories can help when it's really bad but I think the worst thing to do (for me anyway!) is to be inactive, resting it just seems to make it worse.

I've sent you a PM racheeeee.  

I had acupuncture for my neck/back after a car accident.  It was the best thing I ever did and if I could afford to go now, i would!!! 

Stick with it (no pun intended).  It takes about 12 sessions for it to really make a difference.    after that, it is maintenance, every two-three weeks or so. 

Thanks so much everyone!!!!

I am going to stick with the acupuncture and see how it goes!! I really appreciate everyones input!

I've never had acupuncture, but if you're already this far in I'd do as Mrs Pink advised and finish the course.  I'm kind of nervy of starting to have anyone mess about with readjusting and messing about with my back if you find the acupuncture didn't help I'd ask your GP if they'd refer you to a Physio.   

I herniated my L4/5 disk 2 1/2 years ago when I was back in the states.     My doctors pushed for Physio and they did an epidural steroid cocktail for it (I walked around the house like Ozzy Osbourne for a week after), but the local anaesthetic they used to numb the area felt better than the epidural.   

Good luck!