Question
I have been told I have bulging discs L4-L5. It is causing pain that shoots up into my lower back. I may have hurt myself as a child. What is causing the pain shooting up and what can I do?

Answer
hi debbie-

you can get swollen discs from any number of causes- they are actually quite common (though not at all pleasant)

the shooting pain comes from the disc pressing into the nerve. your options before surgery are to take anti-inflammatories and ice the area (easiest, may or may not work). after that you can have steroid injections into the actual disc that is inflamed, causing the swelling to go away and allowing time for it to potentially heal.

after that you're into the possibility of surgical removal (discectomy)

there are alot of options though- your doc should be able to help you decide which is the best shot

good luck
leslie