Hello,
Welcome to Healthcaremagic.
From your query, i understood that you are suffering from Herniated L5 disc.
This herniated disc compress the Nerve roots travelling in spine.
Thats why you have pain in back, leg and thighs.
Most herniated discs heal, and pain eases after a few months of nonsurgical treatment, such as rest, medicines, injections, and rehabilitation.
Following methods can reduce your pain.
1. Take Bed rest, if you Have severe pain. Be aware, if it exceeds more than 2 or 3 days , your muscle may become weak
2. you can use heat pad or ice pack for 20 minutes every 4 to 5 hrs
3. Consult Physiotherapist and follow her advice.


You may need surgery only if you have severe pain, difficulty in walking, profound numbness or bone problem in spine.

Do not worry. Please follow physiotherapist and orthopedist advice.

Hope this helps.
take care.
Regards,
Dr.Manjeth.

Hi Manjula, thanks for writing to HCM.

Based on your description, you are suffering from LUMBAR DISC DIESEASE with RADICULOPATHY symptoms.

A trial of conservative treatment is the initial mode of management and includes the following steps -

* avoid lifting heavy weights as it imparts more strain on your back
* avoid forward bending activities as it will worsen the disc protrusion
* Use a lumbosacral back support to augment your spinal muscles
* Intermittent pelvic traction to cause a regression of disc
* Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese
* Physiotherapy to strengthen your back muscles. Physiotherapy has to be done only after the acute pain has subsided.
* Judicious use of analgesics and muscle relaxants.

With the above measures, I think you should definitely improve. If not , an EPIDURAL STEROID injection may provide substantial pain relief.

If everything else fails to provide pain relief, then you may be candidate for surgical decompression of the disc in the form of Micro-Lumbar discectomy which provides almost permanent pain relief.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day