[longknocker]

Originally Posted by Blueface

Well, my immediate wise remark is "everyone has one".
Actually, we all do.
An irritated one is the nasty one.

Normally, most will refer to this condition as radiculopathy. It is a nerve, impinged by a herniated disc that protrudes from its pocket. When you get the leg pains, that is an L4, L5, S1 region. When in the arms, it is a cervical impingement.

In the last 20 years, I have had many, many "fetal positions" thanks to my L4-L5 and L5-S1 herniations. Lots you can do and make sure you do it before anyone ever talks you into surgery.

There is pills (muscle relaxers and anti inflamatories), epidural blocks (have helped me tremendously but do only with flouroscopy so they can see the nerve live as they are injecting you), variable stretching machines (work very well but expensive), physical therapy, leg and back strengthening, etc. Lots that can be done. Many folks suffer like we do. Common problem.
Good luck.

BTW, best advice? Weight.
I gain five pounds, I hurt. I go down five pounds, no more pain.
Weight really, really affects herniations.

Good Advice, Carlos! I've had a ruptured disc @ L4-5 and the neurosurgeon said it was the worst he had ever seen. Had 2 epidurals, lost weight, stretch regularly, and have no pain after 2 years. An orthopedic surgeon told me that there is no difference in patient outcome after 2 years whether you have surgery or not. Now, if you have "Foot Drop", that's a different story. Surgery needs to be done as soon as possible in that case. Good Luck, Brother!