u/Lower-Leader-2928

23F with a 5.5mm L5-S1 herniation, mild canal/bilateral foraminal stenosis, annular fissure, and mild left S1 radiculopathy.
I have pretty bad back pain with lifting and can’t lift more than 7 lbs. My left foot is often numb in the morning, and after a long walk or workday I get back pain and weakness.

One doctor recommended TLIF, but I’m honestly terrified of surgery at 23. I’m scared of making a decision that could affect me for the rest of my life.

For anyone with similar symptoms what helped you? Were you able to manage it without surgery? I’ll be grateful for any comments and opinions, thank you <3

I’m 23F with a 5.5mm L5-S1 herniation, back/leg pain, and mild left S1 radiculopathy on EMG. One neurosurgeon recommended fusion, but I’m hesitant at 23 and getting a second opinion.

For anyone who’s had a similar herniation and avoided surgery: how are you doing now, especially after a few years? Can you work out, lift, run, travel, and live normally? Any lasting limitations?
Would you make the same decision again? 🥴 thank you🙏🏻

I’m 23F and I have a 5.5mm L5-S1 disc herniation. I’ve been having back pain and pain going down my legs, and my EMG showed mild left S1 radiculopathy.

One neurosurgeon recommended surgery, but I’m getting a second opinion because I’m really hesitant about having a fusion at 23.

I’d love to hear from people who have a similar L5-S1 herniation but decided not to have surgery.

How are you doing now?
How many years have you been living with it? Did your symptoms get better, worse, or stay about the same? Are you able to work out, lift weights, run, travel, etc.? Do you have any permanent limitations?
And if you could go back to when you were first diagnosed, would you still choose not to have surgery?
I’m mostly looking for people who’ve been living with an L5-S1 herniation for a few years and can tell me what life is actually like with it long-term. Thank you in advance❤️