Looking for advice or relief ideas — severe L4-L5 disc extrusion pressing on nerve

Hey everyone,

I’ve been struggling with a severe disc extrusion at L4-L5 (about 11x5x11 mm) that’s pressing on the right L5 nerve root. My MRI shows the disc material encroaching into the subarticular space. Most of my pain is in my hip and glute area, but it also runs down my leg, making my ankle throb like it’s sprained and causing numbness in my toes.

I’ve tried a lot already — physical therapy, rest, anti-inflammatories, and I recently had a lumbar epidural steroid injection, but I’m on day 3 and not getting much relief so far. I’ve also been using a TENS unit, gentle stretches, and heat therapy, but the pain and muscle imbalance are debilitating.

I’m scheduled to see a spine surgeon soon, but I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been through this: • What helped you manage the pain or correct alignment before/after surgery? • Did anything (specific exercises, decompression devices, supplements, etc.) make a real difference for you? • If you had surgery for an extrusion like this, what was your recovery like and was it worth it?

Right now I am feeling very defeated. I am a mother of 3. I can hardly walk, lay, sit, lift. Everything at this point has become nearly impossible. Thanks in advance for any advice.