I've had low back pain for 8 months and an MRI showed a disc bulge, but the doctors haven't explained what caused it. Painkillers don't help, and I can't sit or work for more than an hour without pain. Even lifting slightly heavy things is tough. Do I really need surgery for this? I'm worried about steroid injections because of side effects like weight gain what else can I do to get back to normal life?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Dhankecha Dineshbhai

General Practitioner

MBBS
6+ Yrs

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Surgery is not always needed; structured physiotherapy and core strengthening can help avoid injections and regain function.

Dr. Dhankecha Suggests...

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Answered 14/08/2025

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I'm really worried about my boyfriend. He's experiencing these aching pains in his back and it gets really bad when he coughs, to the point where he can't even get out of bed. What could be causing this, and what should we do next?

get xray done use cough syrups like grilinctus based on cough type

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I'm a 24-year-old male with bearable knee pain in both legs. I can walk and do daily activities, but climbing stairs or standing for long periods causes pain. My MRI shows a meniscus tear in both knees should I consider surgery or try physiotherapy first? Would love your advice based on the MRI reports.

Given your bearable knee pain and limitations with activities like stair climbing, and the MRI showing meniscus tears in both knees, physiotherapy should be the first line of treatment. Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments like physiotherapy and pain management fail to provide adequate relief or if the tear is severe and causing significant instability.

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My legs, back, neck, shoulders, and even my fingers hurt and feel weak could this be related to disc issues? I'm really hoping to avoid surgery or disc replacement if possible. What could be causing all this pain and weakness?

MRI is advised,post share the report.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

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