Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I have a disk between L5 and S1 that was destroyed by a spinal infection in April. I was hospitalized for 10 days during which they performed a CT scan, MRI and a PET scan. After being released I was put on 56 days of broad spectrum antibiotics. Another MRI was conducted in June and it was determined the infection had destroyed the disk. A spinal biopsy was performed and it concluded the infection was gone. Another MRI was performed in July and I was told the body seems to be absorbing the disk. My question is: How long will this pain continue. I have sciatica pain running down my leg and cannot stand more than 15 minutes at a time without having to sit down. It has affected every aspect of my life and I see no end in site. There doesn t seem to be much improvement over the last 3 months. I am not taking any medications. Will any type of exercise help with the pain?
[|AI|]  I went through your explanation and I realize you have done a lot of treatment, but you have never visited a physiotherapist for your pain. In general, we can not suggest exercise because your case is not general back pain or sciatica. Since it is a result of spinal infection and later the disc degeneration. I suggest visit a good physiotherapist with all your report. Explain your history and then show the report. I believe based on this physiotherapist will guide you for some treatment (therapy) as well will also suggest a specific exercise therapy. And I am sure this will be helpful to you for getting relief from your pain. At home, you can also use hot and cold pack to have temporary relief by reducing inflammation and giving nothing effect at affected area. Take care.