question: I have had a CT scan done abt 15 yrs ago which said that - Diffuse annular disc bulge with a small right paracentral herniation possibly compressing the right traversing nerve root at L5-S1 . Today am 39, weigh abt 75 kilos and have a pain radiating into my right leg on and off, pain in the right foot almost constant - specially in the heel and the area around and below the last 2 toes. On days of exertion and PMS, the right leg feels heavy with slight stiffness and swelling from the knees and below. Wearing a pair of socks, putting a lot of weight with 2-3 woolen blankets gives some relief. Exposure to cold weather brings back the pain. My physician recently examined me and told this is a trouble with the sciatic nerve. He has advised not to do any forward bending exercises. Can someone explain what the condition is and any particular specialist I need to consult.