Herniated disc

[Callsign]

Anyone else have this problem? I was hit by a car almost 20yrs ago & diagnosed with a herniated disc. Didn't think much of it back then, but now when it acts up, its hell to pay. My leg workouts become almost non existent. Any remedies? Usually an 8 hr heat pad & tylenol every 2hrs will kick it in 1-3 days.. Anyone try surgery?

[tonyd]

The best is to do a lot of core exercises to reinforce your core. Try not to brace but instead, focus on activating your internal muscles (pilates helps a lot).

[kulrocket]

The best is to do a lot of core exercises to reinforce your core. Try not to brace but instead, focus on activating your internal muscles (pilates helps a lot).

I agree with tonyd, for herniated discs, core exercises plays vital role in the rehab. Also look for ergonomic correction in posture, avoid flexion. Surgery is advisable for patients if grade of herniation is more and there is compression on nerve root and also on thecal sac. your doctor may guide you for the best! but i personally feel give a try on core exercises and avoid the knife!

[Callsign]

Thanks for the advice guys. I work my core 3-4 times a week now & think it looks & feels pretty strong. I'll keep that going & may try an epidural shot next episode, but for now Its about 95%

[lovbyts]

Agreed, Avoid surgery until it's the last resort. I lived with it for 20+ years until I got to where I could not walk or stand for more than 10 minutes at a time. I should not have waited that long but....

I had L3 and L4 herniated back in 1985. I also agree, the better shape you are in (core muscles) the more it helps, up to a point. If it's truly herniated and/or ruptured eventually it may need fixed like mine. I am SO glad I did it. I felt SO much better even the day of and after surgery. I was good for about 2 years when I ruptured L5. I had no choice but surgery then. 95% paralyzed from the waist down. Surgery fixed this one 90% but there is still some pain, discomfort, numbness and issues.

Back problems are the worst. What I hate is after sleep. I can seriously NOT bend over to put my socks or shoes on when I first get up. It's VERY difficult to even put my pants on... It takes me about an hour before I can bend over without much issue.

[Callsign]

Luvbyts, thanks for responding bro.. Guys like u that had the operation are exactly who i was fishing for.. I feel ur pain!!! Literally.. I hear its never done unless u have the operation.

[knifehead]

im going through this sh!t right now!! havnt felt my calf or foot in 6 days now...

[lovbyts]

im going through this sh!t right now!! havnt felt my calf or foot in 6 days now...

Sciatic nerve is pinched. Do you have tingling also?
Start off by trying Ice for a couple days on your lower back, sciatic nerve area. Ice for 20 minutes then off for 30, then on again for 20 and off again for 30. Do this 3 or more times a day for a couple days. Do not use heat.....

If this does not work ask your doctor for Prednisone. This usually knocks it out for me ( or use to) in 2 days or less. You should start feeling better within 24 hrs after taking the prednisone but take it until it's gone to get rid of all the swelling.

[feurion]

i have the same problem between my L3 n L4 the doc has advised me to have bed rest fr 20 days i m planning it fr 45 days .then doc said i shudnt lift weights ever
i love bodybuilding . n my age is juz 27 ne sugesstions for me . please advise i m on my bed rite now

[feurion]

i have the same problem between my L3 n L4 the doc has advised me to have bed rest fr 20 days i m planning it fr 45 days .then doc said i shudnt lift weights ever
i love bodybuilding . n my age is juz 27 ne sugesstions for me . please advise i m on my bed rite now

[Callsign]

I just went to a spine specialist, who gave me an authorization for an MRI. Once i get that, im told theyll give me a copy on a disc, then I bring that back to my spine specialist & Im going to try an epidural injection. I was told it may stop the pain anywhere from 3weeks to as long as forever. If it last 6months to a year, then I may keep getting them until it doesnt work anymore, then i may try surgery if Im a good candidate depending on herniation location. Always least invasive (chiropracter etc) to most invasive (surgery).

[feurion]

I just went to a spine specialist, who gave me an authorization for an MRI. Once i get that, im told theyll give me a copy on a disc, then I bring that back to my spine specialist & Im going to try an epidural injection. I was told it may stop the pain anywhere from 3weeks to as long as forever. If it last 6months to a year, then I may keep getting them until it doesnt work anymore, then i may try surgery if Im a good candidate depending on herniation location. Always least invasive (chiropracter etc) to most invasive (surgery).

i hope u get well soon n on your legs soon

[lovbyts]

I just went to a spine specialist, who gave me an authorization for an MRI. Once i get that, im told theyll give me a copy on a disc, then I bring that back to my spine specialist & Im going to try an epidural injection. I was told it may stop the pain anywhere from 3weeks to as long as forever. If it last 6months to a year, then I may keep getting them until it doesnt work anymore, then i may try surgery if Im a good candidate depending on herniation location. Always least invasive (chiropracter etc) to most invasive (surgery).

Have fun with the epidural injections. They have NEVER helped me and I have had it done 3x, 9 injections total. I think epidural is just something the insurance forces the doctors to do even if surgery is needed just so MAYBE they wont have to pay. I have not heard of anyone who it has helped personally.

The bed rest is a good idea or you can try spinal decompression. I would have liked to try this but it's not cheap and the insurance doesnt pay.
Any doctor who says NEVER lift weights again or body build I would run away from and find another one. I have had 2 surgeries and need a fusion. It has not stopped me and actually it's what got me going after 20 years of nothing. Give it time to heal plus a little but then ease back into working out and strengthening the core muscles.

[Callsign]

Thanks guys, just got the MRI done a few minutes ago. I'm good now!!! Probably about 90-95%. I dont even think im going to get the epidural until my next episode. Lovbytes, thanks for all the good info.. Like I said earlier, you are that guy with the experience I was looking for. I'll keep in mind what u said about the epidurals.

[knifehead]

i finally mustered up the courage to go to a chiropractor and it was the best thing ive ever did!!!!! he adjusted my back and i had instant relief from the pinched nerve.... withina few days almost all the numbness was gone..although i still cant support much weight when i roll up on my right toes.. i have a mri schedualed to verify the disc problems...

[Far from massive]

Just to add another reply,

I suffered the same thing L3 - L4 ruptures with severe nerve compression. I also feared surgery and spent years to get my back to where I did not have fire in the legs. Since then when doing any kind of ab work I need to make completly sure not to distend (this seems to be common problem according to my phys therapist at the time) the abs rather to suck them to the spine prior to any movement, for me using the abs properly has made all the difference.


lovbytz,

Back problems are the worst. What I hate is after sleep. I can seriously NOT bend over to put my socks or shoes on when I first get up. It's VERY difficult to even put my pants on... It takes me about an hour before I can bend over without much issue.

Boy do I remember those days....I was working as a mechanic and brought home a pair of foot long needle nosed pliers to put my socks on with but could never get the hang of tying shoe laces that way LOL