Hello,
I was diagnosed with a herniated disk at the L5 level about three weeks ago and I'm being treated by my chiropractor.The chiro is treating me on a decompression table which strectches out my back and he then applies heat and a massage.The treatments appear to be working as I dont really have any real pain.All I feel now is sore which sometimes goes away all together.My question is at what point can I start oing some streching and exercise?I also wanted to know if anyone here is into weight lifting and what exercies are now excluded from their workouts due to a herniated disk?I also must mention that my job requires my sitting for long periods of time which I think is holding me back a little.I would really appreciate any feedback from someone who has had a similar experience.Thanks

Get up and walk around every 15 - 20 mintues. I sit at work all day and this helps. You should really go to a physical therapist for back exercises. Good luck with the chiro because mine made my disk even worse. Just be careful. I know that military presses, squats, and leg presses are some of the exercises that are not good for your spine because they put a heavy load on it.

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27 years old computer programmer
April 1996 - Bulging L4/L5 disk from car accident.
October 2002 - Low back pain and pain in left leg.
October 2002 - See chiropractor with minimal relief.
November 2002 - MRI shows L4/L5 moderate disk herniation (left and center)
January 2003 - Try PT for a couple of weeks some relief until chiropractor visit.
February 2003 - Chiropractor does traction, resulting in first instance of numbness in foot.
Late February 2003 and still going - New Physical Therapist, not much relief yet...
March 2003 - Very light pain in right leg in addition to left, EMG suggests nerve damage/irritaion in both legs.
March 2003 - Second MRI shows L4/L5 moderate disk herniation (left and center), slightly larger
April 3, 2003 - Epidural Injection, slight pain relief, more tingling in left leg and right.
April 17, 2003 - Going for second epidural injection.
April 22,2003 - Feeling some relief, started doing exersices from the McKenzie book.
May 1, 2003 - Third epidural injection
May 7, 2003 - Still in pain, less numbness and tingling
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I have a herniated disc at L4/5 and the chiro seemed to make mine worse, too. For exercise, I'm doing aqua-therapy, walking forwards, backwards, and sideways in the water since the buoyancy keeps most of my weight off my legs.

jdog

BigLou, Is your herniation between the L4 and L5 vertebrae, or between the L5 and S1 vertebrae? (I'm just curious.)The exercise best for the lower back is walking! Post-surgery, I was advised to walk at least 3 miles a day for the rest of my life.

jdog, Welcome back! Did you have a fun vacation? A week ago I started a thread "jdog, are you OK?", to which baxter and Laura (TexMich) replied that you were on holiday.

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif HNP

[This message has been edited by HNPatL4L5 (edited 05-28-2003).]

Hi HNP -

I usually only get to the first page on this thing. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif I'm doing all right. The vacation was like all vacations, too short! I'm seeing my doc on Friday and telling him that I don't want fusion at L4/L5 even though I have a lam at L3/4. I want a minimally invasive procedure and am willing to do a followup surgery with fusion if needed. Or if they insist on fusion, I'm going to ask them to tell me why my shoulder blades and arms hurt from my ACDF before I allow another fusion. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I've been taking two 10 mg hydrocodone pills everyday and I haven't been liking the way they make me feel. This week, I've moved to 1 10 mg at night and when I get home at night, I hurt, but at least I'm not almost falling asleep. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

jdog

HNPatL4L5,I have the herniation at L4L5 with stennosis but I dont have any nerve inpingment.I have been making steady progress and think that stretching would really help me along.The biggest thing holding me back is my work.I sit for 10 at a time four times a week.On my days off when I'm out and about I feel much better.At this point all I really have is soreness,not pain like I had early on.My biggest question I quess would be with what I have described can I make a full recovery without surgery.I want to be able to play baseball and go to the gym again even though I know I will not be able to do everything like before.All your help and experienceis truly appreciated.Lou

Hi BigLou, My surgeon told me that 90% of people with herniated discs recover without surgery within 6 months of diagnosis. The fact that your herniation is small (hence not impinging on the nerve) is great! Definitely wait it out. To stay well (not reherniate) you should learn (and practice) good body mechanics. Avoid surgery if you can.

jdog, Sounds like you are making good choices with your pain medication. (Better to be clear-minded and in some pain, than sedated and in no pain.) If you are going to try one procedure to see if it works before submitting to fusion, you might elect to have a laminotomy/microdiscectomy instead of an endoscopic microdiscectomy. The former has a 95% success rate (but 4-6 weeks of recovery); the latter has a 60% success rate (but a shorter recovery). Good luck "negotiating" with your neurosurgeon! When is the lull at work during which you might have surgery? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif HNP

HNP-

In the business I'm in, the dog-gone (hah, I guess that pun might be intended) lull window is a friggin' moving target. I haven't even heard back from the Doctor that is supposed to review my file and determine if he wants to do the surgery. I'll start things rolling on Friday (my new day for my appointment).

jdog

jdog, Your last post has me imagining all sorts of bizarre careers you might be in. Veternarian, dog catcher,...

Hi BigLou! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif There are some great stretching exercises for the lower back. Have you heard of pelvic tilts? I did them before and after surgery. Hamstring stretches are good too, but must be done carefully if you have a herniated disc. Best to go to a physical therapist who is experienced in working with spine patients.

The three of us are L4/L5.



[This message has been edited by HNPatL4L5 (edited 05-29-2003).]