"Back Pain"

[nowski]

I recently had an MRI of my Lumbar Spine. I just received the report today and it reads as follows: The MRI shows a herniated disc 7mm at L4 - 5. I also have a bulging disc at the L5 - S1 and at L3 - 4 facet joint arthritis. Today I went to my first appointment with pain management. The Dr. was pretty honest stating that there wasn't going to be much that he could do for me but he'll see what he can do to help in the short term. The Dr. stated in time my pain is only going to get worse. The Dr. stated that Surgery may be in the future but that may be a little further down the road...

With all that said, I know there are a few on the boards that have experienced similar back issues. My question is what can I expect in the future and for those that have had back surgery what was your experience Good or Bad???

 

[Singleton]

Get in shape as much as possible, focus on core flexibility and strength. Then get the surgery ASAP and stay in shape after the surgery

 

[4Waters]

Core strength

 

[Cray Paper]

Just know that the laminectomy will relieve the pain, but it's up to you to get your core stronger. Like every surgery, they take stuff out, but don't make it like it used to be. I had my back surgery 13 years ago, the last couple of years I have had settlement in my spine and the pain that went away for years is now between my shoulder blades. It's easier to deal with than the lower back, but it there. What no one tells you about sever lower back pain until you have had surgery is that the longer you wait to have it the more damage is done to your sciatic nerve. If you wait to long, that pain will never go away, it damages the nerve and your stuck with it. Even after surgery.

 

[purrfecttremor]

Core strength

Sooo important

 

[jetboatperformance]

I recently had an MRI of my Lumbar Spine. I just received the report today and it reads as follows: The MRI shows a herniated disc 7mm at L4 - 5. I also have a bulging disc at the L5 - S1 and at L3 - 4 facet joint arthritis. Today I went to my first appointment with pain management. The Dr. was pretty honest stating that there wasn't going to be much that he could do for me but he'll see what he can do to help in the short term. The Dr. stated in time my pain is only going to get worse. The Dr. stated that Surgery may be in the future but that may be a little further down the road...

With all that said, I know there are a few on the boards that have experienced similar back issues. My question is what can I expect in the future and for those that have had back surgery what was your experience Good or Bad???

I had a very similar diagnosis before my Knee replacement and although my back is not "fixed" its enormously improved as my nasty limp is gone along with poor posture and most important as said here lack of exercise (which I couldn't get prior) ... Chronic pain SUCKS !

 

[NicPaus]

I have had it a few times in my lower back makes it impossible to work construction let alone 12+ hour days. My Concrete pumper just had this 2 weeks ago. You need to find a Chiropractor with a Flexion Distraction Table. 3 adjustments and I was good to go. Pumper took 4 or 5 times he is good to go. pain was similar to broken ribs. If you are close to Torrance or want to make the drive to try a alternative before surgery PM me.

 

[nowski]

I had a very similar diagnosis before my Knee replacement and although my back is not "fixed" its enormously improved as my nasty limp is gone along with poor posture and most important as said here lack of exercise (which I couldn't get prior) ... Chronic pain SUCKS !

Funny that you mention knee replacement, the Dr. dealt me that card me 3 years ago and that's going to be further down the road. The knee doesn't hurt compared to the back pain I've been experiencing...

 

[Flyinbowtie]

I have two artificial discs, as the old timers here have all heard before, probably sick of hearing it.
Here is my story. I got into a study program, done almost 10 years ago. No longer available. I have Advanced degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis, bone spurs, sciatica, etc. ad nausem. My prosthesis devices are at L4-5 and L5-S1.

Surgery, the big deal, is probably a fusion. I would avoid that if you can. Do all of the above suggestions. Get in shape as best you can. Walking, wearing the best shoes you can afford, is what has helped me maintain flexibility. Walking in a pool, as in a swimming pool, in a lane, is great isometric and low impact exercise.
I am overweight, but I do 3-4 miles a day, 4-6 days a week, on a treadmill, doing 3.5 miles per hour on a 4 degree incline. Any more incline KILLS my back.

Listen to your body, working out so hard you cause a flare up isn't productive.
Sitting on yer behind isn't either.
I would get the MRI films and start with a consult with the Laser surgery people, and find a good ortho in your area with a history of doing good work on people with your problem. You might get a laser to deal with some of it but you are at the beginning of this thing, and yeah, it could get worse. Probably will. Mine has. Not back to pre-op pain, but it is...getting worse. Pre Op the nerve damage was radiating into my scrotum, this is common in men with disc failure in the lower lumbar, but hell, nobody told me that, I figured it was cancer until the surgeon finally spoke up.
Along with the back pain I lived with the scrotum deal for over 2 years waiting for the legal stuff to move through and get surgery approved.
Avoid that, but if your sack starts to add to your pain, it is time.

That said, beyond laser surgery I would wait until you feel you are can't hack it anymore. My surgery took a year to recover from. That is a long time to give up your freedom. The longer you wait the more advancement will come from genetic science...they are growing disc tissue in the lab using your own stem cells, but it is a long way from being a standard surgical treatment. The reason I say wait if contemplating fusion is this, I was told once mechanical appliances are placed you are done. So even if they come with artificial discs or genetic re-grown, you can't get it.
Feel free to PM me if you need to get deeper into it.
Good luck. It is a hell of a way to live. When my sciatica goes off I am sometimes down for 2 weeks.
Get yourself a TENS Device. They help too.

 

[nowski]

Core strength

I lost about 30lbs. since last summer, that helped some. I've been walking and have been working on stomach crunches to help with the core strength. I know this is going to pay dividends down the road I just have to be persistent.

I went to 12 visits of physical therapy and 6 visits to the chiropractor, neither seemed to help much. Kind of reminds me of when I tore my ACL years ago, all the therapy helped some but the pain never went away until I had it replaced.

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Being in workers comp, I handle many of these injuries a day. In my time, biggest bulge I think I've seen has been 8mm. I don't think any conservative measures (PT, LESI, etc) will work. I think surgery is in your near future.

Most common issue I see is what everyone else is saying. It is a must to get your body in the habit of exercising.

Flyinbowtie has some great recommendations including pool therapy. A lot of people overlook it but I've seen tremendous improvements with those that do it.

I've never had the surgery so my input may be moot.

The ones that have had the most success were the ones that completely changed their lifestyle post-op. I too would recommend avoiding a fusion if at all possible

 

[Activated]

Hot yoga. Core work, lots of stretching and body weight exercise.

I kept getting hurt doing crossfit, kick boxing, running, so I had to try something low impact. It's only been a couple months but I really like it.

<<<<<<<no homo. &#128514;

 

[Motoxxxloak]

Hot yoga. Core work, lots of stretching and body weight exercise.

I kept getting hurt doing crossfit, kick boxing, running, so I had to try something low impact. It's only been a couple months but I really like it.

<<<<<<<no homo. [emoji23]

I haven't heard of any guys doing it (not talking shit) but all of the girls that say they do it swear by it.....anything is worth it for the sake of health, homo or not haha

 

[nowski]

I have two artificial discs, as the old timers here have all heard before, probably sick of hearing it.
Here is my story. I got into a study program, done almost 10 years ago. No longer available. I have Advanced degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis, bone spurs, sciatica, etc. ad nausem. My prosthesis devices are at L4-5 and L5-S1.

Surgery, the big deal, is probably a fusion. I would avoid that if you can. Do all of the above suggestions. Get in shape as best you can. Walking, wearing the best shoes you can afford, is what has helped me maintain flexibility. Walking in a pool, as in a swimming pool, in a lane, is great isometric and low impact exercise.
I am overweight, but I do 3-4 miles a day, 4-6 days a week, on a treadmill, doing 3.5 miles per hour on a 4 degree incline. Any more incline KILLS my back.

Listen to your body, working out so hard you cause a flare up isn't productive.
Sitting on yer behind isn't either.
I would get the MRI films and start with a consult with the Laser surgery people, and find a good ortho in your area with a history of doing good work on people with your problem. You might get a laser to deal with some of it but you are at the beginning of this thing, and yeah, it could get worse. Probably will. Mine has. Not back to pre-op pain, but it is...getting worse. Pre Op the nerve damage was radiating into my scrotum, this is common in men with disc failure in the lower lumbar, but hell, nobody told me that, I figured it was cancer until the surgeon finally spoke up.
Along with the back pain I lived with the scrotum deal for over 2 years waiting for the legal stuff to move through and get surgery approved.
Avoid that, but if your sack starts to add to your pain, it is time.

That said, beyond laser surgery I would wait until you feel you are can't hack it anymore. My surgery took a year to recover from. That is a long time to give up your freedom. The longer you wait the more advancement will come from genetic science...they are growing disc tissue in the lab using your own stem cells, but it is a long way from being a standard surgical treatment. The reason I say wait if contemplating fusion is this, I was told once mechanical appliances are placed you are done. So even if they come with artificial discs or genetic re-grown, you can't get it.
Feel free to PM me if you need to get deeper into it.
Good luck. It is a hell of a way to live. When my sciatica goes off I am sometimes down for 2 weeks.
Get yourself a TENS Device. They help too.

I'm sorry to hear that you have endured so much over the years. The pool therapy you mentioned is that done at a public pool? Thanks for all of the Great Advice.

 

[Activated]

I haven't heard of any guys doing it (not talking shit) but all of the girls that say they do it swear by it.....anything is worth it for the sake of health, homo or not haha

There are usually 3 or 4 guys in each class. I thought I wouldn't be able to concentrate on the exercise given all the half naked women in the class but once you start going, you don't even see it any more...almost. [emoji16]

I leave completely drenched in sweat and could literally wring out my clothes and towels. It's a great workout without the impact of a lot of other routines.

It's really helped me work through some injuries too.

 

[NicPaus]

I lost about 30lbs. since last summer, that helped some. I've been walking and have been working on stomach crunches to help with the core strength. I know this is going to pay dividends down the road I just have to be persistent.

I went to 12 visits of physical therapy and 6 visits to the chiropractor, neither seemed to help much. Kind of reminds me of when I tore my ACL years ago, all the therapy helped some but the pain never went away until I had it replaced.

The Chiropractor have a Refelexion distraction table? I tried regular adjustments as I had the table in my living room from my crash. Made it worse. I quit drinking thinking it was my kidneys but nothing. Finally drove over to the chiropractic office and tried out the table. What a relief that was. Hope you get it figured pain will drive you nuts.

 

[Wicky]

"kratom!"

 

[Flyinbowtie]

I'm sorry to hear that you have endured so much over the years. The pool therapy you mentioned is that done at a public pool? Thanks for all of the Great Advice.

When I was doing the water walking it was in a indoor pool at a local gym. Weather up here precludes being in an outdoor pool in the winter. That gym changed owners, they did a big remodel and changed the whole vibe of the place. and they jacked the rates up to a point where I said enough. If you can find a club with an indoor pool it would be worth it, especially pre-op. I think the reason I got back as much as I did as quickly as I did post op was the pool work before hand.

Ya play the cards you are dealt, ya know. I do the best I can. while it cost me my career, and I really was not ready to retire, the doc said he wouldn't do the surgery if I wouldn't promise to pull the pin. It was a battle, I lost.
Moto mentioned he works W.C, this was a work comp case. I actually had a case manager nurse, employed by the WC carrier,. that backed me up. We even let her tag along to the pre-op consult, and she stayed in contact post op til the retirement pushed through. I had nothing to hide, hell I wanted to go back to work.
She, and my attorney, got major league experimental surgery approved by the WC carrier, the surgeon was stunned, told me he didn't think there was the slightest chance they would come on board for this.
I don't know where that nurse case manager is, but I owe her a lot, and will never forget her.
The rest of Work comp in Ca?
I can already feel my BP going up, LOL.
If you get hurt on the job, get an attorney. Quickly, period. YOu will play hell getting a good one to take your case, in California. WComp laws in this state have been gutted. In essence, you are screwed, but you NEED an attorney.
Do not believe a word your employer says that isn't backed up in writing, and only believe the part in writing if your attorney reads it and agrees.

One last thing...from now one you need to come to terms with some things.
While I can do just about anything, there is a price I pay for EVERYTHING I do beyond just the average day. There is a price for mowing the lawn, a price for a day at the lake, a price for working in my shop for a couple hours on some little project. You will find yourself looking at tasks and evaluating their net cost, in pain. You will do this, and it is smart.
Some stuff you will work smarter, slower, and think things through. Some stuff you will send up the help flag and put your pride aside to get it done. Sometimes, you will be an idiot, and it''ll cost ya, LOL.

Then..the most frustrating...you wake up one morning and can't get out of bed without help and wonder what the hell you did to bring this on.
That stuff...those days, when the price is exacted but you don't know what you did to bring it on, those days...they drive me nuts.
They will you, too.

 

[River Runnin]

Been in pain management for a couple years now with chronic back pain! :thumbsdown ...The strongest pain killer I take helps for a couple hours, with NO loopy disabling effects!...Dr. said it would probably kill him if he took one of mine!

 

[evantwheeler]

I had a couple of bad weekends of running out of talent on the water last summer. Slalom ski one weekend, wake board the next. The first day I returned to work after my vacation, I literally fell to the ground getting out of my truck due to back pain that shot down my legs. Scared the shit out of me. Tried chiropractor and had 10% relief. Had an MRI and saw 3 back doctors in the Las Vegas area, then followed the advice of the one I trusted the most and went to his recommended physical therapist for treatment of a herniated disc. He put me on a back decompression table and gave me some exercises to do. One visit and keeping up with my exercises had me feeling great for a month & a half until a night dancing at the local watering hole almost set me back to square one. Things have gotten better with exercise, but still not great. Have been too busy to find another doctor after moving to California.

I would highly suggest trying to find a therapist with a decompression table. This isn't one of those bullshit inversion tables where you flip yourself upside down. It literally pulls & stretches your spine. They strap in your chest and your hips on two separate tables and the tables separate a certain amount. I need to find another one....

 

[Lumpy]

I recently had an MRI of my Lumbar Spine. I just received the report today and it reads as follows: The MRI shows a herniated disc 7mm at L4 - 5. I also have a bulging disc at the L5 - S1 and at L3 - 4 facet joint arthritis. Today I went to my first appointment with pain management. The Dr. was pretty honest stating that there wasn't going to be much that he could do for me but he'll see what he can do to help in the short term. The Dr. stated in time my pain is only going to get worse. The Dr. stated that Surgery may be in the future but that may be a little further down the road...

With all that said, I know there are a few on the boards that have experienced similar back issues. My question is what can I expect in the future and for those that have had back surgery what was your experience Good or Bad???

Get three more opinions. How old are you?

 

[500bbc]

I had a laminectomy and discectomy 21 years ago and have been great until recently with some minor muscle pain.
I went off a roof and broke my back in three spots, herniated 6-7 discs so I was pretty jacked up. I was still going to the gym regularly before the surgery and was still in great shape.which really helped my recovery. Everyone I've talked to that had a bad recovery was in terrible shape before the surgery.
My last ditch attempt before the surgery was getting Rolfed, relieved all the muscular pain and I could feel exactly where the problem was afterwards. The pain from the disc makes you attempt to compensate and leaves you with muscular problems. If you're positive there is no muscular pain go ahead with the surgery as a last resort.

 

[nowski]

Get three more opinions. How old are you?

A young 56...

 

[cicchetti_24]

I've been fighting this for the last 5 years....

I have been doing physical therapy and dumped pain management and went with the nature alternative. I have had every imaginable shot pills etc... I started to feel stupid and need to make some changes with it.

Core flexibility is huge and I have learned a lot of different exercises from PT. I have also changed my diet again, and I hope it helps moving forward. Right now I experience the majority of my pain in the facet joint, and yesterday was the worst. It basically almost had me in tears it was that bad.

I wish you luck sir and know you are not alone in what you are going through

 

[Abc123]

Core strength and stretch daily after rising and before retiring. You'll be amazed how much of a better night sleep you get when you stretch before bed.

It also is a good idea to see a chiropractor regularly. MDs are trained to manage pain, not cure it.

 

[CornWater]

I was told I need L5/S1 fuse about a year ago, few months before 40th birthday. I couldn't bend over for an hour after waking, would throb at night, couldn't pick my newborn up out of his crib. Always been a gym guy but with our third kid I took about a year off and gained 35+ pounds. Decided I'm too young to start this surgery road and joined crossfit last July.

I lost 40 pounds by October and am down 45 now, most since high school. No more aching back all night and minimal pain. Still gets tight from time to time but a world of difference.

I saw two specialists, one at Loma Linda and one at Cedars Sinai and they both stated doubtful that anything noninvasive would help. Don't let them discourage you, as previously stated core strength will vastly help.

 

[nowski]

I'm sorry for a lack of response on my end today but work was pretty hectic today. The drive even worse, paying for that in added pain and stress right now. I'm very thankful for all the advice given, unfortunately I'm sorry to hear so many on this site are suffering from back issues as well. In a little while I'm going to sit down with my wife and read all the responses and advice given. I'm confident my wife's perspective of this site will take on a new meaning knowing that it's more than just about boating, it's a tight knit community about life.

 

[jet496]

After 2 Laminectomies, I finally had a fusion with cadaver bones on L5-S1 & it's wonderful. I do almost everything I used to.

My lead installer had fusion on L5-L4 & L5-S1 and he does everything he did before.

PS: We do not lift improperly anymore, that's the biggest change.

Don't worry about mobility issues. There's hardly any mobility there anyway.

The fusion saved my life as I would've blown my brains out eventually due to the constant extreme pain.

Laminectomies are a temporary solution as the disc sack is no longer intact.

 

[nowski]

Well I just received my first epidural back injection this morning with very minimal results. Still having the back and sciatic pain. I didn't know what to expect but I thought the results would have been better. My guess is a future date with a surgeon, (may be in the cards) will see how this hand plays out...

On a positive note, I get to sit back and watch The Masters the rest of the day...

 

[River Lynchmob]

I recently had an MRI of my Lumbar Spine. I just received the report today and it reads as follows: The MRI shows a herniated disc 7mm at L4 - 5. I also have a bulging disc at the L5 - S1 and at L3 - 4 facet joint arthritis. Today I went to my first appointment with pain management. The Dr. was pretty honest stating that there wasn't going to be much that he could do for me but he'll see what he can do to help in the short term. The Dr. stated in time my pain is only going to get worse. The Dr. stated that Surgery may be in the future but that may be a little further down the road...

With all that said, I know there are a few on the boards that have experienced similar back issues. My question is what can I expect in the future and for those that have had back surgery what was your experience Good or Bad???

At 22 i had a partial diskectomy of the disk at L4-L5. My disk was bulging 8mm and was also ruptured (the disk material was leaking and had started to wrap around my sciatic). I tried everything for better part of a year, epidurals, PT, chiropractors et al. Nothing helped much or for long. Do yourself a favor if you need surgery make sure you do it laser. I had a guy in Santa Monica that did mine that developed the procedure his name is Dr. David Ditsworth. This was 23 years ago so I'm not sure he is still practicing. His website was spineonline.com I know they advertise The Laser Spine Institute a lot. I don't know anything about them as I haven't done the research. I have had very little issue with my back since then and usually its from something I did at the gym. Don't let the Dr. cut you open. The best you will ever be is 90%. I know that is a lot better than where you are now but I can tell you that you can get to 100%.

It took me about 6 months to fully recover but like i said before I've had 23 years that are mostly pain free and I am far from gentle on my back.

Good luck.

 

[rivrrts429]

At 22 i had a partial diskectomy of the dick at L4-L5.

Your dick? [emoji2]

 

[River Lynchmob]

Your dick? [emoji2]

LOL...I saw that after I posted it...that's what I get for not proof reading it before I post.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for the XLIF surgical procedure. It is less invasive than other methods. And disturbs fewer muscles in your lower back. Some of the procedure is conducted from your side.

When it comes to back surgery/problems, everyone seems to be different. But weight loss and core strengthening are common medical recommendations.

 

[Essexive G's]

Well I just received my first epidural back injection this morning with very minimal results. Still having the back and sciatic pain. I didn't know what to expect but I thought the results would have been better. My guess is a future date with a surgeon, (may be in the cards) will see how this hand plays out...

On a positive note, I get to sit back and watch The Masters the rest of the day...

Give it a day. Tomorrrow you will be vacuuming the house.

I blew out 3 discs at work in 1991. 4mm bulge at L3-L4. 7mm bulge @ L4-L5 and 4mm @ L5-S1. I was 28 at the time. After the Laminectomy, foramanotomy, discectomy surgery it took 4yrs. To get back to work. I was considered 56% whole body disabled. The Dr. said I should have had a 3 level fusion, but I was too young. He said by the time I was 50 I would have a shovel handle in my back due to the increases pressure on the discs above the fused areas. Long story short. The doctor said with the state determining me @ 56% disabled the next surgery would make me unemployable by the states standards and I would be on permanent disability. It's been 25 yrs. I've lived in fear of the "next" surgery as I do not want to be unemployable. The thought of not being able to work getting paid a fraction of my current income is scary.
Like everyone else, I have bad days and good days. I've had one serious scare that came 5 yrs. ago. I was hitting golf balls on the driving range one Sunday night and felt a twinge. By the following Friday I could not stand up without feeling like someone was pulling my leg out of the hip socket. The only time I stood up for the next four months was to use the bathroom. Went to Dr. after Dr., all were telling me I needed to have the fusions done. To me that was a virtual death starting with the surgery, recovery, depression, then who knows what would have resulted from that. The thought of nor working the rest of my life terrified me. The recovery from the surgery was secondary.
The surgery was finally scheduled. While waiting for the surgery I had actually made the ride out to the river for a final trip not knowing when and if I would ever make it back out. I layer on a beach towels watching the boats go by all day long. One night we had a fire And after drinking 3/4 of Patron I was dancing around the fire praying for rain. I really had to think hard about how I was able to do that. I came to the conclusion that my muscles had become so tight that they were strangling the sciatic nerve down my right leg. I went back to the doctor and said before I get cut on again I would like to get a TENS unit. While in class to learn how to use it they said do not wear it for more than 2 hrs. At a time. I wore that sumbitch 24/7 for a week. Day and night. Within 10 days I was walking and back to work within 2 weeks of getting the TENS unit. The only adverse affects of wearing for a week 24/7 was small little scabs the size of a pinhead from I was burning the skin with the electricity.
I'm not saying that the OP won't need some invasive corrective actions, but if using the TENS he should be able to prolong having surgery. Fornthse of you dealing with the back pain, the TENS unit will help, a lot.

You can get them on EBay, or Amazon for about $25. The old school analog ones will do just fine.

Yes! That is the short story. Well, short for me.

 

[NicPaus]

I could barely walk Tuesday after driving home Monday from River. Lower back pain killing me. Got adjusted Tuesday had 50% relief by Wednesday. Another adjustment yesterday and good to go today.

I would find another Chiropractor before I went under the knife.

 

[nowski]

I could barely walk Tuesday after driving home Monday from River. Lower back pain killing me. Got adjusted Tuesday had 50% relief by Wednesday. Another adjustment yesterday and good to go today.

I would find another Chiropractor before I went under the knife.

I commute 50 miles to and from work. The drive home is the more painful of the two. That commute conditions me to be able to drive to and from the river. Worse case scenario I have a backup driver on board in case I need it. I've been through two chiropractors with no success so far, I think that ship has sailed in my case. I hope your recent back adjustments get you through the boating season...

 

[DaytonaBabe]

Started my own journey for back pain recently as well. I'm really stubborn, so I put up with the pain for a year before going to see a doctor a few weeks ago. They've only done xrays at this point, but they said I have significant degeneration in my L5 S1. The Dr and PT think that this is all from an injury I remember having several times as a kid from jumping on a trampoline. Not sure, but I'm 3 weeks into PT and really haven't seen much of a difference yet. Still can't bend over for about an hour after getting out of bed and it aches all the time still. Sneezing is effing brutal. I've adjusted my workouts to ensure that rather than working through the pain that I am, instead, doing things that don't cause pain. I've dropped my mileage on my running too, from 8 miles to 5-ish :grumble: Thinking of getting a MaxTrainer machine to replace some of my running. I'm trying to be diligent about doing the stretches and exercises the PT gave me. Really hoping that I start seeing results soon... Thinking about getting a TENS unit...


*sigh*. I'm too young for this.

 

[nowski]

Started my own journey for back pain recently as well. I'm really stubborn, so I put up with the pain for a year before going to see a doctor a few weeks ago. They've only done xrays at this point, but they said I have significant degeneration in my L5 S1. The Dr and PT think that this is all from an injury I remember having several times as a kid from jumping on a trampoline. Not sure, but I'm 3 weeks into PT and really haven't seen much of a difference yet. Still can't bend over for about an hour after getting out of bed and it aches all the time still. Sneezing is effing brutal. I've adjusted my workouts to ensure that rather than working through the pain that I am, instead, doing things that don't cause pain. I've dropped my mileage on my running too, from 8 miles to 5-ish :grumble: Thinking of getting a MaxTrainer machine to replace some of my running. I'm trying to be diligent about doing the stretches and exercises the PT gave me. Really hoping that I start seeing results soon... Thinking about getting a TENS unit...


*sigh*. I'm too young for this.

It's amazing how a little sneezing can be so painful. My sneezing is much more tolerable now than in the beginning of this ordeal. I couldn't run if I wanted to it's just too painful in my case, I don't know how you do it. I am walking on a pretty regular basis, it seems to be the most beneficial exercise for me at this point. I can only wish you the best on your journey / recovery...

 

[Havasteve]

Ive been going through this shit for over a decade and last year I finally had surgery, two of them. I know what its like to have back pain.

You should see a neurologist, Myofascial pain may be a big part of the problem. If you respond to a muscle relaxer its probably a large contributor.

Like others have said its all about core strength.

If surgery is inevitable then do it but it takes a good year to recover. You wont be bending over foor a long time.

Good luck

 

[MOUZER]

I recently had an MRI of my Lumbar Spine. I just received the report today and it reads as follows: The MRI shows a herniated disc 7mm at L4 - 5. I also have a bulging disc at the L5 - S1 and at L3 - 4 facet joint arthritis. Today I went to my first appointment with pain management. The Dr. was pretty honest stating that there wasn't going to be much that he could do for me but he'll see what he can do to help in the short term. The Dr. stated in time my pain is only going to get worse. The Dr. stated that Surgery may be in the future but that may be a little further down the road...

With all that said, I know there are a few on the boards that have experienced similar back issues. My question is what can I expect in the future and for those that have had back surgery what was your experience Good or Bad???

I SAW THIS AND YOUR MRI READS THE EXACT SAME AS MINE...........THEY WANT TO DO A 3 DISC FUSION SINCE 2009..BEEN ON PAIN PILLS AND ANTI DEPRESENTS EVER SINCE..NEVER HAD THE SURGERY...DR SAID 1 DAY SOMETHING AS EASY AS A SNEEZE AND I WILL WALK IN CRAWL IN OR COME BY AMBULANCE.....IM LIVEING ON THE EDGE BUT WHEN SHE BLOWS THEN I WILL HAVE THE SURGERY......CUT ME OPEN IN THE BACK THEN FLIP ME OVER AND CUT ME OPEN LIKE A WOMEN C-SECTION TO FUSE THE FRONT...NO THANK YOU TILL IM BROUGHT IN KICKING OR SCREAMING........

PS..P/T AND PAIN MANAGEMENT DIDNT WORK FOR ME.........NEITHER DID EPADERAL INJECTIONS

 

[nowski]

Ive been going through this shit for over a decade and last year I finally had surgery, two of them. I know what its like to have back pain.

You should see a neurologist, Myofascial pain may be a big part of the problem. If you respond to a muscle relaxer its probably a large contributor.

Like others have said its all about core strength.

If surgery is inevitable then do it but it takes a good year to recover. You wont be bending over foor a long time.

Good luck

Absolutely nothing I've tried has worked, PT, Chiropractor, drugs including muscle relaxers and opioids. A friend of mine said to give the injection 3 days to see if there is any improvement, I hope there is some hope at the end of that tunnel...

Side Note: My pain management Dr. is Dr. Rho, he's a really cool guy. He's into tournament shooting and music (Coachella / oldchella rocker) so we have some extra conversations per visit...

 

[JDKRXW]

I recently had an MRI of my Lumbar Spine.

Sorry to hear about your pain and I hope you can get it controlled soon.
Mind if I ask how your spine got into this shape? .... old sports injuries, manual work or accident?

As everybody said above, if you can do it.... core strengthening can really help.

 

[nowski]

I SAW THIS AND YOUR MRI READS THE EXACT SAME AS MINE...........THEY WANT TO DO A 3 DISC FUSION SINCE 2009..BEEN ON PAIN PILLS AND ANTI DEPRESENTS EVER SINCE..NEVER HAD THE SURGERY...DR SAID 1 DAY SOMETHING AS EASY AS A SNEEZE AND I WILL WALK IN CRAWL IN OR COME BY AMBULANCE.....IM LIVEING ON THE EDGE BUT WHEN SHE BLOWS THEN I WILL HAVE THE SURGERY......CUT ME OPEN IN THE BACK THEN FLIP ME OVER AND CUT ME OPEN LIKE A WOMEN C-SECTION TO FUSE THE FRONT...NO THANK YOU TILL IM BROUGHT IN KICKING OR SCREAMING........

PS..P/T AND PAIN MANAGEMENT DIDNT WORK FOR ME.........NEITHER DID EPADERAL INJECTIONS

Mouzer sorry to hear about your ordeal, I wish you the best. I was informed by the Dr. and pain management specialist that the chances of improvement were slim. I'm willing to try and exhaust all avenues. If surgery is in the cards and that's the hand that is dealt, I'll have to play that hand. I just can't see myself dealing with this pain for an extended period of time...

 

[E4L]

Couple of questions how old are you and what do you do for a living lay concrete

 

[E4L]

I was told I need L5/S1 fuse about a year ago, few months before 40th birthday. I couldn't bend over for an hour after waking, would throb at night, couldn't pick my newborn up out of his crib. Always been a gym guy but with our third kid I took about a year off and gained 35+ pounds. Decided I'm too young to start this surgery road and joined crossfit last July.

I lost 40 pounds by October and am down 45 now, most since high school. No more aching back all night and minimal pain. Still gets tight from time to time but a world of difference.

I saw two specialists, one at Loma Linda and one at Cedars Sinai and they both stated doubtful that anything noninvasive would help. Don't let them discourage you, as previously stated core strength will vastly help.

Glad to hear man. I actually love crossfit I do a crossfit lite class it doesn't do all the lifting but it makes me feel young and good again. Started back feb1 after a break and I'm down 15lbs already.

 

[nowski]

Couple of questions how old are you and what do you do for a living lay concrete

56 years old and a machinist...

 

[nowski]

Sorry to hear about your pain and I hope you can get it controlled soon.
Mind if I ask how your spine got into this shape? .... old sports injuries, manual work or accident?

As everybody said above, if you can do it.... core strengthening can really help.

Work injury. I've missed 2 days of work since last May (dedicated employee) today being the second. Everything I do has a price tag in pain attached to it (flyinbowtie quote) and boy was he right...

 

[H2O]

I hesitate to wade into the subject of back pain, which has caused so much suffering in my life, is deeply personal, and shouldn't be minimized. But since I haven't seen TMS mentioned here yet, I feel obliged to at least offer up some links.

Let me start by saying if you have severe back pain PLEASE go to a qualified Physician ASAP to rule out any serious underlying condition.

If you've already been to multiple Doctors, tried PT, pills injections, ice packs, stretching, strengthening etc, and still no relief....there may be one thing left to try: Consider looking into the work of Dr Joseph Sarno (you can google "Dr Sarno success stories" & "TMS treatment".) You can buy his book "Healing Back Pain" on Amazon for less than $10.

While Dr Sarno's plan is not for everyone and is not widely accepted by the medical community, there are 1000's of people that claim to have been cured by this method, including Howard Stern, Don Imus, Dr. Oz and many other high profile patients.

20/20 did a piece after John Stossel claims to have been cured - [video=youtube_https;vsR4wydiIBI]https://youtu.be/vsR4wydiIBI[/video]

and the forums are full of success stories - http://www.tmswiki.org/forum/forums/success-stories-subforum.27

If you think this sounds like total BS, I agree...but at least it's not mystical, there's nothing to buy, you don't have take any pills any or potions, Dr Sarno isn't selling anything (except a $7 book), and it's all based on medical theories laid out in the book (which again, are not completely accepted in the medical community). According to those who have been helped; You just have to read the book, figure out if it applies to you, and change some deeply ingrained (mental) habits.

I'm not a doctor, I don't know your situation (but literally feel your pain), this doesn't work for everyone, and I don't mean to offend, but if you've tried everything else then there's really nothing to lose by checking this out.

Best of luck to everyone dealing with the pain, I hope you find some relief soon.

 

[MOUZER]

56 years old and a machinist...

57 YRS OLD AND 30 YRS TEAMSTER TRUCK DRIVER..GROUND MY LOWER 3 DISC TO THE THICKNESS OF A PC OF PAPER WITH ONE SHADDERED..GOT A FEW LOSE PCS ON MY MRI AS LONG AS THEY DONT HIT THE OL SPINAL CORD....:eek

AND I DO WISH YOU THE BEST.....ITS A HARD LIFE HAVEING MAJOR BACK PAIN.......I KNOW SURGERY IS IN THE FUTURE....I PUT IT OFF FOR 8 YRS SO FAR..

 

[Willie B]

... no particular comment on my cervical spine issue other than the company I've been keeping hasn't been too bad ....reference the pic...I did damage my spinal cord trust me you don't want to do that ...

... A friend of mine put off low back surgery for years and years March 24 he went in for the surgery they went in from the front from the side and from the back and he is now fused together at seven levels...instead of cadaver bone they used discs and brackets... he drove himself to his doctors appointment yesterday... so???...