Deteriorating discs and low back paing... - JP Fitness Forums

kong · 09-23-2006, 11:30 AM

First, some background info:
I'm 39 yrs old, been weight training since I was in my teens. A lot of "on and off" training through college and after, but I've been consistent for the last 7-8 yrs.
When I was 16, I had a car accident that hurt my back somewhat. If I remember correctly, the doc at the time said that I had "compressed" vertebrae in the lower lumbar. He gave me a brace to wear for a few weeks, and then I was released after that.
I never really had any problems with it, until my late 20's and I started having some slight twinges now and then. Over the past few years, though, I've started having issues and sometimes a lot of pain. X-rays done by a chiro about 5 yrs ago showed that the discs in that area were deteriorating, and were 1/4 to 1/2 the thickness that they should be. I've had a couple of episodes where the nerves in the area get pinched or inflamed, and I can barely walk. These have lasted for a few weeks, and the pain slowly goes away.
Within the past year, I've had the problem that when I get up in the morning, the area is totally painful, and I can't bend over. As the day goes on, it subsides and I can go about my normal routine, even lifting, as long as I'm careful, without problems. But the pain is there every single morning, and I feel like 39 is way too young to be this debilitated.
I make regular visits to a chiropractor, but he doesn't have much to say about this particular problem.

I guess what I'm looking for is some help with what direction to go. Is there some re-hab routine that I can incorporate that will help with this problem? Should I see a neurologist or other medical doctor? I'm hesitant to do this, as I don't want their solution to be "here's a prescription".

Any help is appreciated!

kong · 09-26-2006, 08:51 PM

Just wanted to bump this, and also ask if any of the experts have an opinion on the use of an inversion table?

bryanc · 09-30-2006, 08:42 PM

Disc degeneration is a commonly found 'incidental finding' on many many scans of various types. The issue isn't so much whether your discs are degenerating, but whether they cause you problems in performing your daily functions. I think your case is one where a referral to an orthopaedic surgery who specializes in backs is warranted. This doesn't necessarily mean that you will need surgery, but an ortho consult may better guide you in determining whether a surgical or non-surgical route is best for you. The orthopod can also help you coordinate additional referrals if he/she feels they are necessary and thus, removes the guesswork that you're doing about your own care.

bodycrafter · 10-05-2006, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kong

First, some background info:
I'm 39 yrs old, been weight training since I was in my teens. A lot of "on and off" training through college and after, but I've been consistent for the last 7-8 yrs.
When I was 16, I had a car accident that hurt my back somewhat. If I remember correctly, the doc at the time said that I had "compressed" vertebrae in the lower lumbar. He gave me a brace to wear for a few weeks, and then I was released after that.
I never really had any problems with it, until my late 20's and I started having some slight twinges now and then. Over the past few years, though, I've started having issues and sometimes a lot of pain. X-rays done by a chiro about 5 yrs ago showed that the discs in that area were deteriorating, and were 1/4 to 1/2 the thickness that they should be. I've had a couple of episodes where the nerves in the area get pinched or inflamed, and I can barely walk. These have lasted for a few weeks, and the pain slowly goes away.
Within the past year, I've had the problem that when I get up in the morning, the area is totally painful, and I can't bend over. As the day goes on, it subsides and I can go about my normal routine, even lifting, as long as I'm careful, without problems. But the pain is there every single morning, and I feel like 39 is way too young to be this debilitated.
I make regular visits to a chiropractor, but he doesn't have much to say about this particular problem.

I guess what I'm looking for is some help with what direction to go. Is there some re-hab routine that I can incorporate that will help with this problem? Should I see a neurologist or other medical doctor? I'm hesitant to do this, as I don't want their solution to be "here's a prescription".

Any help is appreciated!

Yo Kong. THere are a few types of back pain, but im gonna give u two to go by, one that applies to you. ONe is called positional the other is mobile. POsitional is when one stays in one position for a little bit of time and notices the symptoms start getting worse, noticebly sitting down or laying down for prolonged periods of time. The other mobile is noticed when you start lifting heavy objects or just bending over in general and straigtening back up . Seems like you fit the first one so that means u gotta start with what your sleeping on man. Is the mattress firm or soft? do u lie on your stomach, side back? If the mattress is too soft, then try the floor . If you notice the symptoms subside then it's the mattress . Get a new one. IF it is a firm mattress already flip it and rotate it. Also dont sleep on your stomach. Try the side or back with a pillow under your knees. HIt me up . We can get more specific and pin point your problem.

LUis

RobLL · 10-06-2006, 12:51 AM

Kong - son little younger than you after therapy and surgery was facing serious disability. He was referred to a PT back specialist and has made what seems to be a complete recovery, he still checks in with her regularly. Recommendation: track down a specialist physical therapist, and good luck. Rob

UConnJulie · 10-09-2006, 11:32 AM

I would agree with Rob's recommendation ... your symptoms could be from an instability or an immobility and there is no way to know unless you are examined by a knowledgable professional. One other recommendation ... if the chiro is not helping the problem, he/she could certainly be contributing to it ... I would avoid chiro for now until this problem resolves (since you've already been doing it and it isn't helping).
All physical therapists are not created equal ... find one where you are not scheduled with other people (ie your one-on-one time is at least 30 minutes ... longer might be better) and find one that focuses on manual therapy and on specific muscle function/firing patterns as opposed to one that does hot pack/ultrasound/massage. You want treatment that will get to the bottom of what is causing your symptoms ... and treat the causes ... not just treat the symptoms.
If you have trouble finding someone, please let me know and I can help ...

Julie

bryanc · 10-09-2006, 12:36 PM

No offense, and yes, I'm biased because I'm in medicine--though I do have a masters in PT/OT, but given you have daily debilitating pain in the morning, I'd recommend ruling out a few things before you go headlong into physical therapy. Low-back pain is usually best approached from many angles, PT being only one of them. The key is finding knowledgeable people to coordinate your recovery.