herniated discs in neck

ark · 06-10-2009, 08:48 AM

I had an MRI last week due to increasing numbness in my arm and pain in my neck. I found out I have a small herniation at c5/c6 and c6/c7. I went to see an neurologist yesterday and he told me I could not lift over 15lbs for the rest of my life. He said I need to take up jogging instead of lifting weights.

This news was depressing to me as I hate cardio and love lifting weights. I was not impressed with this dr. at all. He gave me no exercises or any other information to help rehabilitate my neck. There was a huge language barrier and I finally gave up on asking questions and trying to figure out what he was telling me.

I plan on finding another dr....

Does anyone have any advice for me until I find another dr?

galya · 06-10-2009, 10:59 AM

Ah, yes. Don't freak out. That's what doctors do.
You need to find yourself a good physical therapist who will set you up on a proper rehab regimen + allow you to go back to normal activities. I love the 15 lb recommendation by the way, it's classic. In my country we usually try to get to what we call a sports doctor, someone who works with professional athletes or teams. They are usually more understanding.

jcruver · 06-10-2009, 11:25 AM

I had herniated discs in my neck and went through cervical fusion surgery in october. I also have had a discectomy on my lower back within the last 2 yrs.

I lift 3 times a week..(and the only thing i try and avoid is overhead pressing - mostly cause i 'feel' wrong when i have tried)...just got my deadlift over 300 again...front squat at 185..and can finally do 10 pullups again - none of these are that impressive but i am happy with them

I run once or twice weekly (recently did my first 'adventure' trail race..6k in the woods..finished in 28mins...my best mile currently is 7:05...and try and run 440s weekly at the track..again..not that impressive but I am happy with them)

Recently bought a bike and have been going on longer and longer rides (will do 60 mile ride this weeknd - up to Niagara Falls and back)

Recently borrowed a few kayaks and have been getting out a few times a week on those as well. (fun stuff btw)

My point with all that - I am not a doctor nor do I think everyones case is the same...but just wanted to tell you not to be too depressed.

(fyi - my neurosurgeon suggested I steer AWAY from jogging/running as the impactful nature of it wasnt great for me...almost opposite of what your guy said)

ark · 06-10-2009, 11:40 AM

Thanks for the replies. I agree that I need to see another dr. I will definitely look into somone who works with athletes.

karozel · 06-12-2009, 09:25 AM

I also have two bulging disks in my neck, and two bulging discs in the lumbar area. I have had physical therapy for the lumbar ones (long ago) and I've had shots for the ones in my neck.

I was having the same kind of problems with pain, weakness and numbness. The shots really helped, and no one told me I could not lift weights. The shots were ~5 years ago, and I have not had any serious problems with the neck since then. At the time my neurologist said he did not think physical therapy for my neck would have any effect.

My weight lifting is more recent, but I have not had any problems and I'm lifting weights over 100 lbs.

AnnetteW · 06-13-2009, 10:31 AM

I have the neck issues too. I had been doing NROL4W last year when the pain got intense, and I couldn't hold a bar.

I had lots of physical therapy but I basically stopped all other exercise, gained 20 lbs from lack of exercise, too much food, and too much wine to numb the pain. I was in constant pain.

It's only now feeling better and I can exercise again.

But my weights are super light and no shoulder work at all. I can do some back work, only a bit of chest, and for one set of presses I use 5 lb dumbbells (and should use only 3 right now.)

I was told no running, but I don't run so I don't care. I want to bike but I'm still concerned about the leaning forward position.

Personally I don't want that pain again, so I can avoid that kind of exercise, but if that's what's important to you, you will have to go about it very slowly.

For me it's important to do exercises that don't work my traps.

ark · 06-21-2009, 05:46 PM

Thank you Annette and Karozel for your input. I have not lifted any weights in over a month, but I am going to start tomorrow. I plan on taking it very easy and will listen to my body.

I'm currently looking for another neurologist.

Jean-Paul · 06-21-2009, 11:12 PM

I don't think that a neurologist is probably the best fit for what you need. Contact an "orthopedic spine" doc.

If you set an MRI up at the door of a full theater and scanned every single person coming out, you'd find that most people have "bulging" or "herniated" discs somewhere. You can work around most of that with a good physical therapist.

I agree with Galya... Doctors are so "worst case scenario" when it comes to resistance exercise (something they know nothing about), so they err on the side of covering their ass.

What you can't get around is a straight-up rupture. That has to be repaired surgically, and on the neck it's a surprisingly easy and non-invasive surgery. MUCH easier to recover from than a Lumbar surgery.

Good luck!

Willie · 06-22-2009, 04:02 PM

When I herniated my discs, I was also told that over 50% of adults have a bulge or herniation and don't even know it.

I went to a number of docs (this whole story is in my log... see signature if you're interested) and finally found a sports medicine doctor who I really respected and appreciated. I went from "surgery is imminent" to "you'll be back on the water in weeks" (I'm a competitive rower). And, after 6 months of chiro, PT, and acupuncture, I am now-- more or less-- free to do whatever I want, and for the most part, I am without pain. I can't run, deadlift, or squat heavily, but other than that, I'm doing well. I can tell when I've overdone it, and (try to) rest accordingly.

Good luck!

UConnJulie · 06-23-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnnetteW

For me it's important to do exercises that don't work my traps.

This is important ... tight traps (or contracting traps) increase compression at the cervical spine ... something you want to avoid. And I agree that running would be bad (too much jarring). Find a good PT to teach you posture posture posture and work with you on proper muscle firing patterns. Lower trap strengthening, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean-Paul

I don't think that a neurologist is probably the best fit for what you need. Contact an "orthopedic spine" doc.

If you set an MRI up at the door of a full theater and scanned every single person coming out, you'd find that most people have "bulging" or "herniated" discs somewhere. You can work around most of that with a good physical therapist.

I agree with Galya... Doctors are so "worst case scenario" when it comes to resistance exercise (something they know nothing about), so they err on the side of covering their ass.

What you can't get around is a straight-up rupture. That has to be repaired surgically, and on the neck it's a surprisingly easy and non-invasive surgery. MUCH easier to recover from than a Lumbar surgery.

Good luck!

Amen. You want an orthopedic surgeon who is a spine specialist ... and ideally a sports specialist too. That way he/she'll have more understanding about weight lifting.

AnnetteW · 06-25-2009, 07:09 AM

Julie, I did it again though, and I do it all the time. Yesterday I decided I could do the first exercises from the OPT program, and by last night my neck and back were all kinked up. I ended up taking motrin and feel better this morning (not totally unkinked.)

But looking at the photos of the seated upright flies, I KNEW I couldn't do them, yet I did.

It frustrates the hell out of me.

I am making a new vow to myself to STOP doing what I know is wrong, working those darn traps, even though I'm trying not to.

Plus I did a yoga workout the night before, felt great btw, but I'm not supposed to do that darn Downward Dog.

It's hard for someone who enjoys how exercise feels, to stop doing things that "seem" so easy. It truly kills me at times.

Are there any shoulder types of exercises that don't work the traps? Mine tend to fire automatically when looking at a dumbbell, maybe they get excited or something...lol.

I think I'm starting to accept that I might just have to lose weight and be a skinny girl....ugh, can't believe I'm admitting that.

UConnJulie · 06-25-2009, 09:02 PM

Nah ... you need a PT to work with you on proper firing patterns and scapular positioning.

Also, if you don't have it, get the Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies. Get a lacrosse ball and start rolling the crap out of your upper back and traps. A theracane would be helpful too since you can't reach some parts of your neck very well with the lacrosse ball.

AnnetteW · 06-26-2009, 09:35 PM

Julie, I did the PT thing till "my time was up" but I will admit I got lazy afterwards. The "firing" is definitely an issue.

And I know I had problems with the lifting of the arms. I can't put my arms overhead if I'm standing, yet if I lay down on my back they go up nicely overhead.

I have that book, I have the balls

, I have the theracane. I'm really working on stretching out the chest.

I'm not as consistent as I need to be.

I have a wonderful massage therapist I'm going back to on a weekly basis.

Off to "roll" my back. Thanks for the reminder...it's all up to me.

UConnJulie · 06-27-2009, 05:42 PM

You can do it!!

ark · 07-03-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean-Paul

I don't think that a neurologist is probably the best fit for what you need. Contact an "orthopedic spine" doc.

If you set an MRI up at the door of a full theater and scanned every single person coming out, you'd find that most people have "bulging" or "herniated" discs somewhere. You can work around most of that with a good physical therapist.

I agree with Galya... Doctors are so "worst case scenario" when it comes to resistance exercise (something they know nothing about), so they err on the side of covering their ass.

What you can't get around is a straight-up rupture. That has to be repaired surgically, and on the neck it's a surprisingly easy and non-invasive surgery. MUCH easier to recover from than a Lumbar surgery.

Good luck!

Thanks, JP! I went to a neurologist because my GP said that's where I needed to go next. This neurologist was horrible! I left so defeated!! I knew immediately I needed to find another dr.

I am going to look into Physical Therapy next. I'm really depressed right now because anything I do bothers my neck.... I've lifted weights (not heavy), taken cardio resistance classes, dance classes and running... all have bothered me shortly afterwards.

Today I took Aleve and iced my neck for 20 minutes first thing and that has helped a lot! But I did not hit the gym today and won't again until Monday.

Thanks for your help!

ark · 07-03-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie

When I herniated my discs, I was also told that over 50% of adults have a bulge or herniation and don't even know it.

I went to a number of docs (this whole story is in my log... see signature if you're interested) and finally found a sports medicine doctor who I really respected and appreciated. I went from "surgery is imminent" to "you'll be back on the water in weeks" (I'm a competitive rower). And, after 6 months of chiro, PT, and acupuncture, I am now-- more or less-- free to do whatever I want, and for the most part, I am without pain. I can't run, deadlift, or squat heavily, but other than that, I'm doing well. I can tell when I've overdone it, and (try to) rest accordingly.

Good luck!

I remember reading part of your story! I have also thought about a chiropractor. I'm so scared because I've never been to one and I hate to have anything popped. I am definitely going to look into Physical therapy.

I listen to my body and feel fortunate that I'm not in worse pain. I know I could be in a lot worse shape!

ark · 07-03-2009, 09:15 PM

Julie -

I found the book you referenced w/ Annette on amazon. I am going to purchase this as well.....

Also, is it strange that most of my pain is at the site of herniation? I do have a few symptoms of the numbness/tingling, but mine is mostly burning at the site.. c5/c6 c6/c7. I have had some shoulder pain and elbow pain, but that is not as often as the burning in the neck and down to the middle of my back.

UConnJulie · 07-07-2009, 08:07 PM

Nope, totally normal. Just depends upon the degree of impingement upon the nerve as to what symptoms you will have.

Find a PT who does manual therapy ... preferably Maitland mobilizations.
You can search http://www.ozpt.com for a therapist near you. I think anyone with this particular certification will be helpful in relieving and avoiding aggravating your pain.

ark · 07-08-2009, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UConnJulie

Nope, totally normal. Just depends upon the degree of impingement upon the nerve as to what symptoms you will have.

Find a PT who does manual therapy ... preferably Maitland mobilizations.
You can search http://www.ozpt.com for a therapist near you. I think anyone with this particular certification will be helpful in relieving and avoiding aggravating your pain.

thank you so much!

pallsmith19 · 07-09-2009, 04:58 AM

This news was depressing to me as I hate cardio and love lifting weights. I was not impressed with this dr. at all. He gave me no exercises or any other information to help rehabilitate my neck.