Got the results of my MRI back

tossedup · 06-03-2005, 09:43 AM

Well it looks like my back is in a bit of worse shape than I thought. It turns out that I have herniated disc in my back at c3-4, c4-5, t6-7, t8-9, L4-5. Disc C5-6 bulging and are pressing on the thecal sac ( protects your spinal cord) along with L4-5 in my lower back. These two disc are also pinching my L5 nerve root. At L5-S1 the never root is also getting pinched. Both of these nerves are right above your hips and run down your hamstring. I have chronic disc degeneration in all areas of my back. Has anybody ever had anything like this wrong with them? If so what action did you take to correct it? It is pretty depressing not being able to bend over to tie your shoes. Any tips on staying positive while all of this going on? On a brighter note I started physical therapy on 5/31 and it is helping improve my range of motion and helping the muscle spasm calm down a little. Any feed back would be appreciated.

danimal · 06-07-2005, 04:46 PM

I feel your pain, literally! I am recovering from bulging in L3-4 and L4-5 that happened in November. Just keep with the physical therapy. When your therapist gives you the green light to resume activity, get back in to the gym and get active again, just be sure to adhere to the limitations that he/she sets for you and - most importantly - listen to your body!
My therapist gave me some floor exercise to do at home, and when I do them, I feel much better than when I am lazy and neglect them.
Hang in there, bro!

tossedup · 06-23-2005, 04:10 PM

Thanks for the support man. I have the go ahead to get back to the gym as long as I stay away from anything that contracts the spine. No overhead movements, deadlifts, and no leg press (didn't do them anyway). I came up with a superset workout. DB press/T-bar rows, Swiss ball squats/lunges, Dips/pullups, then two ab exercises. I will be doing this workout three times per week and doing HIIT a couple of times per week on a bike. I have two more therapy sessions so I will probably start it Sunday but if I can't sit still I might go ahead and start tonight. Anything anybody would add or take away from the exercises I selected?

charlie04 · 06-24-2005, 01:13 AM

wow! thats a lot of discs! ive had a similar injury to my l4-l5 disc.. i recently had it removed.. and now im waiting for my doctor to tell me to undergo physical therapy.. after which.. im excited to hear them tell me to get back in the gym.. i will be aiming to building a stronger core to improve my posture and stuff.. ive been told it helps in managing lower back stress.. hope theyre right..

good luck.. and a quick recovery to you..

tossedup · 06-24-2005, 12:05 PM

Yea it is a hell of a lot of disc. How is your level of pain now compared to before your surgery? That is what the pt is teaching me too. To always have your abs flexed to support your spine. It is kind of becoming second nature to walk around and to be sitting at my desk with my abs tight. It really eases up the pressure in my lower back when I keep my abs flexed. I hope you have a speedy recovery also.