Justt diagnosed with degenerative disk disease

[neverbigenuf]

I went to the doctor today for my MRI results. He told me it was degenerative disk disease and my L4 and L5 disks were bulging. His opinion on the matter sounded rather bleek. But I have already been doing physical thearpy to alleve the pain and strengthen my back. I'm not crippled by it by any means but the pain is always there as well as the back spasm. Heavy squats have been out for a while but this mofo says no lifting over 45lbs. That's bullshit, there are NFL players playing football with this problem. Anybody have advice, suggestions, remedies???? I want to avoid surgery at all costs. Currently doing rehab twice a week involving stretching, med ex back machine, and massage. Any help is appreciated. I'm only 31, too young to be sidelined.

 

[Sesshomaru]

Get a second opinion from a medical doctor and a chiro. Also look into as many forms of medicine as you can.

 

[maldorf]

I went to the doctor today for my MRI results. He told me it was degenerative disk disease and my L4 and L5 disks were bulging. His opinion on the matter sounded rather bleek. But I have already been doing physical thearpy to alleve the pain and strengthen my back. I'm not crippled by it by any means but the pain is always there as well as the back spasm. Heavy squats have been out for a while but this mofo says no lifting over 45lbs. That's bullshit, there are NFL players playing football with this problem. Anybody have advice, suggestions, remedies???? I want to avoid surgery at all costs. Currently doing rehab twice a week involving stretching, med ex back machine, and massage. Any help is appreciated. I'm only 31, too young to be sidelined.

Wow, 31 yrs old. Do you know what causes this disease? I thought it only happend later in life. Crap like this scares me, im 37 yrs old now.

 

[muscle96ss]

I went to the doctor today for my MRI results. He told me it was degenerative disk disease and my L4 and L5 disks were bulging. His opinion on the matter sounded rather bleek. But I have already been doing physical thearpy to alleve the pain and strengthen my back. I'm not crippled by it by any means but the pain is always there as well as the back spasm. Heavy squats have been out for a while but this mofo says no lifting over 45lbs. That's bullshit, there are NFL players playing football with this problem. Anybody have advice, suggestions, remedies???? I want to avoid surgery at all costs. Currently doing rehab twice a week involving stretching, med ex back machine, and massage. Any help is appreciated. I'm only 31, too young to be sidelined.

Do you have a copy of the MRI report? If so, can you scan it in and post it? Also, what kind of doc did you see?

 

[violentmessiah]

talk to a chiropractor

find a good one.....
First the disc degenerates, then you're looking at the posterior elements of the spine causing problems (facet hypertrophy.....spinal stenosis).
I, personally, would talk to a chiropractor. Motion in the joint means life for the joint, even if it's not necessarily the life that you'd want it to have (at this point, it honestly won't be).
Disc degeneration starts at birth, yep, at birth. Dehydration of the nucleus polposus starts at birth and continues. Lifestyle may contribute to the dehydration and eventual tearing of the annular fibers which leads to the "herniation" or protrusion. Is the "herniation" contained or not contained? The type of protrusion makes things interesting as well....

 

[Dad]

Check out Laser Disc Decompression. This has worked well for discs that are bulging only vs sequestered (fully blown).

Think of the disc like an onion (annulus) with a jelly center (nucleosus pulposus). They go in with the laser and melt a little of the "jelly," and the disc sort of "deflates." So, the pressure on the nerve roots is reduced or even eliminated. It's a "band aid" procedure which means in in the morning, out in the afternoon, no stitches, quick recovery.

Don't know if yuo're a candidate for this, but based on what yuo've described, it would be worth finding out if yuo are, and more about the procedure.

 

[neverbigenuf]

I tried the chiropractor route, he was actually the second person that recomended me to this physical therapist. A pro football player's wife was the other. She does fitness competitions and has had fully herniated and bulging disks which were corrected through this therapist. I'm waiting to see how the therapy works. The chiropractor didn't do anything but make the rest of my back pop. Unfortunately on my mother's side this is hereditary, bone and joint problems that is. Mix that with 6 years of military and sports growing up, my back was bound for problems. I have arthritis in my knees and fingers and have already had an orthoscopy of my left shoulder, so I'm old at a young age!!! HAHA! I will try to scan a pic of the MRI but my scanner has been a little b%$ch lately!

 

[neverbigenuf]

Oh and the doctor was a workman's comp doctor so I will be following up with my doctor for a second opinion. This is one thing I don't want to trust just one doctor on.

 

[gettnlarge]

i have the beginning stages of it also in my lumbar spine. i work for an orthopaedist. he looked at my mri and was explaining to me that a lot of people start losing disc health due to lack of nutrient absorption for many different reasons. he said it is common for it to be seen as early as 30--which i am now. but it becomes more prominent as we age or due to vertebral/ spinal deformity. he said there were mnay reasons and none of them really can be stopped. it is in your genetics also. just my 2 cents man. hope it helps just take it easy when squatting that mega weight. later
GL

 

[muscle96ss]

Oh and the doctor was a workman's comp doctor so I will be following up with my doctor for a second opinion. This is one thing I don't want to trust just one doctor on.

Oh shit, a workman's comp doc. Let me explain how the healthcare system works in this country. Decisions are based on the following criteria in order of importance:
1.) politics
2.) business
3.) whats best for the patient

When you add workman's comp into the equation, the political and business aspects are multiplied tenfold. I cannot tell you how many patients I have treated that have been misdiagnosed, mistreated, etc... by their workman's comp doc.

You are definitely on the right path by seeking physical therapy. Don't expect miracles overnight with PT, but you should see a steady positive progression. In the meantime, I would seek out a 2nd opinion from a doc who works with one of your local professional sports teams or high caliber athletes.

Also, if you can post the written MRI report, I may be able to lend some guidance.

 

[oldfella]

I have had and worked with plenty of people in my gym with this condition and in varying degrees. Lifting is not out of the question but you have to take a cautious common sense approach to what you do. Strengthening the spinae erectors is a good place to start and gradually incorporate other back work to further strengthen the network of support muscles around your spine. You need to stay away from exercises that cause compression of the spine for now but may be able to resume these once your back is much stronger. A really good physiotherapist should be able to get you started and make some great progress. Good luck and keep us all informed.

 

[drwost]

Oldfella gives excellent advice
Remember to stretch especially the hamstrings and try to keep as flexible as possible

 

[tobefitt]

I am 42 just went through major back surgery. Fused L4 and L5, had two rods and 4 screws put in. I went to many medical doctors and had a ton of therapy and I ended up where I am. I had a little more than bulging disc, I also had some major breaks in my vertibrae along with a crack in my spine, but it all started with a bulging disc 10 years ago. I must admit the surgery was no picnic, pain I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Definately get away from workman's comp doctors and go see the best. I'd personally stay away from orthopedist, get yourself to a neurologist and go from there. They will start test with nerves then work to see what will really help you get better. Just my two cents!! I am one month out of surgery and I still can't start any type of therapy for another two months! I really miss the gym and working out. The longest I have been away from working out since I was around 30. Good luck!

 

[mature muscle]

be careful those doctors are cut happy thats how they make ther living. sometimes with surgery you can end up worse. i have been thier it gets better work on lower back muscles and time will help

 

[wakejump4me]

http://www.spine-health.com/dir/idet.html

check out this link and the video of course . thats what i had done on my bulged L5 / S1 . it is not expensive . i was back within 6 weeks after surgery . well , it is not really surgery . be careful , because once your disc is herniated , this IDET won't work on you and then you are really fucked . take my advice and get it done .

wake

 

[neverbigenuf]

Aye yi yi! 195 degrees in the disk!? I'll take more than a mild sedative and local, knock me out! No problems after? How about your range of motion and strength?

 

[wakejump4me]

only exercises i have to stay away from , stiff legged deads and floor deads . rack deads or shrug dead lift machines are all ok . no problems with leg work , at all .

wake

 

[EVERLAST]

L-4

I have 40-50% of L-4 left. The rest is ground into chips and feels like powdery sand. The exercises Wake advised to avoid are right.
Glucosamine Chondroitin, MSM, etc. helps.
I'm going for a 505 squat later today for a couple or three reps. Part of a cyclic rotatation to add strength. Keep your core strong and try to stretch and warm up more before lifting. This sucks but you CAN fight it.
And maybe even win....

 

[wakejump4me]

^^^exactly , the more muscle you got down there the less pain you'll have . stretching is the way to go though . i found that yoga is the best . i don't matter how big you are , everybody can do yoga . and always train smart . flex your abs when squatting or other exercises helps too . lift with your knees . when having sex , let her do the work

wake

 

[maxwell807]

Your prognosis is dependant on a number of factors;
1. How long have you had this problem?
The longer that this problem remains the worse the prognosis.
2. Is it a direct result of a traumatic incident (accident, fall etc) some time ago?
Knowledge of the mechanism of injury can be vital for the appropriate application of treatment and rehabilitation protocols.
3. Do you have any radicular symptoms such as leg pain (esp below the knee), parasthesia (pins and needles) or numbness into the leg/s, or a loss of motor function (wasting and/or weakness of the any of the leg muscles)?
Problems with these symptoms are often more difficult to treat conservativley(nonsurgically).
4. Is the pain aggravated or eased by certain postures or activities?
Very important. If you can reduce the amount of pain then you have a much greater chance of recovery.

A couple of points to consider are;
1. Studies have shown that 30-40% of people that undergo MRI examination of the lumbar spine and are asymptomatic for back pain(no pain) will have a disc bulge.
Bulges on MRI may not be the primary cause of pain!
2. Surgical intervention should only really be considered in the event that conservative treatment fails and your problem causes considerable alteration to your ability to function on a daily basis.
3. If you consult a specialist (orthopaedic surgeon) that does not urge you to try conservative treatments before surgery FIND ANOTHER ONE! They make money by cutting you open!

So if your injury was not a result of any specific trauma, you don't have radicular symptoms, and you can actively reduce the pain then you should continue with conservative treatment for as long as possible. If the current treatment is nonproductive you should look to other practitioners for advice/treatment options.