Herniated Disc

MXD
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MXD
Edited Date/Time 5/4/2012 6:26am
That's the diagnosis I received today after my MRI. I've been suffering from unbearable lower back pain that is creeping down my leg and making my foot go numb. I don't know how or exactly when I did it, all I know is that it started about 2 months ago the morning after a hockey game with a light muscle pain in my hamstring and it has progressed from there. The Dr. told me that I might have to re-evaluate my hobbies. She was speaking specifically about MX.

For those that have gone through this, what are the typical treatments and have you been able to ride again? If so, how long until you rode again?
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yota
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yota 5/3/2012 2:02pm
5/3/2012 2:02pm
I have 2 of those, L5 (lower back) and between my shoulder blades. basically there are pouches (not the correct medical term) of a gel like material between ea disc acting as a cushion and a herniation is when one pops, squirting the gel out the back. the gel hardens and puts pressure on the nerve. there are several surgical options, none are exciting enough for me to try (I'm 59 yrs old). The old way was to fuse a couple of discs together but there are newer methods. For my lower back, I trashed it about 15 years ago. If I keep good muscle tone it doesn't bother me as much. when I slack off it gets pretty bad. I have back pain 24-7, just have learned to deal with it. you should do some research on surgery options if you have insurance.
flyinb501
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flyinb501 5/3/2012 2:02pm
5/3/2012 2:02pm Edited Date/Time 5/3/2012 2:04pm
That really sucks man. I've been having lower back problems for a long time, but not to that extent. Physical therapy has definitely helped me though. I would recommend that, and also buy an inversion table. Maybe start taking yoga classes as well. Also, a lot of core exercises. A strong core is key to preventing back pain and problems.
GrapeApe
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GrapeApe 5/3/2012 2:08pm
5/3/2012 2:08pm
I have dealt with herniated discs in my low back (L4-5, L5-S1) for 8-9 years now. I have been through PT a few times, and now I have all of the exercises and stretches memorized. If I keep my core strong and keep up with my stretching, my back can withstand moto, mtb, etc. Every flare up I have is the result of getting lazy with exercise and stretching. When it does flare up, it is usually 3-6 weeks of anti-inflammatories and self-PT before I start moving freely again. Find a good physical therapist that will never tell you to re-evaluate your hobbies. That's doctor talk, PT's are more real world.
e-socrates 5/3/2012 2:09pm
5/3/2012 2:09pm
MXD wrote:
That's the diagnosis I received today after my MRI. I've been suffering from unbearable lower back pain that is creeping down my leg and making my...
That's the diagnosis I received today after my MRI. I've been suffering from unbearable lower back pain that is creeping down my leg and making my foot go numb. I don't know how or exactly when I did it, all I know is that it started about 2 months ago the morning after a hockey game with a light muscle pain in my hamstring and it has progressed from there. The Dr. told me that I might have to re-evaluate my hobbies. She was speaking specifically about MX.

For those that have gone through this, what are the typical treatments and have you been able to ride again? If so, how long until you rode again?
Have you been hanging out with Meg, too?

The Shop

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MXD
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MXD 5/3/2012 2:10pm
5/3/2012 2:10pm
GrapeApe wrote:
I have dealt with herniated discs in my low back (L4-5, L5-S1) for 8-9 years now. I have been through PT a few times, and now...
I have dealt with herniated discs in my low back (L4-5, L5-S1) for 8-9 years now. I have been through PT a few times, and now I have all of the exercises and stretches memorized. If I keep my core strong and keep up with my stretching, my back can withstand moto, mtb, etc. Every flare up I have is the result of getting lazy with exercise and stretching. When it does flare up, it is usually 3-6 weeks of anti-inflammatories and self-PT before I start moving freely again. Find a good physical therapist that will never tell you to re-evaluate your hobbies. That's doctor talk, PT's are more real world.
L4-5 and L5-S1 is exactly where mine is.
yota
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yota 5/3/2012 2:16pm
5/3/2012 2:16pm
The most important thing to avoid is heavy lifting, like moving furniture, appliances etc. a few months ago a couple of us helped a guy move a gun safe the size of a refridgerator and my back is still not right. I mostly have learned to just say no but I screwed up.

The best treatment I ever had for my lower back disc was physical therepy on a Med-x machine at Florida Hospital. amazing results.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK2vx5ylVWY
GrapeApe
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GrapeApe 5/3/2012 2:27pm
5/3/2012 2:27pm
GrapeApe wrote:
I have dealt with herniated discs in my low back (L4-5, L5-S1) for 8-9 years now. I have been through PT a few times, and now...
I have dealt with herniated discs in my low back (L4-5, L5-S1) for 8-9 years now. I have been through PT a few times, and now I have all of the exercises and stretches memorized. If I keep my core strong and keep up with my stretching, my back can withstand moto, mtb, etc. Every flare up I have is the result of getting lazy with exercise and stretching. When it does flare up, it is usually 3-6 weeks of anti-inflammatories and self-PT before I start moving freely again. Find a good physical therapist that will never tell you to re-evaluate your hobbies. That's doctor talk, PT's are more real world.
MXD wrote:
L4-5 and L5-S1 is exactly where mine is.
Yeah, not the best location. You may want to ask your doctor about injections, they work for some and not for others. I had 2 rounds of injections and they did not work for me. Inversion tables are the same way, some swear by them but they have never worked for me. The only thing that works for me when it goes out bad is a good PT program to get it under control, and then sticking to a maintenance program religiously.
Torco1
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Torco1 5/3/2012 3:03pm
5/3/2012 3:03pm Edited Date/Time 5/3/2012 3:15pm
.
Torco1
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Torco1 5/3/2012 3:14pm
5/3/2012 3:14pm

+

=
tommycroftsbarber 5/3/2012 3:20pm
5/3/2012 3:20pm
Hey, I had an L4-L5 four years ago, somehow avoided surgery by doing alot of PT, inversion table, stretching. The pain down the leg is sciatica, which is the nerve being pinched by the blown disc. I could only get about 3 hours of sleep per night, could only make it feel better by walking 2 hours per day. I'm fine now, the discs do regenerate, but it takes a while. Inversion table, be careful of chiropractors, do as much cardio as possible. Dr. Mark on thumpertalk has alot of great info, alot of old posts(including mine) Do your best try to avoid the blade! And, of course, enjoy the Peoria Carp Hunters....(these guys are awesome)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhfd9dIkXEk
Cygnus
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Cygnus 5/3/2012 3:25pm
5/3/2012 3:25pm
Torco knows!
The Rock
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The Rock 5/3/2012 3:38pm
5/3/2012 3:38pm
Icing regularly will make you much more comfortable.

In addition to the excellent advice in this thread my contribution is Vax D Traction I get Vax D treatments when I am having an episode (back not mental) and every three or so months for maintenance.

BTW I use an inversion table regularly and have since 1998 and couldn't exist without it.
StevieTimes
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StevieTimes 5/3/2012 4:08pm
5/3/2012 4:08pm
I just got done with this deal... I had intense pain down my leg into my left foot. At first I could deal with it; then it continued to get worse until I couldn't walk. The pain was huge. I started to lose strength in my left foot and toes.

So they went in, cut the "squirted out stuff" away from my spinal cord, and pulled the pieces out.

Far out dude (cue the Hendrix music). After the surgery I could walk again immediately. The hole in my back was painful, but way better than the leg/foot pain I just ditched.

Now I have nerve damage in my left foot; not too bad, don't have foot drop, but I can barely lift my toes on my left foot. I can do it, but if there's any pressure on them (like a light sheet), it pushes them down and I can't lift them up.

Just this week I started to be able to feel my toes again. I didn't really notice how numb my foot had gotten until I felt my toes. I can feel the sock around my toes as we speak. I'm thrilled! It's scary, the nerve damage stuff.

I'd say go see a trusted doctor, get some opinions. Surgery is not a great option; but in some cases, it may be necessary before nerve damage is permanent. I'm no doctor, don't listen to me, listen to medical professionals... and every case can be different.

Go talk to a doctor.

ps. I'm hoping to be back on a bike about three months after the surgery. I won't know if that's unrealistic until that date gets closer. I'm definitely going to keep riding, and just try to keep my core strong.
nobhead
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nobhead 5/3/2012 4:20pm
5/3/2012 4:20pm
Yeah. Jelly donut is how my doctor described a disc. When it pops it not only squirts jelly into nerves, but the vertebra tend to sit lower than it did originally, putting pressure on the nerves. Not the cord but the nerves coming out from the cord. I have had 3 fusions and like someone else said, there are better solutions now. If you are in so cal, I would highly recommend you see Dr. Greg Carlson out of St. Joes in Orange. If there is an easier solution than fusion he will let you know.
Ing
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Ing 5/3/2012 4:21pm
5/3/2012 4:21pm
Your Doc suggested you stop riding? Time for a new Doc.
motogrady
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motogrady 5/3/2012 4:37pm
5/3/2012 4:37pm Edited Date/Time 5/3/2012 4:44pm
I had a microdisectomy (sp?) last Memorial Day weekend, at 57.

Same deal, worked thru it for years.

Making and setting about 30 roof trusses finally did me in.

Thought I had a bad hip, then it went down to my foot.

They go in your lower back, cut a piece of bone off to get around
to the front of the spine, then pull out what he described as a piece of shrimp.
Mine was squishing directly into the spinal canal, the MRI showed the pinch.
Looked like a pencil being pinched to the size of a piece of spaghetti.
As soon as I saw it I knew PT was a waste of time.

The pain down the leg and butt will, or should, be gone when you wake up. Mine was.
But it felt like I had a big swivel joint right in the lower back. And it fucking hurt.
I didn't mess around, time spent injured is the enemy, so no nerve damage at all.

Coming up on a year, I see myself on a street bike Memorial Day.
I'm working again, just don't lift a whole lot. I can lean over the sink and wash my face with 2 hands.
If I stay off work, no pain at all. But mow the lawn and the lower back is really sore the next day.
I have a feeling dirtbike will do the same at this point, I need at least another 3 or 4 months before I hit the dirt.
It get's stronger every day.

Good luck guy, imo, just get it over with.
MXD
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MXD 5/3/2012 5:37pm
5/3/2012 5:37pm
Thanks for all of the advice. My doc is pretty cool. She didn't exactly say I shouldn't ride. What she said was that it's never her goal "to make someone's life suck. If you have something you enjoy, it's my job to make sure you can still do it. However, motocross is a tough one. We'll have to see how it goes. You might have to re evaluate it once we get you back to good". That was basically her exact quote. I'm on some steroid for the next 5 days then I go in to discuss the next step.
71Fish
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71Fish 5/3/2012 5:46pm
5/3/2012 5:46pm
I have a herniated L5 also. I did suffer from sciatic pain but had injections. The injections worked for me. Yoga is a-freaking-mazing for low back pain. Give it a try. Now I just do the low back yoga moves pretty much daily. Like a few other have said, when I slack off on stretching/strengthening it hurts.

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MXD
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MXD 5/3/2012 5:48pm
5/3/2012 5:48pm
So it sounds like whatever fix I get, I need to change my lifestyle somewhat to keep that area strong and loose.
DanDunes818
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DanDunes818 5/3/2012 6:13pm
5/3/2012 6:13pm
MXD I had herniated discs is same locations L2-L3, L4-L5, L5-S1 .. I know everyone is different, but I had the microdisectomy surgery, and it seems to have done more harm then good. The only thing it did make better was the leg pain, but my back actually hurts worse due to scar tissue. I had a surgery happy doc, but if I had to do it all over again I'd go with PT, a inverted table and whatever else everyone has suggested in this thread.
TeamPropainTurbo38t 5/3/2012 6:31pm
5/3/2012 6:31pm
MXD wrote:
That's the diagnosis I received today after my MRI. I've been suffering from unbearable lower back pain that is creeping down my leg and making my...
That's the diagnosis I received today after my MRI. I've been suffering from unbearable lower back pain that is creeping down my leg and making my foot go numb. I don't know how or exactly when I did it, all I know is that it started about 2 months ago the morning after a hockey game with a light muscle pain in my hamstring and it has progressed from there. The Dr. told me that I might have to re-evaluate my hobbies. She was speaking specifically about MX.

For those that have gone through this, what are the typical treatments and have you been able to ride again? If so, how long until you rode again?
Lots of therapy WILL get you better. Back surgery is a last resort. I had the same problem....tore where my pelvis/spine connect and arthritis in L1-4. That was 4 years ago. I did lots of balance training on an inflatable ball and with bungee leg straps. Lots of clenching of the pooper muscles during these excersizes and while lifting, repositioning, and getting in and out of my car. This helps to get your "core" back in the position it needs to be an give the muscles the memory they need. Yes, the herniated disks remain but you can live with them. I ride every weekend now. Dave
REFEREE
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REFEREE 5/3/2012 6:34pm
5/3/2012 6:34pm
I had L5-S1 herniation. Pain in back, butt, leg, foot. I tried physical therapy for a few months with no improvement, sometimes it works, but not for me. 45 minutes as out patient surgery and BAM... I could walk straight with no pain.

Exersise is a must to strengthen your core. I have been circuit training for 6 months and was able to ride moto last weekend with no issues.
toofast413
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toofast413 5/3/2012 6:53pm
5/3/2012 6:53pm
Have two herniated disks ,tares and flouid loss i have tried cortozon injections ,therapy,pills,loosing weight getting the core stronger with not much succes now im going for epidurol spine injections had two of those this year allready back still locks up surgery is the only way remove two disks and fuse the spine good luck bro its been torture for sure make sure you have a md you can trust with your life and always get a second opinion stay positive
rodb
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rodb 5/3/2012 7:09pm
5/3/2012 7:09pm
MXD, try the inversion table at a slight angle at first. and ice packs when you been
on your feet for awhile.I had surgery 20 years ago on L5.WAS THE BEST THING FOR ME.
T Man 345 5/3/2012 7:10pm
5/3/2012 7:10pm
Nice to read a useful - meaningful thread for a change! Whistling

I rode moto for the first time in 10 months last weekend. Still today my lower back is sore. Mon thru Wed were painful. Luckily i don`t do any strenuous work or i would have been off for sure.

Basically been sitting around playing guitar and not exercising for the last 10 months so the body freaked out with the moto weekend.

It`s got me motivated to get back out and do some training, moto`ing again, which is a positive!

Feel sorry for all you guys dealing with back pain on a regular basis, shyzen.
queen of spodes 5/3/2012 8:28pm
5/3/2012 8:28pm
L5 S1 a few years back. Surgery went well.. walking 2 miles a day within the first week of recovery. I was on a bike again 3 months after surgery, but just slow trail riding. That convinced me that it wasn't time.. didn't feel right. I didn't start riding like my old self for another couple years..

Surgery was one of the best things I've ever done.
The Rock
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The Rock 5/4/2012 1:15am
5/4/2012 1:15am Edited Date/Time 5/4/2012 1:15am
Forgot to say wearing a kidney belt/back support deal helps immensely while off the bike. I am just going to bed now and am taking it off for the night. When my back is sore I leave it on for sleeping. Good night Gracie
Rovalova
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Rovalova 5/4/2012 1:38am
5/4/2012 1:38am
Mines been dodgy for a few years now, has let go twice (where I cant do anything for a couple of weeks) but I can always feel it, its never completely okay. For me swimming works great and so does core training (targeting back and stomach) when I dedicate myself it feels great but the better it feels the less I start doing and it goes to shit again. Try everyones advise and find what works for you, as all the doctors,chiro's, etc Ive been too they all say one thing, look after it and youll be able to get back to all activities but it will always be there, just be smart about what you do.
Huckster
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Huckster 5/4/2012 3:14am
5/4/2012 3:14am
yota wrote:
The most important thing to avoid is heavy lifting, like moving furniture, appliances etc. a few months ago a couple of us helped a guy move...
The most important thing to avoid is heavy lifting, like moving furniture, appliances etc. a few months ago a couple of us helped a guy move a gun safe the size of a refridgerator and my back is still not right. I mostly have learned to just say no but I screwed up.

The best treatment I ever had for my lower back disc was physical therepy on a Med-x machine at Florida Hospital. amazing results.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK2vx5ylVWY
I 2nd that. Herniated L4/5 and have been going to Med X program for years now. It isolates, strengthens and stretches your lower back muscles which is huge. Take Grapeape's advice and keep you core strong and stretch. I can feel my back tightening up when I don't stretch or work out and be careful when your lifting. I have been riding with mine for years so no reason you can't keep at it......
Vet57
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Vet57 5/4/2012 6:26am
5/4/2012 6:26am
Has anyone here had to endure a Discography?

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