Herniated/Bulge Disc

[406flyfish]

Look in your caudal epidural injections and PRP. Ive had a herniated l5-s1 and now severe degenerative disc disease in l5-s1, and moderate in l4-l5. Steroid injections did nothing, PT did very little, but so far these caudal injections seem to be helping. Where in MT are you?

Bozeman.

Had my follow up today. Unfortunately, the shot didn’t do much justice for me. Still experiencing significant pain while walking, to the point where my leg collapses after 40-50 feet. Doc stated surgery is my best course of action after 3 months of continuous PT and marginal improvement.

Feel bad for anyone dealing with workman comp. Continuous battle getting them to approve the basic necessities. My doctor has recommended going to the neurological department in Billings for a discectomy.

Unfortunately, I’ll be paying this out of pocket as it will takes months to get it approved and scheduled though workman comp.

So frustrating. I appreciate all the advice and suggestions.

 

[Stikbrandon]

Bozeman.

Had my follow up today. Unfortunately, the shot didn’t do much justice for me. Still experiencing significant pain while walking, to the point where my leg collapses after 40-50 feet. Doc stated surgery is my best course of action after 3 months of continuous PT and marginal improvement.

Feel bad for anyone dealing with workman comp. Continuous battle getting them to approve the basic necessities. My doctor has recommended going to the neurological department in Billings for a discectomy.

Unfortunately, I’ll be paying this out of pocket as it will takes months to get it approved and scheduled though workman comp.

So frustrating. I appreciate all the advice and suggestions.

Get a lawyer, your employer will pay for it. Believe me….

 

[D S 319]

Blew out my l4-l5 and went on a bear hunt 3 months later, with no epidural shot until I got back. They offered surgery (of course) I said no thanks. I have more good days than not and my friends who underwent surgery aren’t any better off. Im around your age and I would say I’m easily 90% of what I was prior to my injury.

My advice would be to work on your core. Maybe skim through the book back mechanic as well.

 

[stank.243]

Bozeman.

Had my follow up today. Unfortunately, the shot didn’t do much justice for me. Still experiencing significant pain while walking, to the point where my leg collapses after 40-50 feet. Doc stated surgery is my best course of action after 3 months of continuous PT and marginal improvement.

Feel bad for anyone dealing with workman comp. Continuous battle getting them to approve the basic necessities. My doctor has recommended going to the neurological department in Billings for a discectomy.

Unfortunately, I’ll be paying this out of pocket as it will takes months to get it approved and scheduled though workman comp.

So frustrating. I appreciate all the advice and suggestions.

I had my microdiscectomy done at Billings with Dr. Stewart. He was awesome! If you’re curious on cost I can dig up some and get you an idea. Hopefully workers comp can get figured out!

 

[junior]

Been in the same boat with herniated L5-S1. Learned a lot in the last 10 years. Started as a bulged disc and going to chiro completed the tear. There is really zero long term benefit from chiro or ‘manipulation’ of any sort.
Injections seemed to help somewhat but the numbers are pretty strong supporting that 80-90% of sciatic nerve pain improves in 6 months with or without injections or similar treatments.

Surgery is an option and necessary for some, but with any surgery there are risks.

As soon as you can, work on stretching and strength. Once you’re out of the woods with the true shooting nerve pain, try to load with weight. It seems counter intuitive and you don’t want to overdo it but as a general rule- if it hurts, load it with weight.

I’ve had several short episodes over the last 10 years but with McKenzie stretches, hip range of motion stretches, and lifting. Deadlifts and ‘suitcase’ deadlifts are key.

Stay positive. That’s the worst pain and depression I’ve ever had and feels like it’s never going to get better. Hang in there.


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[chriss2455]

I am experiencing a similar issue. Stretching and exercise is a must. I also dropped some weight and felt a noticeable difference.

 

[K9kodi]

Weight is huge in joints. When I get to 220-225 my knees are screaming! When I get down to 205, I feel like I’m 18 again

 

[Weldor]

2000 same issue, waited to long. Did all the pt and shots before insurance would pay for surgery. The surgery failed unfortunately and my right leg was completely numb for 7 years. Finally came around and could feel it. foot is still numb. L5-S1 is a money maker for surgeons. The new techniques are way better than when the did mine. The best thing that helped me was a pt gal who told me just do this simple stretch. Lay on the floor and gently bring your leg up to your chest (or as far as you can) and hold it with your hand on the back of your thigh not your knee for 3-5 seconds. That is the only stretch that did anything. still do it today. It is suppose to move the nerve in the sheath. They spent nearly 3 million bucks trying to fix the damage the surgeon did, but nothing but time really did anything. Be very cautious who you choose to do surgery and vet them seriously. Best of luck.

 

[doc holiday13]

you can live an unemcumbered life with a a disk issue. sometimes they will "pull back in" with time. It will never be as good as it was but surgery won't fix the issue other than "less pain"

I herniated L4-L5 about 25 years ago. Still have a numb ankle and numb toes, but even with this issue I've been able to deadlift and squat 400+.lbs. i'm about to be 42 and I don't do heavy weight like that nowadays. I stick to the 250# max range but doing it for high rep numbers

You're going to need to get disciplined about how you treat your body. Squat University on youtube has lots of helpful videos. you'll need to be flexible AND strong .

 

[jeffpg]

My bulging disc is in between my shoulder blades. The problem seems to come and go and is most irritated by riding a particular motorcycle of mine that has a more forward reaching set of handlebars.... I'm looking into making a change on that bike.

 

[ProRoad]

I had to double check your post as you sound like my Son in Tx (FedEx driver) who is at 6 months and waiting for a Surgeon visit. Really frustrating as he cant seem to get any relief. I myself, had a herniated disk, L4/5. I was on a jog and ended up on the ground, wife had to bring the car to me. Over the years I found relief by swimming and eventually cycling (core fitness) I was able to get fit enough to train for the Masters World Championships in cycling in 2017 and 2018. I am now fit enough to hike 7 miles at a time at 10k feet and I know I am lucky. I hope you are able to get back to your normal self, I know it feels impossible at the time of injury.

 

[Mcribs]

I had this issue with bulging and herniated discs.. at 18. On and off couldn’t walk or sleep well for a year. Surgeon wanted to operate. Mom said no way.

Worked with a D1 college baseball PT who had experience with catchers. Multiple variations of 1 minute hamstring stretches 3 times per day. Was ******* brutal but it worked. Now when I feel it flare I get back on the stretching. I do a bunch of weight and mobility too.

Be real cautious on surgery, I’ve seen that go real bad. I know HARDCORE PT can solve lots of issues. Not always but often.

 

[aMurderOfCrows]

Yep, I’ve got 3 due to a past in powerlifting. Been living with it for about 25 years. Until my knees went bad I was able to get back to hiking and hunting full speed.

I’ve had no surgeries but did try all the other injections and PT over the years. Been my experience the pain ebbs and flows but is always there. I’ve had episodes over the years where the pain was so intense I couldn’t walk or work.

I’m sure you’ve already heard it but keep the weight off and strengthen your core. Don’t stop moving if possible, it gets worse.

All that said you can get back to kicking butt in the mountains and packing animals. It just takes time and a constant awareness of what you are doing or about to do and how your back needs to be in the right position. I’m an electrician and have to move heavy stuff around all day and bend in weird positions so I know it’s possible.

 

[406flyfish]

Now that I’m lying on my back and no longer riddled with pain, I can elaborate a bit more. I played Division I rugby in college and have stayed very active throughout my life. Being 6’5” certainly hasn’t helped, especially with years of bending improperly. I’ve learned that having a six-pack doesn’t necessarily mean you have a strong core, so I’ve been continuing core exercises religiously. I could afford to lose 15-20 pound. With my non existent appetite, that will be attainable within a month or two at this rate..

I should also mention that my wife has her DPT and previously served as a clinical director at a performance-based physical therapy clinic. She has rehabbed professional athletes, and one of her classmates is Mikaela Shiffrin’s personal physical therapist.

At times, I have her dry needle me, which I find very beneficial when my body is fully guarded. I also receive constant feedback on posture and spine hygiene, so I feel I’m in a better position than most people dealing with this.

After three oral steroid packs, two Toradol injections, one epidural, and regimented physical therapy, with limited improvement. I’m confident in moving forward with surgery. Especially, based on conversations with several clinicians and physicians my wife has networked with over the years. A DO I spoke with stated that an MD is essentially a chip-shot procedure for a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon.

 

[DuckDawg22]

Ah man is this thread timely. Two years ago, had lower back pain so bad I could barely get out of bed in the morning. Got the MRI, doc gave me some Celebrex, and by the time I got the MRI results back, the pain was mostly gone. Think it was from sitting on the hard floor with my baby at the time, but the MRI coincided with when she started walking and I was sitting on the floor less. MRI results came back abnormal but I never followed up with the PT. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, the sciatic pain is back in my right leg and my foot is so sore I can barely walk. Again, I've been sitting on the floor with kid #2. Won't be skipping PT this time, just hope I haven't made it significantly worse. The back pain isn't there but the leg/foot pain is almost worse.

 

[K9kodi]

Now that I’m lying on my back and no longer riddled with pain, I can elaborate a bit more. I played Division I rugby in college and have stayed very active throughout my life. Being 6’5” certainly hasn’t helped, especially with years of bending improperly. I’ve learned that having a six-pack doesn’t necessarily mean you have a strong core, so I’ve been continuing core exercises religiously. I could afford to lose 15-20 pound. With my non existent appetite, that will be attainable within a month or two at this rate..

I should also mention that my wife has her DPT and previously served as a clinical director at a performance-based physical therapy clinic. She has rehabbed professional athletes, and one of her classmates is Mikaela Shiffrin’s personal physical therapist.

At times, I have her dry needle me, which I find very beneficial when my body is fully guarded. I also receive constant feedback on posture and spine hygiene, so I feel I’m in a better position than most people dealing with this.

After three oral steroid packs, two Toradol injections, one epidural, and regimented physical therapy, with limited improvement. I’m confident in moving forward with surgery. Especially, based on conversations with several clinicians and physicians my wife has networked with over the years. A DO I spoke with stated that an MD is essentially a chip-shot procedure for a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon.

D1 here too, and some super league and regional national level sevens!!!

We def took a beating, 13 years of ball from
Senior in high school, college and on.

It’s my knees that bad.

 

[ProRoad]

I watched the All Blacks play Australia in Wellington NZ a decade ago. I think I'm still sore from just watching! Feel better guys!