Back problems - Suggestions?

[newpump]

Hey everyone. I have a "serious" back problem that I've had for over a year now and I need some good advice.

Basically, I injured my back lifting (incorrectly) over a year ago. To make a long story short - I could not move for a few weeks after the accident - I went to a chiropracter, who helped get me on my feet again, but my back was never quite right (I feel the injury everyday, ALL day) after the accident, and I could not do dead lifts or squats after the accident, without REALLY hurting the injury location again. I finally went to my GP to get an MRI done. According to my GP, the MRI showed that I had a "mushroomed" disk - I asked what this meant, and he said that the disk was "herniated" and that my discomfort was due to a swelling of the disk. The doctor called the condition "degenerative" (not sure what EXACTLY that is based on). Apparently the disk swelling pushed on the spinal chord, causing discomfort .

My GP then refered me to a specialist to determine if I needed:

1. Physical therapy rehabilitation
2. Steroid treatment (NOT anabolics - probably catabolics like prednesone (spelling error - sorry)
3. Surgery

The speciallist looked at me for about 5 minutes. He had me walk around his office, and bend in strange ways. I told him that I am an avid lifter, and that weight lifting was a VERY important part of my life (I lift between 4 and 6 days per week etc etc). His comment to me was that there was not much he thought I should do besides seeing a physical therapist. He told me that I may have to stop doing some lifting PERMINENTLY (like deadlifts and squats and some standing curls!!!!!! - only some of the most important compound lifting techniques!!!!). He then charged me his fee and sent me on my way (after giving me 2 physical therapists to see).

My question is this. Am I doing everything I can to get over this? Is there another path I should be pursuing? One of the things that REALLY bothered me was the TOTAL LAX attitude the specialist had in my weight training. He told me that I could continue to lift - just not the excersizes that excited the condition. I feel as if he did not appreciate the unique needs of a lifetime lifter. I'm wondering if I should go back to my GP and see if there is a specialist who might know more about the needs of a lifter?? I have read a ton of messages about people on the board that have gone through this stuff before - what do you guys all think? What should my next move be (I'm calling the physical therapist on Monday).

Thanks for all the advice. I REALLY want to get this behind me - get on with lifting - and try my first cycle!!!!

Newpump

 

[BackintheSaddle]

The specialist is correct

First, you didn't say which disk, or disks, were the culprit. I am assuming lumbar disks. There will most likely be certain lifts that you will have to stay away from for a long time, if not the rest of your life. Not what you want to hear, I'm sure, but I have lived with this condition for over twenty years and can understand what you are dealing with. It sucks, not only because of the restrictions, but also because you have to go through a "trial and error" period where you determine what you can do and what you can't. How your bad disks respond will tell you yea or nay. This not only applies to lifting but to everyday activities as well. One thing you can try is moving more to weight machines. I have had good success doing this. Also, pay special attention to trunk stabilization exercises that strengthen abs and lower back. Crunches, hanging bent knee lag raises, and abdominal rows work well for abs. Hyperextensions work well for lower back. After a period you should be able to modify your routine so as to keep irritation of your bad disks to a minimum. Email me if you find this post helpful, or if you want more suggestions on what works for me.

 

[BigGuns2]

You may want to set up an appointment with a sports doctor. He or she would better understand your concerns about your injury and how it affects your weight lifting future. Hope you will make a full and speedy recovery!

 

[marky]

ive lived with a compressed disc at the L3/L4 for 15+ years and have weight trained through everyone of them except times when I accidently reinjured the area or did something stupid via false confidence and then I paid. The ONLY way if you ever want to continue lifting is to adjust your training. Immobilize the back to minimize stress to the vertabrae. Ex. Dont do standing barbell or dumbell curls , the vertical stress eventually reaggravates the condition. Substitute Preacher and seated incline or reg dumbell curls. NO DEAD LIFTS!!! Worst single action that I have ever done to fire the condition. Squats can be done BUT only with moderate
weight strict for and a belt. Use the hip sled for heavier presses.
Seated parallel bar rows kill my back so I do parallel bar pull downs on a lat machine. Im 40 and expect to lift the rest of my life and Im sure you do. No bitching, just do what it takes.

 

[solidspine]

Where do you live?

I probably know a spine surgeon that can help you.

 

[solidspine]

Newpump, I will be out of town until Tuesday, but if you drop me an e-mail,


I am not a chiropractor, which a lot of guys think but

I sell spine implants and know most of the top surgeons in the country,


You have a very common problem, in fact I herniated my disc about three years ago, and lifted this morning, and still do as many cycles a year as possible.

Also every spine problem is degenerative, however, I have seen very few instances where you would have to stop lifting, and I have seen thousands of spine surgeries.

Basically that sounds like advice from someone who has no idea of what your problem is or how to solve it.




I will try to find some one who knows what the heck is going on with your back.

 

[newpump]

Hey guys, THANK YOU and MASSIVE Karma for all the great responses and posts that you have sent. I posted 2 of the exact same threads by mistake - some of you posted to one, some to the other - but ALL of you have given me hope that a path to better results exists! For all who are interested - I forgot to post the exact back area - the "herniation" exists in the lower Lumbar area (L5 S1??? I can't remember what I saw on the Doc's report). I'm sending out e-mails to the guys who are interested in further assisting as well.

This is the best board for working out and lifting. Not only for AAS support, but real life issues like this back thing. KARMA TO ALL

Newpump