Sciatic Nerve Pinching

[Hotmoltenlava]

Originally Posted by smitsky

Wow! Sorry to hear that nothing else has helped. At first it didn't sound like you were not functional, but now you are saying it

Let us know how it goes Man. Best of luck!

I'm functional about 90% of the time in daily life, but I'm not as "gym functional" as I used to be, due to this problem. Even when I am not hurting, it is in the back of my head that I could injure it. I am just too young to feel like that. I'll let you know what the doc says.

Have a good one.

[jagjr5150]

Read this thread with great interest. I have exact symptoms as smitsky. Pain bad enough to pass out. It's been about 8 weeks and I am now virtually pain free. Here's the deal: Went to a chiro who is a friend of mine, he immediately sent me for an MRI showed a bulging disc pressing on the sciatic nerve. He said anywhere you go they will want to do surgery. He suggested spinal decompression therapy as he has one of these machine in his office. He did stress that the sucess rate is about 60-75% and takes about 10-20 treatments. Let me tell you by the 8th treatment I was 98% back to normal from litterally not being able to move. If you have Sciatica do yourself a favor and give this a shot.

[jmil]

Smitsky, sorry to hear about your problem. I had surgery on an L5-S1 herniated disk approximately 3 years ago. I didn't want surgery either, but they said it was my only option, since I had "dropfoot", and that I'd be dragging my foot around for the rest of my life if I didn't go with the surgery. He said he wasn't even sure I'd ever get full strength or mobility in it ever again (thankfully everythings fine now). I feel you with the sciatic pain. It was the worst pain I've EVER had. It went from my left glute, all the way to my foot. No matter what they gave me, the pain did not subside...it was absolutely brutal. I would get up out of bed at 3:30 in the morning, and soak in a hot tub, that was all that would relieve it even a little bit. if you don't have to have surgery, then that will be great. I was on my back for a few months, and didn't lift for about 5 months after (they still tell me not to squat or deadlift, but obviously I'm not going to listen to that crap ).

As someone already said, try putting a pillow between your knees...try soaking in a hot tub, and putting some heat on the area. I hope things start to get better, I'll be following along the thread to see how you're doing sir.

[TripleTee]

When i read threads like this i just can't help but think of the sorrow irreversible injuries bring to the lives of people like us.

Smitsky; i would not take this situation lightly at all.
I know how improbable and unlikely it is to stay out of the gym and away from competitions. However I would say take sufficient time off to make sure that your situation is reversible and fixable.

I am suffering from a herniated disc (cervical C5; C6) and for the past 2 years it has made my life just miserable!

Glucosamine; chondroitin + MSM; ZMA; Vit A; C and D just barely do the trick!

After doing many chiro sessions I went back into the gym. Did my own rehab (resistance/swiss ball exercises) to strengthen core.

3 days ago I start a routine -very light and very slow. Since Saturday I have not been able to move my neck.
Muscle relaxants have relieved the pain but I am afraid only temporarily.

I hate needles and surgery should be my last resort... and I think I am going down that road very quickly + after reading the threads on here I am now afraid to damage my nerve root (median nerve) to unfixable lengths.

Bottom line is. If you need to stop working out for a couple of weeks; months or even a year! In my opinion it will pass, fix the problem and then go back at it hard and strong!

When all said in done I hope this is all speculation and your situation is in no way as serious as this.
My .2 cents worth and best of luck!

[smitsky]

Thanks for the above posts. I don't have time to respond to these in detail. However, I will say that I wish you all the best of luck with your healing.

[smitsky]

My current situation continues to improve.

I still feel that my back is somewhat "out." My foot is numb and tingly less and less (knock wood for this and everything else).

I am currently doing the following for rehab:

20 rep Hindu Squats / Day
Calf Raise Negatives for Left Calf Rehab 2-3X / Wk
McKenzie Exercises Daily
30 min Hatha Yoga Daily
Hamstring Stretching Daily
Positive Attitude Daily

I continue to prepare for a Powerlifting Competition on March 22nd. I will enter that competition Bench Only. My training is going well.

I will start Squat and Deadlifts as soon as my condition improves enough to do so. I will try to rest my lower back and Hamstrings until the beginning of April, when I will start training for a scheduled meet in mid June.

[Fresch]

The McKenzie exercises should be done 4-6 times per day, as well as extra sets before and after gynm work.

[Southpaw802]

Try Epidural injections. I have had sciatica since Sep 2006. I have had two injections in seven weeks and I am about 85% better. Best of luck!

[smitsky]

Originally Posted by Southpaw802

Try Epidural injections. I have had sciatica since Sep 2006. I have had two injections in seven weeks and I am about 85% better. Best of luck!

Thank you.

No injections for me though

[Hotmoltenlava]

Got thrown a curve ball today. Neurosurgeon said, while I do have a herniated disc, it is not causing my pain. Says the herniation is age related (as if I'm that old) or genetic and isn't an issue at the moment. He believes I have a muscle, tendon or joint issue. Referred me to the Physical Therapist. Good news is no more worries of injections or surgery, bad news is that I don't have a solution, other than to take it easy (neurosurgeons don't understand bodybuilding). Guess I'm not 18 anymore..... Hopefully the PT will have a good solution or set of exercises.

Thanks for your support in this thread.

Have a good one.

[smitsky]

Originally Posted by Hotmoltenlava

Got thrown a curve ball today. Neurosurgeon said, while I do have a herniated disc, it is not causing my pain. Says the herniation is age related (as if I'm that old) or genetic and isn't an issue at the moment. He believes I have a muscle, tendon or joint issue. Referred me to the Physical Therapist. Good news is no more worries of injections or surgery, bad news is that I don't have a solution, other than to take it easy (neurosurgeons don't understand bodybuilding). Guess I'm not 18 anymore..... Hopefully the PT will have a good solution or set of exercises.

Thanks for your support in this thread.

Have a good one.

Sorry to hear this. Some good news, some bad.

You want to hear what my friend, who is an ex-Physical Therapist said?

Back pain and treatment is trial and error. You go in and examine. You think you understand the problem. You try one remedial measure. If it works, great! If not, go back to the drawing board and try another. This is the way you have to work it. These conditions are very tricky. There is no "one size fits all..."

I'm a fan.

[TripleTee]

Yup docs don't understand body building. They find it quite easy to say something like you have to quit lifting! or you have to take a few months off! or you have to lift less heavy!

once I told a Dr. that my moto in the gym was... whenever I have a doubt about which weight I opt for the heavier! he could not understand that either.

Alas; sorry for your bad news Hotmoltenlava
and I do agree with your physical therapist smitsky. Just a few days ago a friend of mine suggested i should try NSAIDS(brufen) as she was prescibed that! after all i have been through i thought it's just one more pill on my agenda!
well guess what... 2 days later i feel much better. I actually did deadlifts!!!!!

+ a heniation is not as bad as Dr. Make it... yesterday Tsonga (Tennis Player) won and made it to the semis after suffering from a herniated disc 2 years back... there is light!

I am thinking positive and i am getting back on track (gym wise) Good luck to you all and hope you find your custom fit solution
cheers

[firemed665]

I know a lot of people are skeptics but, go see a Chiropractor man.

By the way, I know you know you've heard of Franco Columbo, He was a Chiropractor.

[smitsky]

Originally Posted by firemed665

I know a lot of people are skeptics but, go see a Chiropractor man.

By the way, I know you know you've heard of Franco Columbo, He was a Chiropractor.

I'm not a skeptic

I went to a new one that my insurance covered. She told me to get an MRI to see where the Disc was bulged. Then, she went ahead and adjusted me.

I didn't have faith in what she did in that sense. I didn't see her again.

[Hotmoltenlava]

Hey guys. Just thought I would pass on to you that I found at least a short term cure to my lower back pain. Ultram. It is a non-narcotic pain reliever and has non of the loopiness that Vicoden or the rest give you. I have been on it for 12 hours and have been pain free. I haven't been able to say that in a long time. I am also starting Physical Therapy on Monday for a long term solution, but happy that the pain is gone in the short term. I know some are against popping the pills, but just thought I'd pass on the info. Link is below.

http://www.ultram-er.com/ultram-er/index.html

Have a good one.

[Southpaw802]

Originally Posted by Hotmoltenlava

Hey guys. Just thought I would pass on to you that I found at least a short term cure to my lower back pain. Ultram. It is a non-narcotic pain reliever and has non of the loopiness that Vicoden or the rest give you. I have been on it for 12 hours and have been pain free. I haven't been able to say that in a long time. I am also starting Physical Therapy on Monday for a long term solution, but happy that the pain is gone in the short term. I know some are against popping the pills, but just thought I'd pass on the info. Link is below.

http://www.ultram-er.com/ultram-er/index.html

Have a good one.

Good to see that works for you. I tried it and it did nothing for me.

[Hotmoltenlava]

Originally Posted by Southpaw802

Good to see that works for you. I tried it and it did nothing for me.

This is why lower back pain is so hard to treat. What works for one, doesn't work for most. Took me a while to find something that works. Keep trying.

Good luck.

[smitsky]

My foot numbness is subsiding further (knock wood). I have gained a lot of strength back in my left calf. I'm not limping at all any more. I occasionally feel an ache in my Hip area, which slightly radiates down my Hamstring. I still have some numbness in the Hamstring.

I may start to Squat again tomorrow. At this point, I could still start to ramp up to training for a competition-level Squat. I am competing on March 22nd, at least Bench Press only. I am undecided about Squatting and Deadlifting.

My doctor should report his nerve-damage assessment to me this week.

I deadlifted up to 275 lbs Friday. It went fine.

[smitsky]

Latest update from my Training Log:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpo...&postcount=254

Best. ~S.

[TheBigEasy]

Originally Posted by smitsky

My foot numbness is subsiding further (knock wood). I have gained a lot of strength back in my left calf. I'm not limping at all any more. I occasionally feel an ache in my Hip area, which slightly radiates down my Hamstring. I still have some numbness in the Hamstring.

I may start to Squat again tomorrow. At this point, I could still start to ramp up to training for a competition-level Squat. I am competing on March 22nd, at least Bench Press only. I am undecided about Squatting and Deadlifting.

My doctor should report his nerve-damage assessment to me this week.

I deadlifted up to 275 lbs Friday. It went fine.

Looks like your back is getting better. I had the same problem for the past 5 years. I bought myself an inversion table which has, honestly, changed my life. I still had pain when waking up and starting my day but I would jump on the table and feel great the whole day....pain free. We just recently bought a sleep number bed and it is amazing. To this day...I am pain free. I still feel it when I get done golfing or squat to heavy but nothing like before.

Good luck bro.

[smitsky]

Official Word on Nerve Damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I visited my General Practitioner today, who gave me a nerve test a month or so ago, for damage due to my bout of Sciatica, which hit me on November 19th 2007.

The results were positive. I have nerve damage in my left leg.

He didn't say that the damage was great, he said that it was "some."

He advised me not to Squat. He said that if/when things clear up, I may want to start to Squat light, if at all.

He didn't mention anything about Deadlifts (neither did I).

He said that this damage could be the result of a strain on my back or leg.

He advised me to be quite careful, as to avoid possible long-term impairment.

He gave me a prescription for nerve pain medication. He said that he would test me again next year.

He was optimistic for my healing, since I seem to be improving little-by-little over the nearly 3 month period.

[Hotmoltenlava]

Hey guys,

Thought I would come back and give you some info on a pain management tool I found. TENS therapy. I don't know if you have used it, but here is some information, below. I was referred to a Chiropractor and she believes I have a misaligned pelvis, causing nerve pressure on my left side. I am going for adjustments for three weeks and will see if that corrects the problem. While I was there, they put me on a TENS machine for about 15 minutes. I was pain free for 48 hours the last two times I have done it, without drugs. I am going to get a prescription to buy one for home. It really does help with localized pain. Look into it, if you are still searching for a pain solution.

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management...topic-overview

[BOLDERNECK]

i feel your pain about 2.5 years ago i woke up one morning and i could barely move i managed to get downstairs[my arms did most of the work] i had to call an ambulance to get me,i suffered with 2 hernated disc all my life[my father has them l4 and l5] the doctor found nothing in a xray[discs dont show]she shot me up withall kinds of drugs [my head was spinnin] they did not help.my friend,who is a mma fighter,reccomended his chrio.i could barely walk when i went to see him.he told me surgery was the very last thing to do! he explained why it doesnt work alot of times[sciatica runs down your leg passing thru your glutes if that glute is tight surgery will be inafective] your entire leg has everything to do with your back. limber up,i went from not walking to doing almost anything your ''core'' has alot to do with it..you may have to stop some things[like me] but you can control the pain ...tell me how you are doing..take it slow bro!!!

[smitsky]

I took 4th place in a USAPL New Jersey State Bench Press Championship, with a lift of 281 lbs at a bodyweight of 178 lbs.

My nerve damaged left leg is slowly but surely improving (knock wood). I plan to start training the Squat and Deadlift heavy in mid-April, for my next meet scheduled for June 21st...

[smitsky]

I started training my Squat and Deadlift a week or so ago.

Among other lifts, I did a Rack Pull of 425 lbs.

My left foot is still a little numb, and often cramps up, but my nerve damage seems to be healing and reacting well to my training (so far; knock wood )

[2uantuM]

Ugh, I feel you on the disc herniation though.

The pain comes and goes. I have pain in my left calf mostly, occasionally in my hip. I really don't see a reason not to get the injections. It wont do anything to your lifts, and it will relieve the pain for MONTHS.

[smitsky]

Originally Posted by 2uantuM

Ugh, I feel you on the disc herniation though.

The pain comes and goes. I have pain in my left calf mostly, occasionally in my hip. I really don't see a reason not to get the injections. It wont do anything to your lifts, and it will relieve the pain for MONTHS.

I don't have any disc herniation.

I don't get injections. I don't have any pain (knock wood).

Thanks.

[agsuper]

I suffered nerve damage to c5c6 c6c7. Muscle atrophy mainly in my hand and numbness. Undergoing surgery next Friday to fuse the disks and remove the bone spurs. Out of the gym for at least 6 months but my doc says I will be able to lift weights again.

[smitsky]

Originally Posted by agsuper

I suffered nerve damage to c5c6 c6c7. Muscle atrophy mainly in my hand and numbness. Undergoing surgery next Friday to fuse the disks and remove the bone spurs. Out of the gym for at least 6 months but my doc says I will be able to lift weights again.

Sorry to hear of this.

Wishing you the best of luck with your upcoming surgery and subsequent recovery!

Let us know how it goes.

[agsuper]

Originally Posted by smitsky

Sorry to hear of this.

Wishing you the best of luck with your upcoming surgery and subsequent recovery!

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks, I am just happy to know that eventually I can lift again. I was fearfull that I might not lift heavy again. Right now I am focusing on losing some weight 15 lbs so far (no more beer and fried crap).