Bulging Disk Recovery

chrispy281 · 03-23-2009, 12:11 PM

So back in Mid October I was doing dead lifts (I am sure incorrectly) and my back started to hurt. At first I thought it was just a pulled muscle, so common treatment of hot and cold press along with stretching was done. After about a month it started to get worse, to the point where I could not move when I woke up, if I was able to sleep at all at night. This went on for a few months because I didn?t think there was anything that could be done with it and I was in transit switching bases from Turkey to Japan. So on December 15th I was sitting at work and I put my hand on my leg and didn?t feel it. This is when you know there is something wrong. That day when I got off work I went to the doc and they gave me some meds. Thank god I got some pain killers because at this point I was getting shooting pains going down my left leg. After a MRI was done, the results showed 2 bulging disk in my lower back. They tried to treat with meds for 2 weeks but it only got worse. About 3 weeks ago now I went and got the shot of cortisones ad it has been a vast improvement. There are still times that my leg hurts while sitting but they said it might be like that until the nerve that was pinched recovers. All I know is that I am extremely happy with the results and would recommend anyone who has the problem and is young to give it a try. I am not a fan of having my back cut open so this is my choice. I have started back to my workout schedule and am almost back to normal weights, I have incorporated a lot of stretching into my routine now as well. The doc said lower back and leg stretch will help the back along with core strengthening.

more updates to come.

TE · 03-23-2009, 12:18 PM

There will be times it flares back up. You'll learn over time what you can & can't do. I have a herniated disc (like a bulge except the disk has actually leaked the fluid) & can no longer play softball, but I can do MMA. Strange.

Good luck man & thanks for not just taking medicine & trying to collect unemployment.

chrispy281 · 03-23-2009, 12:32 PM

You can still do MMA, thats good to hear. You can't play softball though, I wounder if that means I am going to have a problem playing golf.. I hope not. The military won't allow me time off for it, so no free pay for me. I hate not being active anyways. I will keep getting that shot if they will let me, just not to have surgery. I am scared if I do that then I will always have a back problem.

flyersdude · 03-23-2009, 02:54 PM

I just found out I have a herniated disk today. I am getting an epidural. Is that the same as a cortisone shot? That might be a dumb question but I really dont know. I'm glad to hear that yours is getting better. Thats so good inspiration, I'm pretty bummed. He told me I can't lift or run until after the shots and therapy or surgery, whichever is needed. eff my life.

chrispy281 · 03-23-2009, 03:58 PM

Yes this is the same thing that I had. The shot hurts like a mother****er when they stick it in, but once it is in the numb meds are great. They will make you lay down for like 30 mins afterwards until you can walk. As soon as I had the shot I felt better, I had full range of my legs as well. I wish you the best of luck with your shot. Also follow what your doc says, do not run while it is bulging, a bulging disk you can nurse back into shape.

jdl612 · 04-21-2009, 06:28 PM

I got an epidural cortisone injection yesterday in 2 disks for sciatic pain going down my left glute ham that i was feeling for months. 2 separate injections. My experience was the anesthetic (novacaine) was easy compared to when they injected the cortisone. Never felt pain like this. Doc said "This might get intense." Then the second injection, "this one might be more intense."
Today the sciatica is non-existent, walking great. Injection site is sore, but i can deal with that easily. Looking forward to getting back to the gym, but real nervous ill screw something up again. Been lifting for about 15 years, pretty intense heavy weights, not something im ready to give up at 35 years old!
Any advice on movements to avoid, exercises to help recover, would be great.
Going back to physical therapy in 2 days, im sure they'll have a whole list of routines for me...but they dont really know bodybuilding! ;-)

gypsum99 · 04-21-2009, 08:50 PM

I have two bulging discs as well. Last year I got in an accident, outer side of my right thigh has consistant numbness and tingly feeling. I went to back specialist last year, he advised you can take cortisone shot it MIGHT HELP, MIGHT NOT. It wasn't hindering me doing my daily activties besides doing squats and lunges. I can't put a lot of pressure on my right leg, it pains below knee, kind of like SHOOTING PAIN. Who ever got cortisone shots gave me mixed feedback. I used to go to Physical therapist, He was really good. He advised me that just strenghthen your lower back with core exercises. Id suggest dont rely on cortisone shots too much. Try to avoid it if you can, if its excruciating pain then go for it. Make sure you keep up with good core program for your back.

IamJonsCranium · 04-22-2009, 11:14 AM

so your sciatic nerve was being pressed? Look up sciatic exercises. Keep the muscles strong and they will support the back. my dad has 3 ruptured disks and never had surgery, and does better than those who have.