Hello, I have had two herniated discs in my lower back since I was 15 due to a moving company. I went to therapy for two years, everyday, and until they finally said they could do nothing else for me. The two herniations on in L4-L5 and L5-S1. I am going on a snowboarding trip (my doctor told me to never give up on life and it may hurt like hell but if it is something I want to do then go for it). So I am really needed exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles of my body. I am not very strong due to not lifting for four years, and would really love some advice. I asked Forge3, he didn't want to lead me the wrong way so I figured I would try here. Thanks again, and yes I have had cortisone shots and the pain shoots down my legs. My quads hurt like no other either. I would love some advice.
|
-
01-16-2011, 07:14 PM #1
- Join Date: Jan 2011
- Location: Georgia, United States
- Age: 32
- Posts: 110
- Rep Power: 206
19 Year Old With Two Herniated Discs... need workout
-
01-16-2011, 07:33 PM #2
- Join Date: Oct 2010
- Location: Omaha, Nebraska, United States
- Age: 54
- Posts: 227
- Rep Power: 288
I had disc surgery in my neck a few years ago. I still have pain but I also know my limits. Cant do squats with a bar but I find other ways to do them.
The only advice I would give you is lift safe and know your limits.
Sucks to be in pain but hang in there.
Have you ever thought about seeing a chriopractor? I was always having headaches after the surgery and went to a chrio that specilized in sport type injuries "he was a x pro football player". He did wonders for me.
Also with your age why are you posting in over 35? Do you think us "old" guys always have aches and pains? LOL just given u crap.
-
01-16-2011, 07:37 PM #3
-
01-16-2011, 07:40 PM #4
-
-
01-16-2011, 07:49 PM #5
You need professional help, OP, something you won't find on an Internet forum.
After you dicsuss the headache issue with your doc, have him/her refer you to a qualified Physical Therapist.No brain, no gain.
"The fitness and nutrition world is a breeding ground for obsessive-compulsive behavior. The irony is that many of the things people worry about have no impact on results either way, and therefore aren't worth an ounce of concern."--Alan Aragon
Where the mind goes, the body follows.
Ironwill Gym:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpost.php?p=629719403&postcount=3388
Ironwill2008 Journal:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=157459343&p=1145168733
-
01-16-2011, 08:14 PM #6
-
01-16-2011, 08:23 PM #7
I wouldn't presume to advise anything for someone with the issues you stated. I'll refer you back to my previous post, and add that if you weren't satisfied with the care/advice you got from your previous PT, find another one.
Good luck in finding a solution to your problem.No brain, no gain.
"The fitness and nutrition world is a breeding ground for obsessive-compulsive behavior. The irony is that many of the things people worry about have no impact on results either way, and therefore aren't worth an ounce of concern."--Alan Aragon
Where the mind goes, the body follows.
Ironwill Gym:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showpost.php?p=629719403&postcount=3388
Ironwill2008 Journal:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=157459343&p=1145168733
-
01-16-2011, 08:37 PM #8
- Join Date: Aug 2009
- Location: Lubbock, Texas, United States
- Age: 42
- Posts: 3,249
- Rep Power: 4863
I don't think the OP said he was dissatisfied with his previous PT, I'm thinking he meant he had no success with the therapy. I can relate as I did three rounds (each 6 months long) for my shoulder and still no improvement. Finding another PT is probably not going to change anything, his back is what it is.
OP, be very careful of the advice you seek on the internet. You say your Dr. says you have the back of an 80 year old. Problem is, you are not 80. You are 19 and have a whole lot of life left (presumably). You say your Dr. tells you to go after what you want in life, and currently that sounds like snowboarding. While I am all for living life to its fullest, you need to be very careful considering your situation. Worse case scenario is you go snowboarding, take a routine spill and mess your back up so bad, you can't even hold down a job and go on disability. Not trying to be a drag, just saying, these are things you have to think of. Will snowboarding be worth it for that? To make matters worse, you are 19 and your friends aren't having to deal with the same kind of issues. You are having to make some very mature, adult decisions, factoring in your long-term future. Those thoughts aren't what runs through a typical 19 year old.
To answer your original question, I would seriously sit down with your Dr. and discuss what can happen if you do certain activities. If he says you can participate fully in anything then great. My one suggestion would be to workout in the pool. If you can find one that is at least 7 feet deep, you can workout in the water. There is less impact on joints and such, but also more resistance because it's against water not air.
I wish you all the best. I hope that you can do whatever you want to do, and I do understand your frustration with trying to make an injury work with your lifestyle (been there with more than just my shoulder). Just be smart, do research, and manage the best you can with what you've got."There's something about a heavy weight that makes a body not want to get under it. Part of the fun of weightlifting is rousing one's spirit and getting under a heavy weight in spite of one's more sensible survival instincts." -Stenn
"Conditioning prepares you for battle. Cardio makes you really good at running slowly away." -Chris Shugart.
TEAM AMAZON - Sisterhood of Iron
My Journal: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?p=571188111#post571188111
-
-
01-16-2011, 08:40 PM #9
-
01-16-2011, 08:42 PM #10
- Join Date: Aug 2009
- Location: Lubbock, Texas, United States
- Age: 42
- Posts: 3,249
- Rep Power: 4863
"There's something about a heavy weight that makes a body not want to get under it. Part of the fun of weightlifting is rousing one's spirit and getting under a heavy weight in spite of one's more sensible survival instincts." -Stenn
"Conditioning prepares you for battle. Cardio makes you really good at running slowly away." -Chris Shugart.
TEAM AMAZON - Sisterhood of Iron
My Journal: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?p=571188111#post571188111
-
01-16-2011, 08:44 PM #11
-
01-16-2011, 09:18 PM #12
-
-
01-16-2011, 09:27 PM #13
- Join Date: Aug 2009
- Location: New Mexico, United States
- Age: 52
- Posts: 73
- Rep Power: 214
Sorry to hear that you herniated two discs at such a young age.
I would be very cautious about snowboarding because when you fall you land on your ass and that could do more damage to the discs. I would recommend spending some time on cross country skis and see how your back feels.
Anyhow, my brother herniated the same two discs as you many years ago. Comparing the MRI scans over the years, there is a change in the damaged discs. The discs look better now than they did 12 years ago. The body healed itself to some extent, but it will never be fully healed. I don’t know how my brother never had surgery yet because he has gone through some painful times over the years.
Even with the herniated discs he has been able to live an active lifestyle. Backpacking, climbing, surfing, etc…
Spend some time with a doctor to figure out what you can and can’t do. The key is to avoid anymore damage.
Back surgery techniques are improving as well. There are several MMA fighters that went through back surgery and continue to fight.
Good luck.L-Sit
-
01-17-2011, 07:53 AM #14
- Join Date: Oct 2010
- Location: Omaha, Nebraska, United States
- Age: 54
- Posts: 227
- Rep Power: 288
-
01-17-2011, 10:12 AM #15
Did you have surgery? If you're still getting sharp pains down your legs after 2 years of PT that's not a good sign and I have no idea how you deal with it.
Going snowboarding with a fragile back = bad idea. I'm recovering from a bulging disc and LOVE snowboarding and would be scared sh*tless to go. One bad fall and you could be in serious trouble.
Also, not sure about that advice from the doctor to just "go for it."
It sounds like your back has not healed and is not ready for physical stress.
Be careful dude. Another huge shock to your discs and you can go from having the back of an 80 year old to having the back of an 80 year old who is completely immobile. In other words, don't think that this can't get any worse. It can.
And I wouldn't screw with a chiropractic in that state either.I.K
Similar Threads
-
A 14-year-old here. Help me plan a workout.
By ealvintan in forum Workout ProgramsReplies: 4Last Post: 03-03-2013, 02:25 PM -
15 year old with a pic hows my physique
By raventaz13 in forum Teen BodybuildingReplies: 13Last Post: 09-29-2011, 04:45 AM -
19 Year Old With Two Herniated Discs... need workout
By GeauxGators in forum Female BodybuildingReplies: 1Last Post: 01-16-2011, 07:11 PM -
a 30 year old needing a all around great workout....need some help, please!
By Bmattocks in forum Workout ProgramsReplies: 0Last Post: 11-28-2009, 10:16 AM -
Can someone help a 14 year old with a workout?
By BBall24 in forum Teen BodybuildingReplies: 1Last Post: 05-10-2005, 01:27 PM
Bookmarks