Prolapsed Disc and Exercise - HELP!

cleanandlean2012

Hi

Been on MFP for 1 year and was doing really well until 3 months ago, I started with back pain. FInally received my MRI results and I have a L4/5 prolapsed disc - with current talk of surgery to remove disc (18 weeks approx to consultant meeting). On top of that I have a torn ligament in my ankle which I am pushing to find out severity - Dr's being quite difficult!!

I have 90lbs to go, after putting 10lbs on after starting medication (odd as I actually look slimmer). That aside - no one seems to help with straightforward advice. I have had the following:
1. Have the surgery
2. Don’t have the surgery
3. Exercise
4. Don’t exercise
5. Strengthen core
6. No pilates / strengthening work

Pilates teacher - said she has not worked with anyone with a prolapsed disc. Although she has had one, she is reluctant to work with me

Physio - non committal

Dr - non committal

SO - MY POINT:
1. Has anyone had a prolapsed disc?
2. What did you do?
3. Did you continue to lose weight?

Many thanks

Azdak

Not sure if by "prolapsed", they are referring to a bulging disc or an actual herniated disc.

In any case, my experience and that of my clients is that I would be very, very cautious of undergoing any surgical procedure. Every case is different, so your outcome may be different, but the research literature is fairly equivocal about the effectiveness of surgical procedures to repair discs.

With many structural conditions/injuries, treatment involves both palliative relief of symptoms, and longer-term addressing of the biomechanical/structural issues that cause the pain. In the case of a herniated disc, a common treatment is an epidural injection of corticosteroids. This can "calm things down", so that therapy can be initiated.

What can you do? Really depends on the severity of the injury. If there is back pain, but little or no radiating tingling or pain from nerve pressue, then the outlook is better.

Most doctors will start you off with non-impact aerobic exercise and resistance exercises that emphasize core stability. For aerobics, that means bikes and often water exercise.

Strength training will usually include exercises like step ups, one-legged squats, push ups, lat pulldown, front raises, bird dog arm/leg extension, etc.

Where you go from there is different for each person. Some people have been able to return to heavy(ish) lifting, participate fully in sports, etc. Others have to modify/restrict their activities.

Since weight loss is a matter of calories in / calories out, there is no inherent reason why you cannot continue to lose weight with a damaged disc. It may be harder at first, because you may have to reduce activity and may be reluctant to push things, but it should still be possible.

I also have a herniated L5, which was diagnosed in May 2012. I did not have much nerve tingling or sciatica. I did have one epidural shot about a year ago. They cancelled the 2nd because I was pain free. I have been able to continue to run and do all of the cardio I want. I have been trying to follow a back program similar to what I described above, but I have not been very compliant, so I don't really know what I can do.

I can demonstrate the exercises that I need to for my clients, including squats, deadlifts, kettlebells swings, etc. However, I am doing most of these with little or no weight. Deadlifts and kettlebell swings are especially problematic, as are movements like burpees. I suspect I could do more of a "weight lifting" program if I wanted, but my routine is such now that it is very difficult to get to my gym (or to stay at my gym after I get off work).

I also have to pick up weights and unload bars that all the lazy-*kitten* jerks leave laying around. Some nights I have had to pick up 550-700 lbs of weights and can do so with no ill-effects.

So you may have some hope--I would just say that surgery should be looked at as a last resort--you can always do a surgery, but you usually cannot undo it. Basically, you have to ask yourself: are the problems that will be caused by the surgery less of a problem than the effects of not having the surgery.

MissStatement

I herniated discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1 that laid me out for two solid weeks. Later on, I also herniated a disc at C6-C7 (neck) that was so bad it caused my right arm to go numb and lose strength. For both, I decided to try therapy first, then if that didn't work, the injections, and finally surgery if it couldn't be corrected otherwise. I only ever needed the therapy. Look at surgery as a last resort, only when everything else fails. If you are still experiencing a lot of pain then you should talk to your doctor about physical therapy before doing any exercising on your own. The therapist will warm up the muscles, work them within the bounds of your comfort, and stretch the muscles out. My therapist used traction, which worked wonders for me.

cleanandlean2012

Thank you for the responses. This all started (with sciatic pain) at the beginning of June. I am currently on the following meds: 3 x 2mg diazepam, 10 - 12 x 30mg dihydro-codeine, 3 x 500mg ibuprofen and 8 x 500mg paracetamol. With that I can only just manage the pain.

Both the doctors locally don't seem to be interested and my main aim is to find someone who can look at the body holistically and make recommendations without surgery. To be honest surgery is the last thing I want or have time for. My husband has just been made redundant and I have just started a new business with minimal income and we have a 5 year old. At best I have been told recovery is 12 weeks, with at least 3-4 bed rest!!! I cannot afford to do this, time wise or financially.

Feel like I have hit a brick wall, but I am convinced there are people out there who can advice correctly from experience. I don't want to ruin my body, but I need to exercise. I don't have access to a gym, but have built a few bits and pieces up at home - bike (stationery and real), step, balance ball, 2-6 kg weight and resistance bands. I also have 30DS and Insanity.

MissStatement

Then I would say keep trying to get another opinion or find a doctor who is willing to allow you to try physical therapy. Are there any orthopedic surgeons you can consult? My family doctor referred me back to my orthopedic surgeon (he repaired my ACL years before) and he was of the opinion that the more conservatively it could be effectively treated, the better. You are in the UK so is it possible to see a physical therapist without a prescription or referral? In the states its like pulling teeth to get therapy covered and then it's still $30 a session and I have "decent" insurance! Good luck to you and I hope you get some relief soon, back pain is horrendous.