L5 Disc Herniation/Protrusion

Mine was never herniated, just bulged. I started with walking and yoga, gradually increasing to hiking and weightlifting. Yoga with an instructor who is qualified to deal with injuries is the best starting point I've found.

I herniated four discs (lowest three and a middle) all at once, when I was 30 years old. Recovery took about a year, with massage therapy (it was painful, let me tell you) and chiropractic adjustments three times/week. I have some nerve damage in my right foot ("drop-foot") going up my right shin that is permanent from the discs (I originally had sciatic nerve damage along the entire right leg). But other than that, I started feeling pretty normal after that recovery period. No surgery either (the neurosurgeon said there were too many discs involved, he couldn't operate on all of them; and picking just one wasn't a good option either).

It has not stopped me from anything, other than that horrible recovery time when everything stopped. I guess I'm lucky. The one thing I really can't do is excessive sports that place an emphasis on balance on my right leg, i.e. I have a really hard time water skiing on one ski, and even two skis due to the unequal strength in the two feet. But since I moved from Minnesota to Arizona, I have no particular need, desire, or chances to water ski. I'm ok with it. I also have a hard time shoveling snow unless I pay close attention to not twist my back with a shovel-full of heavy snow. It's the twisting holding something heavy that is the killer (and I do shovel snow as I live in the AZ mountains, not desert).

22 years later, at 52, I took up weight lifting, and while I am no super-woman, I can deadlift, squat, bench, row, and overhead press just fine. Matter of fact, I actually think this has helped my strength so much, including my core strength, that I bet I could waterski if given the chance.

It might take time, but I think if you work with your doctor, start slow and stick with it, you should find something that works. Even when my back is achy, walking is the best for me; it really seems to work out the kinks. Biking is good too--if you get a bike fitted for you (that makes a HUGE difference; get someone to really fit you to a bike rather than just pick a bike out and go). Good luck. Work with a doctor, though--don't just take interwebz advice!!!

ElishaEp wrote: »

I haven't consistently worked out for years, ever since my back had started hurting. Typically when I try to start a workout regime, my back gets sore within the first week due to a herniated L5 disc.

Maybe you're doing too much too soon? What does your workout involve?

Make sure to keep your abs drawn in the entire time when working out, to support your spine.