Did something wierd to my back...

[Doc Intrepid]

Doc,

That's funny timing- as you can see, I was already at work typing up my reply as you posted this. <g>

Cameron

Great minds think alike!

 

[CameronMartz]

Unfortunately I am stuck with dr.s at school but I like my particular doc so hopefully he can fix it or give me a referral. Anything I ought not being doing until I see him? At the moment I am parked on the couch in an upright position that is the least uncomfortable.

Lying on your stomach hugging a pillow is way better than sitting. Sitting will take the pressure off the inflammation and might relieve some pain, but again, it will allow the disc material to go wherever it wants to. Lying on your stomach will take the compression off your spine while preserving a concave curve in your lower back.

Avoid forward bending, like picking things up off the floor.

Beyond that, you need to be getting your advice directly from a physical or PT who can diagnose you in person. <g> Ask your school doctor for a referral to a McKenzie Certifed Physical Therapist. You can find the ones in your area at
http://www.mckenziemdt.org/index_us.cfm

Cameron

 

[mikswi]

A herniated disc can go from little or no pain at all to "Please kill me now!" in an instant.

Yep! When I was in the Army, I was working on the cylinder heads of a 5 ton transport truck. I stood up turned to see where my buddy was, slipped-fell and landed on my side/hip.

It didnt hurt at all at first, but they made me go and get it checked out anyways. Within 3 hours I whimpering like a little girl. No matter how I stood or moved it really hurt. Turns out, I had damaged the Thecral sacs on my spine-L3 & L4. It took a bunch of good drugs a few days before I could get outta bed on my own. I was on light duty for the next 5 months and to this day I still have problems with it occasionally.

It could be nothing, it could be something that will not manifest itself until you move/turn the wrong way, possibly even in your sleep. I realize that your limited in your medical resources but you should really try to figure out a way to see someone.

In the meantime, ya want some percacets?

 

[coach_izzy]

Bummer, that sucks big time! Just let me reiterate the good advice about seeing a doctor. They can provide you with neurological exams and other assesments that will determine whether the injury is serious or not. From my experience, I have seen several cases similar to yours in novice Olympic Weightlifters as they learn to master the overhead moves.

Most of the novices lack the flexiblity to press the weights overhead safely. Namely if you have tight back muscles (ie, the lats), and weak postural muscles, you will compensate by hyperextending your lumbar spine (leaning back putting lotsa pressure on your lower back). The result in the best of cases is wicked spasm in your erector spinae group and quadratus lumborum, and at worst either spondylolysis (stress fractures in the processes of the spine) or Spondylolisthesis (the nastiest, actually involving slipagge of vertebra) :11:

Your case does not seem to be threatening but only your doctor can determine that. Keep in mind that even if it's a spastic reaction, it will still be VERY uncomfortable since the postural muscles are used at ALL times, and even the slightest of movements can be bothersome.

I would avoid sitting down for longer than an hour and refraining from heavy activities. You could try lying down with your legs on a pillow. That usually places the spine in a more unloaded position and provides relief for most people. If you lie on your side, put a pillow between your legs. When getting up, do it from the side, using your upper body to assist you. Again, your doctor has the final word!

Stay positive. Back conditions are very treatable if you take the proper steps. You're still young and if you take good care of yourself, you'll bounce back in no time. I suffered a back injury 3 years ago (herniated L4-L5, dislocated sacroilliac joint) I was told by many traditional doctors and physical therapists that I would not be able to return to my favorite activities. After nearly a year of frustrating physical therapy, two epidurals, and a discogram (ouch! :icon10: ) I changed my approach. All the pain and discomfort are now an ugly unpleasant memory and I have susccesfully resumed my olympic weightlifting, russian kettlebell lifting (to which I credit enormously in my back rehab) martial arts, and of course, diving My point is, I believe you have a great chance to make a prompt, full recovery. I wish you the best of luck, and please keep us posted. Take Care.

 

[kent_1848]

That is so wierd to hear other people talk about McKenzie. I have had back trouble for most of my life, and my wife is a PT! Anyway, to make a long story short, she became the director of of PT spinal clinic. She took the McKenzie course, and I haven't had any trouble with my back since...knock on wood. Anyway, I think McKenzie is definately the way to go, and getting a therapist that is certified in it is the icing on the cake...you don't have to read a horribly boring book that way

Lying on your stomach hugging a pillow is way better than sitting. Sitting will take the pressure off the inflammation and might relieve some pain, but again, it will allow the disc material to go wherever it wants to. Lying on your stomach will take the compression off your spine while preserving a concave curve in your lower back.

Avoid forward bending, like picking things up off the floor.

Beyond that, you need to be getting your advice directly from a physical or PT who can diagnose you in person. <g> Ask your school doctor for a referral to a McKenzie Certifed Physical Therapist. You can find the ones in your area at
http://www.mckenziemdt.org/index_us.cfm

Cameron

 

[CameronMartz]

That is so wierd to hear other people talk about McKenzie. I have had back trouble for most of my life, and my wife is a PT! Anyway, to make a long story short, she became the director of of PT spinal clinic. She took the McKenzie course, and I haven't had any trouble with my back since...knock on wood. Anyway, I think McKenzie is definately the way to go, and getting a therapist that is certified in it is the icing on the cake...you don't have to read a horribly boring book that way

Not that weird- my wife is a McKenzie PT, too. <g> She is the top back specialist at the largest hospital system here in Raleigh (WakeMed), and she has a huge fan base. It's worked so well that the hospital has adopted the method system-wide and host McKenzie continuing education quarterly.

One thing I like in particular about McKenzie is that they try to finish you in 6 treatments, maximum 12. They teach you how to manage the injury on your own, and then cut you loose. When the inevitable flare-ups happen, you already know what to do and in most cases don't have any need to go back for more PT.

Cameron

 

[Gidds]

Finally saw the doc and I'm not likely to die anytime soon unless I get hit by a bus. He thinks I did some minor damage to an intraspinal ligament on/in/around:06: one particular vertabra. He wrote it down but didn't tell me which one it was. He said to continue using a heating pad on my back and I can do whatever I want for activities so long as I'm careful about it. He referred me to the physical therapist for next week since the exercise I was doing when the injury occurred isn't usually a problem for me so we'll see what the physical therapist recommends. Thank you for all you kind interest and suggestions.

 

[BIGSAGE136]

I found this thread after a search, and want to let everyone know that the advice has been helpul.

I have been inactive now for almost 2 months due to 2 herniated disk in my lumbar region, and a fracture of my C2 vertebrae.

I plan to buy the book from Amazon "Fix Your Own Back". does anyone have any input on osteophites, and coming back from a broken neck. I am currently seeing a neurologist whose best advice is to do absoultely nothing for the next 8 weeks. I plan to do just as he says,especially since he has told me I'm extremely lucky to be alive.

Any other advice?:06:

 

[CameronMartz]

I am currently seeing a neurologist whose best advice is to do absoultely nothing for the next 8 weeks. I plan to do just as he says,especially since he has told me I'm extremely lucky to be alive.

Any other advice?:06:

Yeah... don't take advice that contradicts your neurologist except from another neurologist. <g> But seriously, it is good to educate yourself about your injury and different ways to treat it, but make sure that you clear any changes in your behavior with your/another MD.

Cameron

 

[dbg40]

What he said! I was down for nearly a friggin year with a shredded neck. Now I have steel, screws, and parts of somone else in there! Do what he says, and don't be afraid of a second opinion!!