L4-L5 & L5-S1 Herniated Discs

[sportsnut3007]

Hello all, new member here. I am 27 male with L5-S1 herniation ( full herniation with some nucleus material squirted out) and slight bulging at L4-L5 according to last MRI done approximately 2 years ago. Main symptoms were major pain down right leg, (sciata) into right foot. I did some PT with some traction approx 1.5 years ago. I have less pain and I am mostly fine, although I still have some pain down right leg and into right foot. However, this pain does not really prevent me from doing anything. I believe approx 4 months ago i may have made bulge somewhere on left side of my lower back worse due to my idiot self doing a back exercise not properly. I know have some pain on that side where before I had none. I did this exercise on my bed one morning when I knew I should have used the matt. With that said, I still think it was a stupid exercise given by the PT. It involves laying on back with knees bent and then raising your back and then lifting one leg up and kind of sticking it out. I am no PT, but I would probbably not recommend this exercise, as I see no great benefits to this exercise. Currently, I have had no surgeries nor plan on any. I am considering traction using that DRX 3000 or w/e traction machine that is relatively new in order to maybe decrese potential bulge on my left side, but I have read good and bad things about it and thus afraid to do it. Well any new information on anything is appreciated. I have researched alot online about all kinds of new stuff dealing with repairs/replacements of discs so feel free to conatct me if you want the randomn info I have obtained.

[Justin]

Welcome Sportsnut to the Spine Patient Society!

I'm sorry that you are dealing with spine issues so young; I know firsthand how this can take a toll on your life. I wish you didn't have to be here posting about spine issues, but I assure you that you are in the right place for support with the great Members that we have here.

The physical therapy exercise that you describe is a really difficult one. Even people with "good" spines, find it very difficult to perform with good form. For all the times I have been in physical therapy over the years, I became quite good at setting limits with my therapists from Day One. I would not do anything that I personally felt would jeopardize the health of my spine or impede my recovery. This is not to say I was rude about it, but I felt that at the very least I needed to speak up for myself--if something doesn't feel right, talk with your therapist about trying a different exercise.

I've read a lot about the DRX 3000 and I have spoken with many Spine Patients that have used it in the past with both good and bad outcomes. If someone is trying to "sell" you a procedure that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I'm not saying that the DRX 3000 is a dangerous machine, rather I feel there are some "spine clinics" using them in very questionable patient cases. Remember, this is only my personal opinion--we value all types of procedures and interventions here and we merely urge Spine Patients to be their own best advocates by digging deeper to become well-informed.

We are glad to have you here with the knowledge you bring and can always use a fresh perspective about all things spine. Make yourself at home, and please let me know if you need anything by private message, email or by using our Person-to-Person Chat Feature (similar to the one on Facebook).

BTW: what is your favorite professional sport to follow?

[ajj1001]

Hello all, new member here. I am 27 male with L5-S1 herniation ( full herniation with some nucleus material squirted out) and slight bulging at L4-L5 according to last MRI done approximately 2 years ago. Main symptoms were a major pain down right leg, (sciata) into right foot.

Hiya and welcome. The symptoms you describe are the same as I had for a few years before having surgery Staying in shape will definitely help but has to be done safely. I have found swimming excellent in keeping core muscles strong.

Hope you improve

[KBear]

to the forum and sorry you have to be here. I wish I had input on the traction you mention; but the stuff never helped me. I don't think that it was because it can't help, just that my spine was too bad to get noticeable relief. Good Luck.