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The Lamp · May 23, 2017

A personal trainer pushed me too hard back in October and I got my L5/S1 disc injured. It became bulged. 7 months later after PT, rest, ice, many doctors, I now have leg pain. My new MRI shows the disc quite herniated so I think my doctor might suggest a microdiscectomy or something to remove the part of the disc that is herniated.

Anyone have this procedure done? I'm really scared of having any surgery on my back. I'm only 26. I'm never weightlifting again.

Erv · May 23, 2017

may i ask what the pain feels like? burning? aching? and does the pain ever go to any other body parts?

The Lamp · May 23, 2017

Erv said:
may i ask what the pain feels like? burning? aching? and does the pain ever go to any other body parts?

Suddenly a week ago my right leg started feeling tingly. Now it's a tingling that worsens when I sit and it feels like my leg fell asleep and won't wake up. I feel a little in my left leg now too.

FUME5 · May 23, 2017

I have a ruptured disc at the L5, but the surgical options at the time carried far too much risk for me to consider.

A friend of mine had a similar injury about a decade later, went for surgery (I forget exactly what kind) and had no improvement.

I know it's a different injury, but I would pursue all other avenues of treatment before deciding on surgery.

The Lamp · May 23, 2017

FUME5 said:
I have a ruptured disc at the L5, but the surgical options at the time carried far too much risk for me to consider.

A friend of mine had a similar injury about a decade later, went for surgery (I forget exactly what kind) and had no improvement.

I know it's a different injury, but I would pursue all other avenues of treatment before deciding on surgery.

How long ago was this?

I have some hope because my surgeon is a professor of spine surgery at UTSW, did his fellowships at Harvard, and is the director of orthopedic surgery at a hospital in Dallas. He's trained in the latest techniques including some kind of laser surgery of the discs. I'm still scared though. I don't want my leg nerves permanently damaged, though.

FUME5 · May 23, 2017

About 20 years ago now, physical therapy (and a lot of hydrotherapy) helped resolved the sciatica issues and then I basically put up with a constant low level of pain for about 15 years until my body finally adjusted.

I had cartilage sticking into my spinal column though, so I doubt your looking at the same timeframe, plus obviously the surgical procedures have improved. I guess if you've already done 7 months of PT you feel that's not going to help anymore, but perhaps with the new scans they can tailor things a bit better for you.

Voidguts · May 23, 2017

my c6 & c7 disks have been herniated for over 7 months now and every day is pretty much hell. i'm even on medical marijuana (oregon) and nothing touches the neuropathic pain running down my entire left arm. i moved across the country during the process so finding and scheduling a doctor hasn't been easy. i don't really have much to add, just wanted to sympathize with you OP; godspeed if you have surgery. if the option is presented to me, i'll be taking it ASAP.

Erv · May 23, 2017

Can a herniated disc cause a burning sensation in the leg? Like a hot aching?

The Lamp · May 23, 2017

Erv said:
Can a herniated disc cause a burning sensation in the leg? Like a hot aching?

Yeah. Although those aren't my symptoms. I have more of a tingling pain.

Erv · May 23, 2017

hmmm. i have two herniated discs..and a leg that always hurts pretty much now..I saw a doctor he said this shouldn't be the problem. I don't know if I should get a second opinion. Ive been to so many doctors..sigh

Bakercat · May 23, 2017

I have a herniated disk and bulging disk in my L4 & L5. I've had it since November of last year and it's been an emotional rollercoaster. I have horrible sharp pain in my hip that shoots down into my torn acl in my left leg. I also have crippling lower back pain when my anxiety gets bad aswell. I went through physical therapy for two months and chiropractic care for three months and nothing worked. I saw multiple doctors and a surgeon, but they do not want to do surgery because I am to young, (25 years old). I was sent to pain management where I got a epidermal lumbar steroid shot, which helped for about a month then the pain started coming back again. I go back to get another shot in a few weeks, but I have a feeling it's not gonna last long again. I had to withdraw from the spring semester because of the pain and I'm hoping I'll be okay going back in the fall.

Wag · May 23, 2017

I used to work out a lot and while I was lifting weights I felt a "POP!" in my back. Pain down left leg and all crooked for 3+ mos. I had a laminectomy @ L4/L5 helped but I was never the same. 24 years later I need a spinal fusion.

Swig_ · May 23, 2017

I've had a micro discectomy. The leg pain is basically gone, but I have pain in my back every day. It's not fun. Doing PT and injections, may have to consider disc replacement.

I can't lift weights over about 30 pounds without pain. I'm trying to figure out what I can do that might get me close to normal. Mine was L5/S1, too.

mercenar1e · May 23, 2017

someone i know had a disc removed and some lumbar fusion work done 15 years ago. he went for a second surgery last year for the discs above the area that was worked on... apparently the area gets weakened with time and it progresses to each disc which is unavoidable. he still experiences pain.

Swig_ · May 23, 2017

I'm thinking about getting into yoga or Pilates. Physical therapy is okay, but I have pain, no matter what.

Truelize · May 23, 2017

Erv said:
Can a herniated disc cause a burning sensation in the leg? Like a hot aching?

Most definitely it can. Anything "down line" from where your nerve is irritated can give you troubles.
This October will be the six year anniversary of when my back pain got unmanageable without meds.
I remember the day like it was yesterday.
I stood up from doing some push-ups and it felt like someone put a shotgun in my back.
I have herniated discs at L4 & L5 and then two vertabrae above those are really beat up.

The best advice I can give is to stay as mobile as you can. Sitting is hell for lower backs. Strengthen your core, stretch and keep your weight down.

My injury limited me enough that I didn't work for over two years. Gained a lot of weight through those dark days.
I fought with doctors for years to get the meds I needed to be active. It's so tough nowadays to find a doctor that will listen and give good care. The abuse of pain meds has made it really hard for the people that actually need them and use them responsibly.
Don't let a stubborn doctor make you believe that you should live your life in pain.

As far as symptoms is concerned I experience "burners" down my right leg, 24 hours a day every day. Without pain meds I deal with constant burning pain down my leg. The meds take the burning away but there is always a numbness and deadness to my quad. It can go down as far as my toes on days when my back is inflamed.
For instance I can cross my right leg over my left (sitting upright) and can only count to four before I start to feel intense tingling down the outside of my right leg.

Stay mobile.
Stay limber
Keep your weight down.

The Lamp · May 23, 2017

Swig_ said:
I've had a micro discectomy. The leg pain is basically gone, but I have pain in my back every day. It's not fun. Doing PT and injections, may have to consider disc replacement.

I can't lift weights over about 30 pounds without pain. I'm trying to figure out what I can do that might get me close to normal. Mine was L5/S1, too.

Did your back hurt before? I have back and leg pain. Does your back hurt because of scar tissue now or is there a new complication?

I'm very thin and flexible. I'm not overweight

Erv · May 23, 2017

Truelize said:
Most definitely it can. Anything "down line" from where your nerve is irritated can give you troubles.
This October will be the six year anniversary of when my back pain got unmanageable without meds.
I remember the day like it was yesterday.
I stood up from doing some push-ups and it felt like someone put a shotgun in my back.
I have herniated discs at L4 & L5 and then two vertabrae above those are really beat up.

The best advice I can give is to stay as mobile as you can. Sitting is hell for lower backs. Strengthen your core, stretch and keep your weight down.

My injury limited me enough that I didn't work for over two years. Gained a lot of weight through those dark days.
I fought with doctors for years to get the meds I needed to be active. It's so tough nowadays to find a doctor that will listen and give good care. The abuse of pain meds has made it really hard for the people that actually need them and use them responsibly.
Don't let a stubborn doctor make you believe that you should live your life in pain.

As far as symptoms is concerned I experience "burners" down my right leg, 24 hours a day every day. Without pain meds I deal with constant burning pain down my leg. The meds take the burning away but there is always a numbness and deadness to my quad. It can go down as far as my toes on days when my back is inflamed.
For instance I can cross my right leg over my left (sitting upright) and can only count to four before I start to feel intense tingling down the outside of my right leg.

Stay mobile.
Stay limber
Keep your weight down.

Interesting. Was surgery an option for you?

ISWThunder · May 23, 2017

I've had similar issues, L5/S1, sciatica in both legs, bad muscle spasms at times. Shit sucks. But they are doing some interesting stuff with PRP and Stem Cells in knees and the Regenokene stuff on discs. I'm definitely keeping my eyes on that stuff for the future before considering current surgical option.

FUME5 · May 23, 2017

Swig_ said:
I'm thinking about getting into yoga or Pilates. Physical therapy is okay, but I have pain, no matter what.

Yoga, swimming and walking laps of the pool all helped me reduce the severity of the pain.

Get a kneeling chair too if you can.

Swig_ · May 23, 2017

The Lamp said:
Did your back hurt before? I have back and leg pain. Does your back hurt because of scar tissue now or is there a new complication?

I'm very thin and flexible. I'm not overweight

Yeah, I injured it and about a year later realized it was bad enough to get an MRI. It hurt pretty bad the whole time, including sciatic leg pain. I had the surgery, the leg pain is gone now, but I still have back pain. A got another MRI done and they found another bulge in the same disc and a very small bulge on the disc above it. I'm not sure what to do about it yet. Getting kind of worried that this is my life from now on. Going to avoid surgery if I can and try exercise/yoga/Pilates for now. It sucks.

I'm also thin/average. I've gained some weight since I haven't been as active, but I'm far from overweight. Somewhere between thin and average. Hoping I can get into decent shape and gain some core strength.

Swig_ · May 23, 2017

ISWThunder said:
I've had similar issues, L5/S1, sciatica in both legs, bad muscle spasms at times. Shit sucks. But they are doing some interesting stuff with PRP and Stem Cells in knees and the Regenokene stuff on discs. I'm definitely keeping my eyes on that stuff for the future before considering current surgical option.

Same, but I saw a doctor this week and brought that up. She said we may be ten years away from solid science in that area for this. I'm hoping it comes sooner.

Nostremitus · May 23, 2017

The Lamp said:
A personal trainer pushed me too hard back in October and I got my L5/S1 disc injured. It became bulged. 7 months later after PT, rest, ice, many doctors, I now have leg pain. My new MRI shows the disc quite herniated so I think my doctor might suggest a microdiscectomy or something to remove the part of the disc that is herniated.

Anyone have this procedure done? I'm really scared of having any surgery on my back. I'm only 26. I'm never weightlifting again.

I had a microdiscectomy of both L4 L5 and L5 S1 last December. I'm doing better than before.

Bashtee · May 23, 2017

A few years back I had a veeery light slipped disc. Nerves were still acting up, feeling numb/tingeling in my legs, hips up to the height of my belly button. No fun. Masturbating felt like playing around with a dildo. Had to be checked regularly if the bladder was completly empty and so on. Walking was like moving around on two hot dogs as your legs. Had to triple check if I was wearing jeans before leaving the house. Got better with physiotherapy, but I assume you already went through similar conservative therapies.

If I'm not wrong, my aunt had a microdiscectomy 2 years ago and it didn't go so well. She had backpain for 4 months and regular physiotherapy for 6 months. It seems to be good now, though.

I saw a couple of reports on stuff like complete disc replacement or spinal fusion, which were fucking horror stories without a real improvement. However, one story was quite fascinating. A doctor was removing the part of the bulging disc and they grew some disc cells in a lab. Once they had enough, these cells got injected into the disc again. I think it's called "Autologous Spinal Disc Cell Transplant (ADCT)". The people that went through the procedure were quite happy with it, but they also mentioned that there are no studies to support it for now.

Nonetheless, that shit is the future and tbh the only procedure I would consider for myself.

t26 · May 23, 2017

If you ask Warriors head coach Steve Kerr the answer is no.

The Lamp · May 23, 2017

The one conservative therapy I haven't tried because my shitty PTs never bothered with more than core exercises and dry needling was spinal traction/decompression. Anyone have experience with that?

Truelize · May 24, 2017

Erv said:
Interesting. Was surgery an option for you?

Surgery has been mentioned as an option. I'm currently working with a back specialist clinic that has horrible communication. I had a MRI last September and haven't had my follow up appointment yet.

Surgery scares me because there is no guarantee it will help at all.

nooner · May 24, 2017

I just had a microdiscetomy on my L4/L5 on May 4th. It was successful, but i am feeling some very minor sciatic sensations from time to time. although, I didn't expect perfection immediately.

At 28, I'm in a similar boat to OP age wise. (AKA way too early for this shit.) Herniated my disc at the gym in March of 2016. I tried physical therapy, chiropractic and injections all throughout the year. Nothing worked, so I knew it was time to go thru with the surgery.

I hope all of y'all dealing with pain take care of your mental health as well. I had a lot of shitty times last year and can empathize. It was definitely hard to keep a positive attitude while dealing with so much pain.

FUME5 · May 24, 2017

nooner said:
I just had a microdiscetomy on my L4/L5 on May 4th. It was successful, but i am feeling some very minor sciatic sensations from time to time. although, I didn't expect perfection immediately.

At 28, I'm in a similar boat to OP age wise. (AKA way too early for this shit.) Herniated my disc at the gym in March of 2016. I tried physical therapy, chiropractic and injections all throughout the year. Nothing worked, so I knew it was time to go thru with the surgery.

I hope all of y'all dealing with pain take care of your mental health as well. I had a lot of shitty times last year and can empathize. It was definitely hard to keep a positive attitude while dealing with so much pain.

Being in a degree of constant pain for an extended period of time will have an effect on your personality.

Usobuko · May 24, 2017

Sorry to bother you guys but how heavy are you all lifting?

FUME5 · May 24, 2017

Usobuko said:
Sorry to bother you guys but how heavy are you all lifting?

I was lifting railway sleepers into a sea container, not the gym.

After it finally settled down, I found that squats and deads helped immensely, so long as your form is good and you work up to heavier weights slowly and intelligently.

Dosia · May 24, 2017

Most people say to avoid back surgery at all costs if the pain is bearable. It sounds like back surgery is still a black hole in medicine.

dakini · May 24, 2017

I personally haven't had it done, but my grandma had it done twice for a herniated disc and while it helped her with being able to walk around easier, she's never without pain and still has shooting leg pain.

I should add, the first surgery she had done in her mid-30's in the 80's and the 2nd about 10 years later.

Alastor3 · May 24, 2017

The Lamp said:
A personal trainer pushed me too hard back in October and I got my L5/S1 disc injured. It became bulged. 7 months later after PT, rest, ice, many doctors, I now have leg pain. My new MRI shows the disc quite herniated so I think my doctor might suggest a microdiscectomy or something to remove the part of the disc that is herniated.

Anyone have this procedure done? I'm really scared of having any surgery on my back. I'm only 26. I'm never weightlifting again.

What did you trainer made you do ?

SeaOfMadness · May 24, 2017

I had an L5 herniated disc when I was 21-22. I had the typical sciatic pain and tingling. I tried PT but did not have any kind of surgery. It took a while (almost a year) before the symptoms subsided.

Coincidentally, just this week, I have now started experiencing the same kind of issue but now it's my arm/shoulder and likely due to the C6 (or 5-7) disc. I'm assuming since I'm much older now that this one could last longer. Not looking forward to the road to recovery on this one

But on the good side, surgery isn't usually necessary unless it's severe numbness/pain. Advil + PT + time is supposed to help, but it'll take a while. The reason is that scar tissue eventually develops between the disc and the nerve and will act as a buffer indefinitely. That's what I assume happened with my L5 disc cuz that thing certainly didn't just fix itself. I saw the MRI.. it was bulging bigly.

parrotbeak · May 24, 2017

I had that same rupture and surgery about 10 years ago. Recovery will take a long time and you won't think about lifting weights for the first year or so, but you absolutely must rehab your body and strengthen you back to lessen the pain and structural issues. You will have less disc material so you need to build up the muscles.

If I don't lift regularly my back starts to hurt pretty bad. It always kinda hurts but you get used to it. The stronger I got and the more often I could lift without increasing my pain, the better my back felt. But it will take a long long time, and lots of trial and error.

Good luck.

muntersaur · May 24, 2017

I had sciatica down my left leg from a herniated L5/S1. First I went through the acute stage and then it went chronic.

This was a lower level pain which was livable but it restricted me from playing sport and doing certain exercises in the gym. It also got worse when I had to sit down for a long time, which threatened my future career which requires me to sit for long periods.

As only a 30 year-old i was apprehensive about surgery but I knew I had to take the risk because I knew I was never going to get better if I didn't take the chance.

It has now been 1 year and a half since my microdistectomy and it was the best decision I ever made. I am not 100% but the effects are transient and minor now, and no longer really affects the quality of my life.

parrotbeak · May 24, 2017

My foot went from tingly to numb in a month and I still don't have the same level of feeling in that foot.

amanset · May 24, 2017

Yes. I can't remember which disc but it was in the lower back. I had been in massive unending pain and physio just wasn't making it any better.

The turn around was surprisingly quick. At the hospital they told me that in the past they let you lie down until the pain lessens, but modern medicine wants you up and walking as quickly as possible. I was moving around the hospital after a couple of days (IIRC) and was only in hospital for three or so. My parents came over from the UK for 18 days to help out and in reality I only needed them for about five.

I did have a complication though a few years later (the operation was about five years ago). I strained my back carrying something and the pain just got worse and worse and I got put on stronger and stronger painkillers. Then one day at work my legs just stopped working and an ambulance had to be called. I was put on Oxycodone and sent for an MRI with a suspected second herniated disc. Turns out (at least how they described it to me) that there is a nerve quite close to the inflexible scar tissue and a swelling in the wrong place presses it against the scar. All that was needed was anti-inflammatories. Unfortunately it went on a bit too long for me and I have nerve damage, meaning I now have reduced feeling in the toes of my left foot.

All that considered though, I am still glad I had the operation.

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