i have had a bad back since the new year (not been able to bike) and been back to docs tonight who told me
"this is a text book disc prolapse, maybe 2" so monday i am having a scan
if it is a slipped disc what does it mean? how long to recover? what treatment? how long before i am back on my bike?
thanks
3-4 months for me with regular core stability physio.
Hi, I also had a prolapsed disc last year, I had a micro distectomy, Privately cost £6000! . I was able to bike again gently after 6 weeks but each case is different. Good luck.
Rest, lots of physio, lots of core stability exercises. Been off the bike since August with a similar problem, just getting ready to ride again now.
Hello Gooner, i slipped my L5 in 2001, it was v painful, i could not stand upright for 3 months, had lots of treatment in those 3 months but it got no better at all, then the doc said ooo try some of these declofenic or voltarol 50mgs 3 times a day, and after 3 days or so i was walking about and could even get up the stairs, after a few more physio sessions the physio said you should do a bit of cycling and swimming, so i did. I was on the pain killers for a few years tho, i met a surgeon who said do not have an operation if you can get about ok, the more you move the easier it will get, i have had mri scans and you can see the difference in the way the red stuff has dispersed, and is not all around the disc area, as it was in the first scan.
So id say drugs are the answer, and once you can get about, do so as much as poss. i had to change jobs as i was a groundworker,( we've met so you can believe that), but now i walk dogs for a living, and have no problems at all, touch wood.
Speedy recovery.
Had a similar problem in L5, it took 3 months of a Chiropractor but got sorted, haven't had a problem since, don't believ your doctor as he just treats the problem the cause.....
As someone who first suffered a back injury back in 96 (picking up a pair of shoes), heres my experiences and successes.
1. Generally, a back problem, esp. disc related, is never cured, it is managed.
2. Always rest during the acute phase,taking regular anti infammatories; the majority of pain if due to nerve compression secondary to inflammation and this can take weeks/months to fully resolve.
3. I was off the bike initially for 6 months, given painkillers by my GP, finally forced a referral to a specialist.
It took me 2 years to see a consultant on the NHS (X ray and MRI), who told me I had stenosis (scarring) around L5 and S1 and this would cause me pain (no shit Sherlock) then referred me to physio.
4. Moral of number 3, don't expect a miracle.
5. The greatest and most consistent treatment I have had has been via a chiropractor.
6. A good chiropractor will suggest X rays and scans before treating you, if you can get these done early on the NHS do so, private scans and x rays are ridiculously expensive.
7. Pilates, core training, when told this is safe, every day and for the rest of your life.
8. I had to change jobs, I was an ICU nurse (bending, lifting etc) and now work in medical training.
9. Been episode free for last three years but still get twinges, learn you read your body.
10. It may be a long road, chin up
11. When your ready, get a professional bike fit/positioning done, yes it costs, but it has made the worl d of difference.
12.I spoke to lots of neurosurgeons, through work, regarding surgery, did not meet one who suggested it. Benefits/risk not that great unless ability to walk affected.
13. Because I was forced to listen to my body and not rely on youth to protect it I now now in better shape at 37 than I was at 27.
Good luck
I had L5/S1 large prolapse diagnosed after an MRI end Oct 2009. I could still walk and move but had severe syiatic nerve problems, also pins and needles and some loss of strength in my right leg. My surgeon (Mr Tolessa/Halifax) said try to stay away from surgery of poss and i lived on Declofenac and at times backed it up with co codamol. Kept swimming and walking and tried to stop sitting for more than 15 mins. Got discharged from the physio yesterday, and prior to that have been back to the velodrome and also on the road 2hrs plus (road not mtb). Doing core stuff, and neuro stretching. Good luck, and when you feel like crying because you cant do anything just think that in the near future you will be back to doing what you want to do....
Good luck mate
Alex
forgot to mention, acupuncture. I know it's not everyone but it definitely speeded up my recovery and i now use ot for general maintainance. Dr Xing, Tjunji Medical, Halifax. (bit weird to start with but worth it)
What benho and alex berry said. I prolapsed my lowest lumbar disc (or the squishy bit below it). I was unlucky in the extent to which it trapped my sciatic nerve - severe cramps and loss of power in right leg - numb foot etc. Almost went for surgery, but very glad I didn't (put the money saved towards my campervan apart from anything else).
Keep active and learn to read the signs.
I've had one of those for 10 years now. Have lived with it with the odd upset. Have been riding and leading a normal life, but not able to run. Tried all the "cures" short of surgery which might cure me, or might give more problems. Need to ,take care and some days are better than others. BUT, it will never get better, only worse. The last 6 months have been pretty bad, and I'm nearly always in some degree of discomfort now. Hardly been on the bike for 3, and after 10 miles today I was in agony. Very close to selling up everything. Might not be what you want to hear, but none of us is infallible. Sorry.
Jenga
Sorry to hear your not doing too well, and can not really empathise as i'm not in the same boat as you (well not yet anyway!!) however i notice that you dont mention the accupuncture.......for 30 quid a session I would venture it's worth 120 just to find out. Dr Xing is on 01422 300322 hope this helps.
Alex
I've done GP to osteo to choropractor and then acupuncture last week. I know it's different for everyone but acupuncture did SFA for me, chiro seems to be the most effective plus spacing out the drugs, antis and pain killers at different intervals.
Ms TPT's experience slipped disc experience: Core physio exercises, hydrotherapy at the local NHS hospital, diclofenac at night, good chair for work, back support in the car, called a "Back Friend". Took ages for a proper diagnosis though so you are ahead of her.
Keep moving.
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