Does a slipped-disc mean the end of training? [Forum Archive]

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Does a slipped-disc mean the end of training?

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Posted by: Mags

I've had a back problem for a month now and although it's improved a lot, it's still no way near where it was.

I'm waiting for an appointment from the Dr, as I've recently moved, therefore moved surgeries. But in the mean time, I've been reading up on symptoms etc and I think I may have a slipped disc.

It says you can return to a sport ( I know I have to concentrate on getting back to normality first before lifting again, but I'm just keen) 6-12 months of recovery and physio.

Hopefully, my back's not sustained this sort of damage, but if it is indeed a slipped disc, does this pretty much mean no more bodybuilding? I know some lifters learn to work around specific injuries, doing other exercises instead, but (even though I might have to face it) I hate the thought of not being able to squat or deadlift anymore.

Cheers.

Posted by: IainDaniel

Find a reputable Chiropractor.

As far as I know discs don't slip.

Posted by: NeilPearson

I think the term 'slipped disk' is often used to describe a herniated disk.

I don't think a chiropractor is going to be able to do much for it.

Posted by: fufu

Sure you can recover. I've heard of a few powerlifters who have done it.

Posted by: Prince

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilPearson

I think the term 'slipped disk' is often used to describe a herniated disk.

I don't think a chiropractor is going to be able to do much for it.

correct on both.

you need to get an MRI, although a chiropractor place the order for it, but that is how yu will know exactly what is going on in there.

if you do have a herniated disc it depends on the severity of it, I herniated my S1/L5 disc and my days of heavy lifting are over, in fact I barely even train my legs anymore.

Posted by: min0 lee

Rob I thiink has first hand experiance, I think.

Posted by: min0 lee

There you go.

Posted by: KelJu

I posted something similar prince posted, but my post never showed up.

Posted by: dg806

Quote:

Originally Posted by KelJu

I posted something similar prince posted, but my post never showed up.

Sure!!!! LMAO

Posted by: KelJu

Quote:

Originally Posted by dg806

Sure!!!! LMAO

I swear. Maybe there were two threads and the one I posted in got deleted.

Posted by: maniclion

With a good physical therapist it would be possible. I have facet joint syndrome and after the past month of working with my PT my pain has decreased 60% and my core muscles are balancing out whereas before they were all stiffened to guard the injured area. One thing though is that you will only want to do lifts where your back is supported, no more free standing curls, military presses, stiff-leg deads, etc...

But again the most important thing is to build your core to be stronger than it has ever been before working anything else...

Posted by: largepkg

I laterally herniated my L4, & L5 about 5-6 years ago. After 2 years of therapy and finally epidural treatments that worked, I was able to return to most activities as usual. BTW, once they're herniated they're always herniated!

Posted by: Mags

Will they go back to as strong as they were (in a similar way that bones become just as good if not stronger after a break) or are they forever weaker? I suppose what I asking is, do they heal to function just as well as they did, but simply more susceptible to damage in future, or are they overall weaker and not as capable, even after healing?

Secondly, does diet have any affect on the speed at which the herniated disk recovers? If I keep up my protein intake (1.5g per lb) and supplementation of Pantothenic acid/Glucosamine etc, will that speed it up at all, or is it simpy an injury that takes its time no matter what I do?

Lastly, if it's not that severe, will it rule out any sort of squatting or deadlifting? Fufu mentioned some powerlifter chums recovered from the same injury, and I'm assuming being powerlifters, they were able to get back to squats and deads.

Cheers.

Posted by: Mags

Just out of interest too, how'd did most of your back injuries come from - squats, deads, or something simpler and a lot lighter?

I didn't ever hurt mine when doing anything heavy like that, but rather lifting up a 60kg EZ bar to do some tricep extensions. One lapse in concentrating when cleaning it up to above my head and I felt a small pop or tear. It was a little awkward, but nothing that hurt or restricted my training that day. Had a full-on arms workout.

The main damage was done the following week (clearly didn't leave enough time for whatever the 'pop' was to heal even though I felt fine) when doing a warm-up squat. Again, nothing heavy, just on the way up I felt a tear rip up the middle of my lower back. It felt more muscular than spinal, and my abs and obliques were aching within seconds as if trying to keep my torso supported upright.

Whatever it is, it's so far side-lined me for a month. And from you guys and a lot of stuff I've read on the net, quite a few more. Rubbish.

Posted by: Prince

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mags

Will they go back to as strong as they were (in a similar way that bones become just as good if not stronger after a break) or are they forever weaker? I suppose what I asking is, do they heal to function just as well as they did, but simply more susceptible to damage in future, or are they overall weaker and not as capable, even after healing?
nope, they will be more susceptible to re-herniating, they are weaker.

Secondly, does diet have any affect on the speed at which the herniated disk recovers? If I keep up my protein intake (1.5g per lb) and supplementation of Pantothenic acid/Glucosamine etc, will that speed it up at all, or is it simpy an injury that takes its time no matter what I do?
as far as I know the answer would be now, rest is what will help it heal faster, anti-inflammatory OTC drugs, i.e. ibuprofen, or epidural injections are best, those run around $3k, but insurance will cover them.

Lastly, if it's not that severe, will it rule out any sort of squatting or deadlifting? Fufu mentioned some powerlifter chums recovered from the same injury, and I'm assuming being powerlifters, they were able to get back to squats and deads.
it really depends on how bad it's herniated, but I would say these activities are out of the question for at least 6 months.
Cheers.

yes I have first hand experience, after 20 years of weight lifting and bodybuilding I herniated my S1/L5 pretty bad, I had 3 epidural injections and lived on pain killers for several months, I also did spinal decompression therapy for 3 months on a machine called the DRX 9000.

Posted by: largepkg

Mags, my injury came from playing racquetball. I swung to hit a kill shot like I have many times before and something just let loose. I went down like a ton of bricks and the pain was on par with anything I could've ever imagined. I was truly messed up for a year.

I'm in great shape now but I'm very conscious of my back with everything I do. It's unfortunately part of everyday life now. It will get easier for you, just hang in there.

Posted by: Mags

Sounds like you damaged your back quite badly Prince. Too bad that's affected your training, if not your whole way of life.

I'm hoping mine isn't too severe as although I had intial pain and inflamation, It's pretty much pain free now and the muscles are at least repaired ( I assume) as my stomach muscles no longer feel they're compensating for the damage at the back.

I've been mobile and pain-free enough for a while now, but it's just the strength that's lacking (it struggles to hold me up if I pick up a book at arms length etc).

I'm still waiting for my appointment to come through. Hopefully when it does the news won't be too bad.

Posted by: Mags

Quote:

Originally Posted by largepkg

Mags, my injury came from playing racquetball. I swung to hit a kill shot like I have many times before and something just let loose. I went down like a ton of bricks and the pain was on par with anything I could've ever imagined. I was truly messed up for a year.

I'm in great shape now but I'm very conscious of my back with everything I do. It's unfortunately part of everyday life now. It will get easier for you, just hang in there.

Damn that's just a double dose of bad luck and frustration right there.
I just feel a bit foolish if I've hurt myself badly to the point where it'll affect the rest of my days, when I'm just 25.

Posted by: Prince

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mags

Sounds like you damaged your back quite badly Prince. Too bad that's affected your training, if not your whole way of life.

I'm hoping mine isn't too severe as although I had intial pain and inflamation, It's pretty much pain free now and the muscles are at least repaired ( I assume) as my stomach muscles no longer feel they're compensating for the damage at the back.

I've been mobile and pain-free enough for a while now, but it's just the strength that's lacking (it struggles to hold me up if I pick up a book at arms length etc).

I'm still waiting for my appointment to come through. Hopefully when it does the news won't be too bad.

indeed I did, it was a wake up call though, I am now focusing on other things in life rather than the obsession I once had with building my body, 20 years was enough!

Posted by: atlas

hi!i am also suffering from same problem.it happened last year while squating.now have pain in my left leg.have to stop lifting.i am 25 trained for 9 years and in the end all bust up.is it the end of the road?

Posted by: danny81

ihad a very minor one. i didnt even realize it was a slipped disk until i went to the doctor.

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