Does a slipped-disc mean the end for bodybuilding?

[Mags]

I have 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'm moved therefore moved surgeries. But in the mean time, I'm 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? even though I might have to face it, I hate the thought of not being able to squat or deadlift anymore.

Cheers.

 

[quark]

I have 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'm moved therefore moved surgeries. But in the mean time, I'm 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? even though I might have to face it, I hate the thought of not being able to squat or deadlift anymore.

Cheers.

I'd use a 'wait and see what's up' approach for now. Probably the doc will schedule an x-ray (which won't show shit) and then a course of physical therapy. If the therapy doesn't work he will probably schedule a MRI, which most of the time shows exactly what the problem is. At least that's usually how it's done in the states. The insurance companies pretty much run things. The expense of the MRI keeps them from doing that first. My own experience is a ruptured disc at L4/L5. I was hobbling around like a 90 year old at 38. X-rays showed nothing. Physical therapy didn't help. From the day I got the MRI done I was in surgery less than a week later. In the mean time the free floating fragments that were pressing on my spinal column did permanent nerve damage. The surgery changed my life, made things pretty much normal for me again. I always have some amount of pain, especially if I over do it. I do squats and dead lifts, just have to take it easy.
Best of luck!

 

[tphillip23]

as said above, it shouldn't be the end of your bodybuilding hobby.
one of the most difficult parts when overcoming this type of injury is being patient. it takes a while before you can do things such as squatting and deadlifting, and even then you might have some pain involved.
if you don't already, spend alot more time concentrating on training your core muscles. hip flexors, abs, and hamstrings should be trained more to help take the strain off of your lower back.
good luck and try not to become discouraged

 

[atlas]

hi!mags.i am also suffering from same problem and i am 25 too.i did BB for past 9 years and now not doing it really sucks.kindly keep in touch so that i can get a tip or two which would help me in my recovery .MAY WE GET BACK UNDER THE RACK SOON.keep the faith vikramthehulk@yahoo.com

 

[young arnold]

young and worried

Im only 17 completely natural for the moment i have just slipped a disk in my back and am also really worried as i am so young. I did this when squatting 150kg to the floor and my core just gave up as i came back up. Will i ever be able to be the best i can be with this injury?? At the moment i just need some guidence as i am extremly frustrated and am becoming more depressed as time goes on. Will gear help in the rehab phase to speed up recovery?? please give me some tips.
much appreciated

 

[Gazhole]

Have you seen any professionals about this? A doctor? Physio? Chiropractor? Osteopath? They would be the people to ask about specific rehab and recommendations for physical activity.

At your age gear would likely cause more problems than it would fix, however.

 

[danzik17]

Sounds to me like you tried to squat too much too fast. It's a painful lesson as you found out.

Go see a doctor. NO working out until then as you can make it much, much worse.