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bigshug
02-20-2003, 08:01 AM
OK, my workout partner was complaining the other day about a weird pain in his back that was causing pain to shoot down his leg. He ended up having to leave work early that night and he went to the doctor's office the next day and was diagnosed with a slipped disk. Now, they didn't say one way or the other what the cause was and in fact I think the doctor's expert opinion was that " the stars were aligned perfectly " and so his freakin' disk slips out.
She also said that it may work itself back into place before Monday, which is when he's to begin physical therapy. Not knowing shit about this type of physical ailment, I suggested a chiropractor as they seem to have a knack for popping shit back into the correct place.
Have any of you guys had this happen to you?? He's a bit upset about the whole thing as he's come a LONG way in his weight training and is 100% natural (5'11", 230lbs, 18%bf) so he's a bit concerned about how long his layoff will be and how quickly he'll lose muscle in the process. If anyone has had a similar experience, please share any info you can...thx in advance

BLEED GREEN
02-20-2003, 09:55 AM
Just an FYI both my sisters are MD's and todays procedures are mostly "active rehab" where they want the patient to be as active as posible- no more bed rest- let your friend know so that he can question the DR if something else is suggested.

gander
02-20-2003, 12:40 PM
Make sure you know if it is a "slipped" disk or a HERNIATED disk. If it is a herniated disk I would definitely stay away from a chiropracter. I have herniated my L-5 twice and I cannot stand upright for about 7 days when it happens. The numbness he is feeling in his legs is from the disk pushing on his spinal column. I would suggest seeing a back and spine specialist.

blm9376
02-20-2003, 03:15 PM
I TOTALLY disagree w/NOT seeing a chiropractor if it is herniated or even slipped for that matter. MY roomate severely herniated his intervertebral disc ( almost ruptured) between L4-L5 and the doctor told him to remain going to the gym just "go light" and gave him musc. relaxers and pain pills. So I recommended he go see my chiro, which he did. The chiro took more x-rays, said it was herniated, to REST for a few weeks and then start lightly-actively doing more. He has been treating him since and his recovery is remarkable. In two weeks he has damn near all of his range of motion back, very little pain and is only getting better by the day. So I highly disagree w/avoiding a chiro. HOWEVER, make sure it is a highly reputable one not just anyone you pull from the yellow pages...because yes, they can make it exponentially worse if they do not know what they are doing. a chiropractor is a "back and spine specialist." GANDER, please don't take this as a strike at you, I just don't understand how people cannot see how a good chiro can solve many physical problems...not all...but many. A good one will determine whether he/she should be treating the injury or to refer the person to someone else.

GOINGPRO
02-20-2003, 03:50 PM
I've had two slipped discs in my lower back and from my experience I would tell your friend to keep on working out "lightly" and stay away from any lower back exercises and let it heal on its own. My doctor told me that the majority of slipped discs heal on their own in time.

bigshug
02-21-2003, 02:53 AM
Thanks guys, he's really down about the whole thing. We're going to the Arnold next weekend and he was especially looking forward to working out in his old hometown again with some of you bros......he's not joined this board yet, but has been a "lurker" for a while - we'll convert him to the dark side one of these days

pigmeat
02-21-2003, 11:07 AM
same problem bro. disc pushes on siatic nerve causing severe pain down back of leg. i have a bulged disc that causes it, and a chiropractor manipulates my alignment, to take pressure off the nerve.I think the descision to statr seeing a chiro was the best decision i ever made as i am pain free most of the time.Personally, lifting makes my back better.If i take a week off my back hurts like a bitch.I worked up to heavy squats,deads,bentover rows,i just wear a belt and keep strict form.