Anyone ever had a disk injury? Had a back injury picked up playing hockey, tried to play first game of season as batsman only but was in too much pain so haven't played since.
Just got results from MRI and have L5-S1 disk protrusion. Told to see surgeon who will recommend either injection or surgery. Anyone got any experience of this?
Having done alot of powerlifting, and been around blokes that have had disc herniations and protrusions, surgery is often recommended but not always the only way. I personally know of at least 2 people that did an absolute boatload of rehab (basically treated rehab like a 2nd job) and they managed to recover from the disc herniation with no invasive procedures needed.
On the flip side my mum has had 2 neck fusions and 3 back fusions and is still left in constant paid due to facet joint issues and due to sciatica.
It goes either way, and while that's a (No Swearing Please) situation, unfortunately it's the truth.
What can I reccomend?
1) get yourself a good physio that has testimonials about this kind of stuff. Together plan a pre/rehab program to either take the place of surgery, or to help after it.
2)lots of stretching and releasing of the musculature in and around your back - such as your piriformis, your QL, your psoas your erectors, your lats and even your serratus (can all be found online) stretch 2ce a day, you will notice a difference.
3) a tilt table, as already mentioned. Very very good products that are a god send for reducing compression.
4) ice. Fairly self explanatory, it reduces inflammation and is therefore good for 99% of injuries.
5) stay as active as you can without being in alot of pain. One of my friends could not walk with his disc herniations. So he initially did as much stretching as he could manage without pain and then he could walk a little without pain, and he gradually increased his walking distance. Until eventually he could walk pain free. Laying down and doing nothing is the absolute worst thing you can do for a back injury.
6)take up yoga or any form of exercise that is non concussive and builds core strength. Strong core = strong back