Grounded - This sucks!
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,550
Likes: 5,891
From: Syracuse NY
Partial discectomy L5 S1 years ago. I was very lucky. I was non-compliant and was back at work in two weeks. I had bills to pay.
Mine was caused by two factors, heavy camera bag on shoulders for decades and being over weight.
they told me at the time to expect more disks to fail, as I got older. Not to jinx myself, but nothing yet!
Mine was caused by two factors, heavy camera bag on shoulders for decades and being over weight.
they told me at the time to expect more disks to fail, as I got older. Not to jinx myself, but nothing yet!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
I had hip pain in the early90s. I was surprised that it was from a ruptured disc at L4. I messed around for three years with therapy, muscle relaxants, painkillers. I had sciatica and foot drop, where you drag your foot.
They really didnt know what I was dealing with until they did an MRI. I had a partial laminectomy, which worked great. I was self employed so I went back to work after two weeks, even though they recommended taking 4-6 off. So I think that created scar tissue which bothered me for several years. I worked out a lot, did stretching and improved my posture. It rarely bothers me now.
This is a good book. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/back-i...diq=2032775You
They really didnt know what I was dealing with until they did an MRI. I had a partial laminectomy, which worked great. I was self employed so I went back to work after two weeks, even though they recommended taking 4-6 off. So I think that created scar tissue which bothered me for several years. I worked out a lot, did stretching and improved my posture. It rarely bothers me now.
This is a good book. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/back-i...diq=2032775You
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
Had L5-S1 disc blow out back in 2018. Pretty major experience. Was having some lower back issues for few years, then while mounting a new tire on the rear rim, my back gave out. Had MRI. Was told to see a neurosurgeon. After he talked about some intense surgery, I was going to try less invasive approach first. Told the Dr. I may see you in a few months. Found some physical therapy that really help along with a lot of resting.
The disc blew may be a good thing. Because if not, it would always pinch the nerve. Now, it blew out like mine did, it took the pressure off the nerve. Sounds like you have another area of pinched nerve. One bad side is that the inner of the disc is kind of sandy substance. That substance can rub against the nerve cord and may cause limited movement in some areas of leg/foot. Sorry to say that, but just wanted to give you a complete picture. I couldn't really walk much or ride for maybe 3 or so months. But it will get better.
So, I started PT, Laid in my recliner and watched the world go by watching way to much TV. It was my mission to return to normal. After maybe 18-months I can power walk miles, jog some, ride, touch my toes... slowly. It was a slow process. I'm not back to perfect. I know my limits as I can feel my lower back at time when I over do things. But... I'm a lot better than I was in 2018.
Have lost some movement in my left side and can't hold the bike up with only left leg. Used to do some touring, the Dyna is about my limit now.
The neurosurgeon told me the surgery would only fix the pain part, the nerve damage has already occurred and probably will not return to normal. Also, he said the back will heal in time.. the part that can be healed. I'm about 97% good now. A lot better than both my neighbors that had back surgery for similar problems. They both wish they skipped the surgery and took time to heal as they are in pain from the surgery they had years ago. Not having surgery may or may not work for them. No-one knows. Best advise is to do PT, rest and heal, daily workout and don't give up. That may work for you. If not, you'll know in a few months.
Sorry for the long response, but I had no-one to give me any advise. Hope some of that is helpful. PM me if you want to. Best of luck.
The disc blew may be a good thing. Because if not, it would always pinch the nerve. Now, it blew out like mine did, it took the pressure off the nerve. Sounds like you have another area of pinched nerve. One bad side is that the inner of the disc is kind of sandy substance. That substance can rub against the nerve cord and may cause limited movement in some areas of leg/foot. Sorry to say that, but just wanted to give you a complete picture. I couldn't really walk much or ride for maybe 3 or so months. But it will get better.
So, I started PT, Laid in my recliner and watched the world go by watching way to much TV. It was my mission to return to normal. After maybe 18-months I can power walk miles, jog some, ride, touch my toes... slowly. It was a slow process. I'm not back to perfect. I know my limits as I can feel my lower back at time when I over do things. But... I'm a lot better than I was in 2018.
Have lost some movement in my left side and can't hold the bike up with only left leg. Used to do some touring, the Dyna is about my limit now.The neurosurgeon told me the surgery would only fix the pain part, the nerve damage has already occurred and probably will not return to normal. Also, he said the back will heal in time.. the part that can be healed. I'm about 97% good now. A lot better than both my neighbors that had back surgery for similar problems. They both wish they skipped the surgery and took time to heal as they are in pain from the surgery they had years ago. Not having surgery may or may not work for them. No-one knows. Best advise is to do PT, rest and heal, daily workout and don't give up. That may work for you. If not, you'll know in a few months.
Sorry for the long response, but I had no-one to give me any advise. Hope some of that is helpful. PM me if you want to. Best of luck.
Thank you everyone for the advice and kind words - appreciate it.
I also lost slight movement and have weakness in my left side, I thought I had a stroke.. I also have numbness. Through the help of my ortho, I actually found a chair I could sit in. I'll tell ya, at first, it was 'typical' back pain then holy crap, I went down on the floor. My wife said it was the 1st time in 35 years I called her at work for help. The part I didnt include was the week before I was in the Dominican Republic and came home with a version of the norovirus. So here I am with the worst stomach bug I ever had (even worse than salmonella) and cant even sit on the bowl or clean up.. Im like wtf. This getting older **** sucks.. lol.. I start PT next week, 3x a week. Found out I'm done for the riding season. At least I don't have to empty the dishwasher.....
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 3,714
From: Mid Con USA
Blew 2 discs in '93. Had back surgery and was back on the bike in 4 weeks. Still bugs me some, but I can do anything I want, as long as I do it the right way. Wife tripped backwards and blew a disc. Same surgery. She ran a marathon 6 months later, and has no issues to this day. Keep your head up, you'll be "back"!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
So naturally Im smarter than the doctors... I took my Heritage out for a quick spin. 8 miles in, I pulled into my friends driveway and he drove me home... Yup, I really do believe I am grounded.. lol...
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Feb 12, 2010 08:30 PM