Riding with a Herniated Disk ?
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Ofallon, MO.
Well, after reading a number of responses, I would like to point out a few things:
1) L4-L5 herniation is the most common, accounts for 95% of ALL herniated disk problems.
2) Bulging, herniated, or slipped disk all mean the same thing.
3) Herniated disk problems DO NOT just happen instantly when you fall. They develop through years of bad posture and a weak core, (abs).
Best treatment is physical therapy, but also get yourself involved in a functional fitness routine, (crossfit, P90X, etc.) and, don't laugh, yoga! Before you start any of this though make sure you go to someone who knows what they are doing and understands your condition, it's crucial! If the pain is still there, I believe another poster stated Epidural Steroid Injection, NOT CORTISONE SHOT, as a FANTASTIC anti-inflammitory.
Avoid back surgery AT ALL COSTS! If your DR or another specialist states surgery w/o exploring any of the options I stated, RUN!!
Herniated disks can be treated, and it will take a while, but the WORST thing to do is go lay down on a couch or bed and rest! You need to move.
Remember this: Moving is lube-ing!!
And how do I know this; because I TOO suffer the same herniation/sciatica and I ride! Good luck with your situation, it will take some time, and maintain your patience!
1) L4-L5 herniation is the most common, accounts for 95% of ALL herniated disk problems.
2) Bulging, herniated, or slipped disk all mean the same thing.
3) Herniated disk problems DO NOT just happen instantly when you fall. They develop through years of bad posture and a weak core, (abs).
Best treatment is physical therapy, but also get yourself involved in a functional fitness routine, (crossfit, P90X, etc.) and, don't laugh, yoga! Before you start any of this though make sure you go to someone who knows what they are doing and understands your condition, it's crucial! If the pain is still there, I believe another poster stated Epidural Steroid Injection, NOT CORTISONE SHOT, as a FANTASTIC anti-inflammitory.
Avoid back surgery AT ALL COSTS! If your DR or another specialist states surgery w/o exploring any of the options I stated, RUN!!
Herniated disks can be treated, and it will take a while, but the WORST thing to do is go lay down on a couch or bed and rest! You need to move.
Remember this: Moving is lube-ing!!
And how do I know this; because I TOO suffer the same herniation/sciatica and I ride! Good luck with your situation, it will take some time, and maintain your patience!
first... bulges are not the same as a herniation. there are bulges...and then there are tears in the outer disc where material is ejected.
second... you can rupture a disc in one instance. sure time has its toll...but i had several hundred pound boxes of hardwood come down on me and it killed several discs at once.
If you are going to play Dr. and give advice...learn what the heck you are talking about.
That being said. I'm in the club. double lamenectomy ten years ago, lasted pretty good. Now sitting with s1, l4, l5 ruptured. One thoracic disc bad, and 3 in my neck. Waiting on a date for my lower back fusion. Been home on work comp since May 1.
Be wary if you have hurt yourself at work...my first Dr. tried everything to push me back to work...even ignoring my MRI's. Thankfully I own the company and in my state, MO. The employer chooses the provider....so I fired his *** and got a Dr. who is not a punk for the insurance company.
Really been helpful to see what you all do to be able to ride still. Encourages me for when I get better and go pick my new bike/bikes out.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Long Island, NY
Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. They're composed of an outer layer of tough cartilage that surrounds softer cartilage in the center. It may help to think of them as miniature jelly doughnuts, exactly the right size to fit between your vertebrae.
A bulging disk extends outside the space it should normally occupy. The bulge typically affects a large portion of the disk, so it may look a little like a hamburger that's too big for its bun. The part of the disk that's bulging is typically the tough outer layer of cartilage. Usually bulging is considered part of the normal aging process of the disk and is common to see on MRIs of people in almost every age group.
A herniated disk, on the other hand, results when a crack in the tough outer layer of cartilage allows some of the softer inner cartilage to protrude out of the disk. The protrusion of inner cartilage in a herniated disk usually happens in one distinct area of the disk and not along a large component of the disk, which is more typical of a bulging disk. Herniated disks are also called ruptured disks or slipped disks.
Bulging disks are more common. Herniated disks are more likely to cause pain. But many people have bulging disks or herniated disks that cause no pain whatsoever.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Ofallon, MO.
From the Mayo Clinic website:
Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. They're composed of an outer layer of tough cartilage that surrounds softer cartilage in the center. It may help to think of them as miniature jelly doughnuts, exactly the right size to fit between your vertebrae.
A bulging disk extends outside the space it should normally occupy. The bulge typically affects a large portion of the disk, so it may look a little like a hamburger that's too big for its bun. The part of the disk that's bulging is typically the tough outer layer of cartilage. Usually bulging is considered part of the normal aging process of the disk and is common to see on MRIs of people in almost every age group.
A herniated disk, on the other hand, results when a crack in the tough outer layer of cartilage allows some of the softer inner cartilage to protrude out of the disk. The protrusion of inner cartilage in a herniated disk usually happens in one distinct area of the disk and not along a large component of the disk, which is more typical of a bulging disk. Herniated disks are also called ruptured disks or slipped disks.
Bulging disks are more common. Herniated disks are more likely to cause pain. But many people have bulging disks or herniated disks that cause no pain whatsoever.
Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. They're composed of an outer layer of tough cartilage that surrounds softer cartilage in the center. It may help to think of them as miniature jelly doughnuts, exactly the right size to fit between your vertebrae.
A bulging disk extends outside the space it should normally occupy. The bulge typically affects a large portion of the disk, so it may look a little like a hamburger that's too big for its bun. The part of the disk that's bulging is typically the tough outer layer of cartilage. Usually bulging is considered part of the normal aging process of the disk and is common to see on MRIs of people in almost every age group.
A herniated disk, on the other hand, results when a crack in the tough outer layer of cartilage allows some of the softer inner cartilage to protrude out of the disk. The protrusion of inner cartilage in a herniated disk usually happens in one distinct area of the disk and not along a large component of the disk, which is more typical of a bulging disk. Herniated disks are also called ruptured disks or slipped disks.
Bulging disks are more common. Herniated disks are more likely to cause pain. But many people have bulging disks or herniated disks that cause no pain whatsoever.
Thanks for the mayo clinic version of what I was trying to say...lol.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
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From: Lake, Ms
My 1st surgery was in '93 due to a L5-S1 complete rupture (looked like a jellyfish). Was 23 and in the best shape of my life so it can happen whether you are fit or not. The 2nd surgery was in '08 for a microdisectomy of L4-L5. Had treated it for 3yrs with Epidural Steroids and PT but just got to the point where nothing worked anymore. A 2nd surgery is not what I wanted especially after what I experienced with the 1st one. Developed spinal meningitis and was in a coma for 2wks with the 1st surgery....bad ordeal. Suffered some mild hearing loss and mild short term memory loss. All is good now except for Arthritic pain from 1st surgery. What works for me the most is walking when I can and stretching the hamstrings. Tight hamstrings cause more back pain than most folks know. I go thru a ritual of stretches every morning regardless of what I'm doing that day. Learn what works for you and in some cases you just have to decide what level of pain you can live with.
2010 Limited with some stuff
2010 Limited with some stuff
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Ofallon, MO.
PT worked for me...AFTER my first surgery. I wouldn't have recovered so well if it had not been for PT. The first place I went, it was all young people who would tell you to do an exercise...then disappear to go play on the internet.
After a few visits...I called the ins company and complained. I was sent to another place...this guy was right out of the military...he worked my *** off...if I called and said I wasn't coming...he would threaten to come get me..and I believe he would have.
I think its about getting the right PT person.
When I first got hurt in May they sent me too PT....the guys is great...he just couldn't fix ruptured discs. When I get fused and its PT time again...I know who I'm picking.
So if you have a bad experience at PT....dont settle...you can try and change places...persons. The best ones are the ones who work your butt off.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 206
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this is what im putting my chips on. i hope this stays because i will be paying for this
Kevin Pauza - YouTube
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