Lower Back Disc Prolapse - Exercise Advice

[FATHYAMBULATHdfdf]

Hi. Nearly 2 years ago, I prolapsed a disc while playing football. The pain was awful, and I struggled to move at all for weeks. Physio made things worse, and eventually my GP relented and referred me to a hospital consultant. I am one of the youngest patients he has ever seen with this problem, as I was 13 when the injury occured. Understandably, he was reluctant to operate, so instead I was prescribed a course of rest, in the hope that eveything would improve by itself.
The consultant began to see a slight improvement over the months, and although the pain is still present, I was allowed to begin playing football again just 6 months ago, over a year since the injury. However, I often have to stop playing because of warning signs in my back, and have been forbidden from a multitude of other activities - rugby, cricket, tennis etc. The only reason I am allowed football is because I would have gone crazy without something.
However, I have grown extremely frustrated with the limited participation I can muster on the football pitch, and I am keen to branch out into other activities. I was wondering if anyone who had suffered from a similar injury could recommend another activity. I have tried swimming, but live too far from a pool, so cannot really make it a regular exercise. I am desperate to start cycling and rowing, but doubt that the consultant would agree, so if anyone has been in a similar position and tried them, I'd love to hear from you. I'm willing to try anything - I need another sport in my life!
Sorry for the long post. I'm very grateful for anyone who takes the time to help. Thank you!

 

[drogcnyv]

Hi jwb
All I can tell you is I prolapsed the L4/L5 disc when I was 16. I was also given the advice of letting it heal instead of surgery. I struggled on for about 5 years before some kind of normality returned, although I couldn't push it to far. Four years ago it got worse again till the point I couldn't walk or stand upright.
I finally had surgery 4 weeks ago at aged 33 and can only say it is already a great improvement and wish I had done when I was 16.

 

[alvinyprime]

Hi JayBoy,
I'm sorry to hear that it lasted such a long time, but glad that things are finally working out for you. There are times when I wish that the consultant would give the go ahead for surgery, but at the same time, I do trust his judgement, and if he feels it is improving then I'll go along with him. I don't really have a lot of say in whether surgery ends up happening either, as it's up to the consultant to decide, and we can't afford to go private, so I'll keep going for now. Thank you for your advice though, and I hope everything stays okay for you from now on.

 

[Mikeasaurus]

Hi,

Rowing is not good for a disc it put far too much pressure on the lower back. Cycling is good it works all the legs and some of the core muscles.

I am a fireman and used to play a high standard of rugby so i have always been active. I am very frustrated even though i have had the op and am in recovery. I do a lot of gym work and swimming but it is still not the same as getting on the pitch.

I think the best thing you can do is too get your core muscle strong first before you start to do any major exercises. Get in the gym for about 3-4 months and then see whats out there that you like.

I would also see if you can get some advice from a good trainer to see what you need to do to get yourself strong in the right places.

Olli.

 

[acaepzyca]

Hi Olli,

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely be getting down the gym very reguarly in a few months, as the one in my school will be re-opened. I will find out from the consultant what I should be doing too. Thank you for your help, I hope your recovery goes well.

 

[Eathan]

Hi Jwb

I have been having back problems for over a year. I have two disc bulges L4/L5 AND L4/S1.

The consultant has recomended surgery and I have decided against it. I wanted to try physio and osteopath treatment first. Before this problem I use to play football three times a week. I'm not in constant pain like some but it is painful after playing football and when sitting or driving for long periods and sometimes standing can be a bit painful.

When I saw the consultant I could not do a straight leg raise without sciatic pain down my right leg and I could not bend down or straighten by leg without feeling the symptoms from the disc bulge.

I have been seeing an osteo once a week for 8 weeks and physio for six weeks and can now do straight leg raise with no problem and have not sciatic pain in my right leg. I'm not playing as much football as I use to as I'm mainly working on stretching, pelvic floor muscles and core muscles. If you do these things they should help either in avoiding surgery or put you in a good position if you ever have to have surgery. Swimming would be the best sport you can do to streghten the body.