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Herniated Lumbar disk

Hey everyone! I don't really know how this works, but I wanted to reach out and try to find some help concerning a recent health update I've had. 

 

Finally got an MRI on my injured back and have officially been diagnosed with a herniated disk (L5-S1) in the lower lumbar spine. I'm trying to lose some weight and be healthy, but I am finding it hard to find exercises that don't aggravate it more! Is there any advice you can give an injured soul looking for improvement! Anything would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

 

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@Alnida,

 

I had one in L-5 L-6 back in 1980 before MRI's. I did lots of stuff I shouldn't have because they diagnosed it as sprained muscles. Finally, I got CAT scan in about 1992 and it showed the herniated disk. The doctor told me to take three Ibuprofen three times a day until the pain went away. He also said not to do any exercise but easy walking for a year. The next CAT scan after that year showed the disk had disappeared.

 

Stay away from bicycle riding and anything with fast starts and stops like tennis. Be especially careful when pulling on anything. 

 

There is a long shot that I have zero scientific support for.

 

This part is factual: The blood vessels to those disks are the smallest ones in a woman's body. Lower back issues are often a result of those blood vessels being clogged with plaque. It's one of the early signs of developing heart disease. Don't panic. It's easily arrested through diet.  You can reverse the clogging with a Whole Food Plant Based diet. I'll give other sources if you are interested.

 

This is the part I don't have scientific support for. I was told after a recent MRI that the disk had regrown. I've never seen any references where this is possible. Changing your way of eating will improve many other things, it won't matter if my anecdotal experience is true or not. I didn't bother pursuing it because I've found it's dangerous to talk to doctors. Next thing you know, they want to give you a pill for something you don't have. 

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I have two at the base of my spine, don't know the numbers but just remember they're the two lowest ones. They were diagnosed by MRI and my doctor basically said I was doomed to a lifetime of pain and suffering that would only get worse, then offered me pills which I refused. This was two years ago now.

 

I have been under regular chiropractic care for years so mentioned it to my chiropractor who wasn’t at all concerned, he actually said “you and about 80% of the population” as apparently most people have these issues but without any symptoms.  He did warn me against heavy squats / deadlifts unless I was 100% confident on my form, but that’s it. I use my own common sense for day to day living and if it hurts, I don’t do it – like sleeping on my front with my head elevated at all, that’s really not good. But, I’m still very active with lots of walking, weights, yoga, rebounding and whatever else catches my attention and looks fun, and have almost no pain at all. Recently I’ve started taking a collagen supplement just to see if it benefits me at all, but too soon to say if it will or not.

Allie
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so two things.. losing weight is not dependent on you exercising. Weight loss starts in the kitchen and supported by activity, but it isn't absolutely necessary for weight loss. The second thing is, I would solicit this kind of advice from a person who is licensed or authorized to express their opinion. As well meaning as we may be and as many similar stories we may share- you are you and have different needs or restrictions that someone else has. At your height, weight, age, overall fitness, you aren't going to be like someone here who may have the same condition. I would just caution you to use really good judgement when taking advice... ok, off my soapbox and a sincere good luck with your fitness goals.

Elena | Pennsylvania

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Thank you for sharing this suggestion @nieprophsono

 

Chiropractic was very helpful for my father. I also have 3 herniated disks in the lumbar area and swimming, elliptical and chiropractic have been very useful for me too 😁

Davide | Italian and English Community Moderator, Fitbit


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Perhaps you should immediately contact a specialist, as there may be even more negative consequences. Take care of yourself!

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Hi Alnida, lots of great advice from other members. I too had a herniated disc, had mri's, shots in my spine, surgery, etc. For me losing weight by eating better and walking has really helped. Gentle exercises to have a stronger core helps me a lot, too. A stronger core helps support your back and takes some of the strain off it. You Tube has exercise video's for people with lumbar herniated discs. Losing weight and exercising, walking has helped me immensely. I had to start slow and listen to my body but it gets easier and I feel much better. Good luck and glad you're here.

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Thank you for sharing your experience with this @Drumbob! I was just checking a few youtube videos about this yesterday. 😁 

Davide | Italian and English Community Moderator, Fitbit


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I was interested in this topic, and I want to share my observations. It is obvious that pain (most often pain in the lower back) is a common phenomenon in the modern world, since most of us spend a large amount of time in a stationary sitting position. It is also interesting that now it affects not only the elderly due to age-related changes, but also more and more young people. Yes, and I'm no exception. Since this is my job, I put a lot of pressure on my back. And sometimes the pain in my lower back makes my life hell. I decided to do something, as my patience ran out. I studied a large amount of information and formed my own version of dealing with low back pain. First, 2-3 times a week I attend massage sessions, 2 times a week I do yoga. But the most important component, frankly, is chiropractic sessions. Yes, now many are skeptical about this method, but it is effective, I assure you. At first, I was in the group of skeptics, until I got acquainted with the information about pain relief. based on my personal experience, I will say that it is worth a try. I am not a professional and I understand perfectly well that everything depends on the characteristics of the body. But why not try it?

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Thank you for sharing that @SarahSmith987!  

 

I what you mean, my father has 2 hernias and has constant back pain and he's 63 years old. I never thought I would end up having 3 hernias being so young, but the amount of time spent in a stationary sitting position is definitely affecting more and more young people everywhere. 

Davide | Italian and English Community Moderator, Fitbit


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