Herniated disc- what can I do?

Discussion in 'Disabled Martial Artists' started by oni-no-gaijin, Aug 30, 2004.

  1. oni-no-gaijin

    oni-no-gaijin New Member

    What's up everyone. I'd been suffering severe neck pain for about 8 months, and I finally went to a doctor. After an MRI scan, I was told that I had a herniated disc in my first thoracic vertebrae. The doctor told me I wouldn't be able to train in MA or do any weightlifting for at least a couple months. That was three months ago, and the pain isn't subsiding. I'd be really grateful for any advice or similar experiences anyone here had. I'm dying to get back on my feet, and the lack of practice is bringing severe depression. Is there anything I can do to help healing, and are there any arts that won't aggravate my injury?

    Thanks.

    James
     
  2. Mrs Owt

    Mrs Owt New Member

    Hi James,

    I am sorry to hear that you have such an awful injury! I personally have no experience with herniated discs, I just wanted to let you know that I hope you find some relief soon. There are some very smart, experienced people on this board who can probably help you. I'm just the moral support person as I have no real expertise in anything.

    So here you go...**props moral supports under James**

    If you need to whine or vent - give me a shout. I'm not a stranger to recovering from injury so I know a little of what you are going through.
     
  3. Mr. Anderson

    Mr. Anderson Valued Member

    I too have suffered from a herniated disc for about 8 months. Mine is between vertebrae 6 & 7 in my neck so they cause numbness in my left arm and a lot of neck pain. I tried Cortisone and it really did help with the pain for about 3 months. It is starting to wear off now and I have another shot scheduled. I hate needles, but it is worth the relief it offers. I have continued to work out despite the recommendation to take it easy and honestly, my neck feels better after a good work out - it just seems to loosen it up a bit. I do tell people to take it easy on throws just because I don't want to cause serious injury, but the rest of the time I go full out.

    I don't know what treatment options you are considering, but I think you should try some pain intervention treatment.
     
  4. KickChick

    KickChick Valued Member

    A ruptured disc, also called a herniated disc or slipped disc usually occurs in the lower (lumbar) spine, which is the area that takes the brunt of twisting and turning .... which many of the martial art styles involve


    Was this caused by your ma training by such repetitive twisting motions?

    What was your treatment? FYI .... pain will worsen as years go by without any treatment.

    Herniated discs will eventually get better with complete rest. Bear in mind that when you stand, each disc carries the weight of the body above it... so you need to take the weight off of the disc in order for it to heal completely.

    Are you wearing a brace?
    A back brace may help relieve the stress on the disc, and physical therapy can help relieve any muscle spasms you may have.

    You will eventually need to engage in a back-strengthening program so you should consult your doctor.

    I wouldn't totally rule out returning to martial arts.... but you need to listen to the advice of your doctor or take steps (surgical or non-surgical) to alleviate your pain.
     
  5. punchfast

    punchfast New Member

    Herniated Disc information

    Hey James,

    I can relate to you. I too have had some cervical spine problems -perhaps a little worse than yours, (more on that later)

    As far as the disc goes, did he say it was the first thoracic or the 8th cervical? Makes a big difference if surgery is involved, due to the rib and clavicle, depending on the surgical approach ( if needed).

    Best thing I would recommend to keep training and not aggravate it worse is to focus on lower body activities with low velocity, force and torque. Things such as stretching, knee bends, perhaps s-l-o-w kicks with hands up in fighting position but no punching if that hurts. Perhaps some leg extensions and as much pool work as you could do ( if you can get to a pool, that is).

    Here are some links to some spinal information:

    http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article598.html

    http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article598.html#what

    http://www.umm.edu/spinecenter/education/herniated_thoracic_disk.html

    http://health.allrefer.com/health/herniated-nucleus-pulposus-slipped-disk-herniated-disk-repair.html

    http://www.emedicine.com/sports/topic128.htm
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Most of these refer to surgery but let it heal for a few months and see what happens.

    I had severe spinal stenosis over the entire C-spine. I had three anterior cervical fusions over 6 years to stabilize the spine (neck), then had a multi-level decompressive laminectomy, which removes the posterior ( back ) bony structure of the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. I had this from C3 - C8, or SIX levels of the spine. So I have had a little neck and back pain, and also a little rehab. to recover.

    For the record, I still train, (NO falling, jumping or getting contact sparring... no neck support for contact), lift weights, kick, punch, swim, hit the speed bag and do pretty much what I want except sparring or throwing with contact.

    Just for fun, here is a web link about my own rehab, and the Pictures on this story were AFTER the surgery. Perhaps you and others will find it motivational and realize that all is not lost when you have spinal problems.

    http://enabledonline.com/BackIssues/February2001/health2.html

    Good luck and hopeful return to health.
     
  6. Nevada_MO_Guy

    Nevada_MO_Guy Missouri_Karate_Guy

    Hi James,

    I don't know anything about back pain...knock on wood....however I did do some searching for my dad, about his elbow and shoulder pain....He decided to go with Acupuncture...

    While your healing, have you considered swimming.

    Just a thought.
     
  7. oni-no-gaijin

    oni-no-gaijin New Member

    Thanks for all the advice guys. You all rule. I'm positive it's in the first thoracic disc, because I have no pain and numbness in the arms. I originally hurt it doing a squat lift, but I'm one of those morons who ignored the pain and went on with muay thai, grappling and power lifting training. The back and neck specialist said that punching and kicking are the worst things i can do, because any twisting motion will worsen the injury. I had been sticking with just jogging, and a little swordplay, but me and my 250 lb. buddy went down to the beach. I'm about 160, and I couldn't resist the challlenge. I had so much fun sparring(and putting him in a guillotine in waist-deep water), but I'm hurting really bad now. I'm really sorry to hear about eveyone else's injuries, but the support from you guys(and gals) really helps. I have a needle phobia, but I think I'm going to try acupuncture this Thursday. It's quite affordable compared to the Western medicine, which doesn't seem to be working. Thanks again to all of you, and best of luck to all my fellow gimps.
    I respect the advice of people on THIS forum, so please keep the replies coming.

    James
     

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