Hey all
I honestly don’t know if I am posting in the right place, or if I even should be posting on here at all, but decided to join to get some opinions, tips, pointers, suggestions…
I am not a bodybuilder, altho it has always interested me. The reason I decided to come to you all for advice is because of what you typically put your bodies thru, and the dedication and care you take of your bodies. I figured it might be the better place to go to get some ideas.
I have a herniated disc at L5. Happened about a month ago, and I keep re aggravating it. Am currently just going to chiropractic, resting, putting ice on it, and doing McKenzie excersises on it. Thinking about possible decompression treatments, but want to talk to my chiro on next appt about it first. Thought I blew it out again yesterday, but the sciatic pain has not gotten any worse(i stopped walking too fast and felt a “pop” and then the shooting pain; got an adjustment at chiro and some traction, just did bed rest last night and iced it; pain is no worse today than before the “pop” thank heaven).
My plan at this point is to keep doing the Mckenzie excersises, doing the ice, rest, etc, but moving around(probably with the help of a small back belt for the next few days to help keep my spine stable, but no more than that)to keep the blood flow going. I’ve also been told its ok to use a small hand held Shiatsu Massager that i have in the area to keep the blood moving and stimulate the muscles in the area, I’m assuming. I was hoping you all could help me out by answering a few questions or offering some suggestions on the following:
-Is there a supplement(currently taking Glucosamine)that might aid in the healing process? Willing to try a protein drink, but don’t want to waste my money on something that won’t help. I am currently taking Advil to help ease the discomfort, but it ruins my appetite and upsets my stomach(don’t think i’ll find anything that won’t). I know you need nutrients to heal, but just not that interested in food right now. Yes, I am trying to drink lots of water to hydrate.
-What do you think of using the back belt for now to stabalize? Helpful or not? Have any of you heard of this new Dr. Ho’s decompression belt?
-Aside from the Mckenzies, is there another excersise that I could do to help move the disc away from the nerve root that you know of?
-Once the pain is GONE, what excersise will help strengthen my back without causing a re injury? Someone suggested deadlifts with a light weight load, does this sound about right? Would appreciate any other suggestions.
-Lastly, been dealing with this for a month, and am damned tired of it. Can anyone send me a ray of sunshine and give me an idea of how long these things typically last, if one is doing their best to heal it? I seem to be making progress, but I am not a patient person and summer is coming; I just want my life back.
Hope you can help me out, I’d appreciate anything you might be able to tell me.
Cheers!!
SassyBoots