Hello!
I'm 28 years old and was diagnosed with a herniated disc (L5 S1) mid-July. While I had pain and activity limitation since the injury in May, I was still quite functional. After some ill-advised PT and premature spinal rotation, sciatica set in, which increased markedly during August. However, nothing prepared me for the constant, excruciating pain that I've been in since a trans-Atlantic flight three weeks ago (Sept. 1). I can hardly stand or walk more than a few moments without debilitating low back and sciatic pain. Although the pain and tingling can be severe, I don't yet have motor deficits, apparently. I've taken Vicodin steadily for almost four weeks, and three days ago started a course of oral steroids, which have yet to take effect.
When I first read your book a few weeks ago, I was astonished by how much abuse my back has put up with. I naturally have a long torso and strong sway, which in retrospect seem like an accident waiting to happen. Also this summer, I was vigorously doing extension exercises, which I don't doubt contributed toward increased disc compression and possibly movement.
At the moment I'm bedridden, overseas (in France), contemplating surgery, and waiting for the cortisone to take effect. I'm seeing a rhumatologist (for pain), and am waiting for any indications of the next step: neurosurgeon, etc. While your book on posture spoke to me like a dovesong, and it's clear that postural work and PT are a necessity at some point, my pain is too strong at the moment for nearly any of the exercises. I'm quite concerned about atrophy, particularly in the back and abdomen. My question is: is there ANY very gentle work that I may begin under these circumstances? Obviously it's advisable to work under knowledgeable supervision of someone quite experienced, but it's exceedingly difficult for me to leave the house now, and navigating a foreign medical system is another matter.
Thanks for any advice, and my apologies for such a long post!
I'm 28 years old and was diagnosed with a herniated disc (L5 S1) mid-July. While I had pain and activity limitation since the injury in May, I was still quite functional. After some ill-advised PT and premature spinal rotation, sciatica set in, which increased markedly during August. However, nothing prepared me for the constant, excruciating pain that I've been in since a trans-Atlantic flight three weeks ago (Sept. 1). I can hardly stand or walk more than a few moments without debilitating low back and sciatic pain. Although the pain and tingling can be severe, I don't yet have motor deficits, apparently. I've taken Vicodin steadily for almost four weeks, and three days ago started a course of oral steroids, which have yet to take effect.
When I first read your book a few weeks ago, I was astonished by how much abuse my back has put up with. I naturally have a long torso and strong sway, which in retrospect seem like an accident waiting to happen. Also this summer, I was vigorously doing extension exercises, which I don't doubt contributed toward increased disc compression and possibly movement.
At the moment I'm bedridden, overseas (in France), contemplating surgery, and waiting for the cortisone to take effect. I'm seeing a rhumatologist (for pain), and am waiting for any indications of the next step: neurosurgeon, etc. While your book on posture spoke to me like a dovesong, and it's clear that postural work and PT are a necessity at some point, my pain is too strong at the moment for nearly any of the exercises. I'm quite concerned about atrophy, particularly in the back and abdomen. My question is: is there ANY very gentle work that I may begin under these circumstances? Obviously it's advisable to work under knowledgeable supervision of someone quite experienced, but it's exceedingly difficult for me to leave the house now, and navigating a foreign medical system is another matter.
Thanks for any advice, and my apologies for such a long post!
22 hours 33 min ago
09/10/2008 - 8:36pm