haven't lifted in 3 weeks

[IrishPower]

well.. we did some email a few days back but i think its safe to say now you dont have a herniated disc cause you wouldn't be doing shit if you did.

so... lets assume you bulged a disc and probably over-torked some lower back muscles...

i would continue the stretching. do you have access to bands? these are an excellent rehab device? bands good mornings, band raises, reverse hypers, etc.

i wouldnt start back on the deadlifts just yet. btw: i don't think high rep deadlifts necessarily cause injuries. high rep deadlifts to FAILURE do because your form will go to shit on the last few reps.

if you are gonna do 20 reps sets, do it with something you can EASILY pump out maintaining form. this will flush blood in their and help with the healing process.

recently, i strained my lower back before last meet. fortunately, i had 8 days of rest where i used ice, massage and strectching. i would say i was back at 90% at the meet. it takes time. and for the next 2 weeks, i am not doing any box squats, me back work, or pulls..... just recovery work.

hope it works out for you.

/irish

 

[jeremys]

thanks...i haven't ordered bands yet but i will tonight. any idea how long they take?

 

[jeremys]

another question...if a person has a bulging disc...does that disc ever go back to normal or is it always bulging and pressing on nerves, etc?

 

[IrishPower]

here is what i know about a bulging disc.

the body reabsorbs the material over time. you are not necessarily pressing on nerves but you *may* be.

the younger you are, the quicker your body will recover.

when you herniate a disc (or discs as i did 3 years ago), the material 'leaks' out and usually does aggravate a nerve. again, the body heals itself by reabsorbing it. surgery is only done when there is severe pain OR 'cauda equina' syndrome occurs. this is a condition where the nerves controlling bowel/bladder are affected and it can be life threatening.

you DONT have this so dont get scared.

just take your time. try and get your core muscles strong when you are healed..... abs, abs, abs, and lower back my friend!

btw: you should tell your folks that NOT having insurance is irresponsible regardless of whether you lift weights or not.

i would NOT waste my money going to a doctor unless you are still in extreme pain in a month. if its not an ortho, the worthless guy will probably tell you that you need xrays which is bullshit. an ortho *may* tell you to order an MRI which will cost 1000+ without insurance.

here is another idea:

why dont you buy insurance with the money you have saved. at your age, it cant be too expensive. then in a month, if problems still persist, go see a doctor then. just a thought.

good luck!

/irish

 

[jeremys]

you say i could see one in a month if im still in extreme pain..do you think i should be healed by then, or partly healed and the pain just isnt as bad as it gets right now?