Herniated discs cervical

[nuh_mizer]

Great info DocTodd, a question for you, what is the most reliable way to tell if a disc is herniated? Is there a way the injured person can tell the difference between a herniation, a bulg or simply strains/spraings? As a patient we often trust our docs to do whats best for us, but I have found that they often simply do what they know, the gen practitioner may simply tell you to take anti-inflamatories and take it easy, another may prescribe prednisone, another an MRI and surgery. Is there a way, as a patient, to tell just what has been done.

I know I'm not DocTodd, but my experience was they did an MRI. My doctor led me to believe a herniation and a buldge are pretty much the same. Since he has weakness, it's probably more than just a strain.

 

[ike29]

ty for the feedback. going to another doctor on thursday. so iin most case , a herniated disc problem, doesnt just go away, and the problem with the strength in my tricep is what leads me to be believe hs is going to suggest surgery.

 

[kenpolifter]

I had a bulging disk surgery a year and half ago. L5 disk. Before the surgery, I had pain in my right butt and my toes were numb. The surgery wasn't bad as they put me to sleep. However, the result was phenomenon. The pain is gone and the recovery is ongoing. However, squats were a little hard for a long time until I got on some good cycle.

With surgery, I would say it's worth it and the recovery will take over a year or so.

Good luck

Bump, my workout partner just had it done. It was amazing. He can walk straight now. It will be a while before he's back in the gym, but at least he is in no more pain.

 

[Thaibox]

Great info DocTodd, a question for you, what is the most reliable way to tell if a disc is herniated?
If its serious pain enough to be a concern, an MRI needs to be taken. This way, you can see exactly what's going on with your discs while your doctor looks at them. With a little research, you can learn to tell the severity of disc conditions and what should be done for each. Also, since you're standing next to your doc looking at these, he cannot feed you bullshit about your condition. If he recommends surgery for a simple buldging disc, you can check him on it and find another doc.

Is there a way the injured person can tell the difference between a herniation, a bulg or simply strains/spraings?
A disc becomes herniated when the nucleus tissue is forced from the center of the disc. The disc itself does not slip. But, the nucleus tissues located in the center of the disc can be placed under so much pressure that it can cause the annulus to herniated or rupture against one or more of the spinal nerves which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the low back. leg or foot. In my case, I had pain down both legs and lost one type of feeling in the left side due to nerve damage.

A lot of people consider a bulging disc synonymous with a herniation, but I disagree. I believe that its generally accepted that a disc in the primary stages of natural compression is "bulging" once it is protruding outside the natural edge. Or maybe thats just how I've understood it these years.

As far as self diagnosing a disc condition...I don't know bro, it would be difficult. The typical places to have problems with discs will cause problems in your apendages, usually your legs, as it presses against the nerve associated with whatever leg or even internal organ associated with that nerve. The parts of my nerve that were getting crushed were also associated with my schlong which became a serious problem. Just as a heads up, this is possible.

As a patient we often trust our docs to do whats best for us, but I have found that they often simply do what they know, the gen practitioner may simply tell you to take anti-inflamatories and take it easy, another may prescribe prednisone, another an MRI and surgery. Is there a way, as a patient, to tell just what has been done.
With respect to back conditions, since they are very vague in nature, in my opinion, the only true way to know is have an MRI done(simple), learn how to read the basics(again simple), and look over the pics with your doc.

ike29, I had a bi-level surgery on l4,l5s1 3 months ago. It took me a few weeks to walk fairly normal. The only thing I could train was grip(bought some COC grippers). 1 month post surgery, I was in the gym with my cane using machines that I could do with no back strain and light weight. 1 week later, the cane was gone and weight was going up. 2 months post surgery, I was lifting fairly normal(no deads, squats or heavy overhead things). Now 3 months out I'm actually the strongest I've ever been at 262#. Still won't be squatting or deadlifting for a while, but all other lifts are great. Some days are kinda bad, I need to pop a few vicodin for pain and valium to keep a little relaxed, and am usually good to go the next day. Good luck

 

[nuh_mizer]

The parts of my nerve that were getting crushed were also associated with my schlong which became a serious problem.

Shit that is a problem!
Sounds like you made good progress.

 

[tman55]

I had C7 fused about 2 years ago.

Went to 5 different docs, did all the therapy and treatments, nothing helped me at all. Pain in neck and down left arm all the way to the finger tips felt like I hit my funny bone 24/7.

Mine was ruptured and totally wasted, so the only thing to do at the time was to go in and take the disk out and out bone in and titanium plate with four screws.

It sucked for about 4 months, feeling very altered and still hurt. Doc said it was inflamation. Now i do squats without problems. The only things that bother it are some shoulder exercises like side arm extensions and french curls bother it sometimes too.

Anyway sounds like similar sit. that you have so there is my feedback bro.

Hope you get better soon!

 

[ike29]

appreciate it!

 

[pitcher1]

Any one heard of a Chiropractor. I hear they do wonders for bodybuilders. Keeping the Spine aligned and moving freely. You all should check one out.

 

[DocTodd]

Thaibox said it pretty well. Unfortunately, there isnt always a black and white answer. We as docs have to take the clinical things we see by examining the patient and try to correlate the MRI findings with it. If the puzzle pieces fit, then proceed with treatment options. Sorry guys...not always an easy answer. The good news is that treatment is similar.

example....Joe Blow says he has left arm pain and numbness...we get an MRI....shows a herniated disc ON THE RIGHT!!! Obviously the MRI doesnt help here. Funny thing is that i see this about once every week or two. I would probably do an epidural steroid injection either way.

Try less aggressive/invasive things first, and see how the patient responds. 90-95% of back pain is due to muscle strains.....i can attest that i fit into that category tonight while doing military presses!!!!!

Thaibox is right about the differences between herniated and bulging. Not a day goes by when a patient doesnt say i have back pain due to a bulging disc. But ALMOST ALL people have bulging discs, especially as you get older. This can even be due to simple things like prolonged poor posture.

To try to make it simple......3 conditions need to be surgerized(lol)....
1. new onset bowel and/or bladder incontinence that is not due to anything else
2. progressive weakness and/or atrophy
3. pain that hasnt responded to any other treatment for about 1 year

T

oh...im in Indianapolis right now but ill be in South Florida in about 3 months

as for a chiropractor...id rather get a smoking hot massage therapist. The bones in your back arent supposed to be moved as much as some chiropractors move them. But i have to say that most chiropractors are pretty good and we exchange alot of business.

 

[DocTodd]

Great info DocTodd, a question for you, what is the most reliable way to tell if a disc is herniated? Is there a way the injured person can tell the difference between a herniation, a bulg or simply strains/spraings? As a patient we often trust our docs to do whats best for us, but I have found that they often simply do what they know, the gen practitioner may simply tell you to take anti-inflamatories and take it easy, another may prescribe prednisone, another an MRI and surgery. Is there a way, as a patient, to tell just what has been done.

In other words, if I came into your office and said I hurt my low back, it was strange, it was a light workout day and I unracked the bar to do shrugs, got a sharp pain in my lower back and its benn there ever since. It has subsided a little and it stiffens up after having been standing still or sitting for a while. I get a sharp pain when I inhale deeply. I can feel the area that is sore when i stand and lift one knee off the gound. How can we as patients make a semi educated decision as to weather or not the Doc we are seeing is persueing the ritht avenue of treatment?

dude...go to med school. Those are detailed questions and dont necessarily have one answer. Or better yet, make an appointment...lol. I hope i answered some in my other posts. Sounds like a muscle strain by first impression cuz you arent describing any radicular symptoms.

T