Suggestions Please!

[takniteasy]

I am dealing with the most intense lower back pain I have ever had at the moment. I think I am pretty well in tune with my body and I am afraid that herniated lumbar disc is the problem. Mind you, I have dealt with cervical herniated discs several years ago but this is almost unbearable! My question is this: If the final diagnosis is herniated lumbar disc (at any level), what are my options for leg workouts? Sports med doc says no squats, deads, GMs or presses for a while until the inflammation is resolved. Legs are my strongest part of my body and I rarely miss leg day. However I am really at a loss as to what I could possibly do for leg days. I can lay off for a couple of weeks during drug therapy (ya know Medrol and Soma) but what about afterwards? As for any cardio, I have been informed to ditch the treadmill and invest in eliptical trainer, which I am more than happy to do.

In reference to an earlier thread I posted, since I am doing Medrol for a couple of weeks, I have cut sodium drastically and gone back to low, low carb to minimize H2O retention and bloat. That oughta help with some weight loss.

Spatts, MS, W6 are you guys out there? I really need your input here.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Latamier]

I have two disce at the L4-5, and L5-S1 levels. Best thing to do is see an Orthopaedic Dr and check on having an epidural block done. One block usually lasts me about 6 months or so.

 

[takniteasy]

Lat, epi block has been discussed but I am still wondering what to do for my leg workouts if I have to elimanate the compounds for a while? When I had the dics in my neck, I was grounded (no impact whatsoever) for cardio for about 6 months and any weight bearing moves were extremely lite to allow for sufficient healing time. However, I have heard nothing but horror stories here. I trust my sports med doc but most of the patients dealt with in this area are snowbirds (senior citizens) with nowhere the activity level I have. I suppose extensions and maybe lite hammy curls would suffice for the time being.

If anyone else has any experience with low back injuries and/or recurrent pain, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.