Off to the back specialist tomorrow

[ElkCameraMan]

Imaging doesn’t always correlate to pain (50% of US population over 30 have herinated discs but only half of those who do are symptomatic)

I would avoid any surgery like the plague and look into the McKenzie method. Message me

 

[44hunter45]

Imaging doesn’t always correlate to pain (50% of US population over 30 have herinated discs but only half of those who do are symptomatic)

I would avoid any surgery like the plague and look into the McKenzie method. Message me

I do these exercises every morning.

 

[howl]

I was on gabapentin. An appropriate stretching routine and change in diet did as well.

I'd drop weight, tighten the abs and stretch daily til I was limber as a noodle before considering surgery.

 

[antelopedundee]

Gabipenton did nothing for my brother. Surgery fixed him instantly.

I found it to be useless and was switched to Lyrica/Pregabalin which works much better for my neuropathy. I had the L5-L1 laminectomy which helped some, but I have serious issues with being able to walk any distance. Even carrying my gear from my vehicle to the shooting range and back makes me feel like I'm worn out. My primary doc [an endocrinologist] at Mayo has finagled me an appt at their spine center next week so maybe he can help. I don't think it's spine related, but more of a muscle tendon problem.

 

[44hunter45]

I found it to be useless and was switched to Lyrica/Pregabalin which works much better for my neuropathy. I had the L5-L1 laminectomy which helped some, but I have serious issues with being able to walk any distance. Even carrying my gear from my vehicle to the shooting range and back makes me feel like I'm worn out. My primary doc [an endocrinologist] at Mayo has finagled me an appt at their spine center next week so maybe he can help. I don't think it's spine related, but more of a muscle tendon problem.

Good Luck.

 

[antelopedundee]

Good Luck.

TY

 

[fishing4sanity]

I tried a couple of different PTs and spinal injections, but after more than a year of not being able to lay down I asked the specialist to operate. It has been a very positive outcome for me... so far. Good luck!

 

[JoltnJoe]

Imaging doesn’t always correlate to pain (50% of US population over 30 have herinated discs but only half of those who do are symptomatic)

I would avoid any surgery like the plague and look into the McKenzie method. Message me

Just started on McKenzie. Seems to be helping some. Trying to back off my Gabapentin script because it affects my short term memory and focus. I’m 2 months and one injection into to my L4-5 herniation journey. Might look into to lyrica if the pain flairs back up. It’s tough to deny the surgeon because he’s the only one who will tell you he’s going to fix you, but stay the course and see if you can fix it without surgery is the commonality of advice I’ve received. Best of luck!

 

[longbow51]

Yes, avoid surgery until the last resort.

 

[brymoore]

Surgery is the only treatment that worked for me.

 

[antelopedundee]

Good Luck.

Saw the Mayo spine doc today. He says I have a tough case so well see how things shake out in a couple weeks.

 

[antelopedundee]

Saw the Mayo spine doc today. He says I have a tough case so well see how things shake out in a couple weeks.

He advised me to get a lumbar CT scan when I got back home which I did get. That revealed some issue at L5-S1, but he wasn't suggestive of surgery yet. It seems that RF ablation might be on the docket.

 

[fwagner]

Health advice on a hunting forum is so terrible. I don't even know why people post here. The only people you should be listening to are Physical Therapists and maybe, maybe medical providers/surgeons. Come here for support but go to them for advice.

 

[antelopedundee]

It's just describing situations IMO. FWIW I've yet to have any PT that I considered to be beneficial. The last time I re-started that was late Oct of 2024.
After my initial visit with a new therapist this is his opinion [it is not specific medical information] of my situation.

""The patient would benefit from skilled physical therapy for improved range of motion, strengthening and stabilization, and return to functional activities. The rehabilitation potential for this patient is fair/poor."

Not very encouraging is it? The PT exercises which I continue to do don't give any relief, but are just as likely to aggravate the situation. I would consider listening to the tooth fairy for info that I could pass on to my physician.

I have an antelope tag for Wyoming, but the way I feel most days I don't even feel like using it. It takes a couple hours just to feel human in the morning. I see it as maybe my last chance to go, but it doesn't feel like it's "in my blood" anymore. It's a challenge just getting out to the range these days. Dragging my gear from my truck to the bench and back again and walking out to pin up targets feels like it just about wipes me out. The last 20 yards walking uphill back to the bench are a killer. What works for/on some doesn't always work on others. Unless you're a doctor most people can't implement any medical advice that they get here or elsewhere. Fortunately I have a place to go where the hunting wouldn't be challenging.

 

[noharleyyet]

Nothing wrong with a little empathetic anecdotal commiseration but yea, see a pro...you'll know when it's time.

 

[brymoore]

He advised me to get a lumbar CT scan when I got back home which I did get. That revealed some issue at L5-S1, but he wasn't suggestive of surgery yet. It seems that RF ablation might be on the docket.

Do you have a herniated disk?

My issue was L5-S1 herniation. Physical therapy made it worse in my case. Only help was surgery. I went through 10 months of insurance checklists to try everything before surgery.

 

[longbow51]

I've rarely read a PT eval that didn't say a version of the same thing.

And shared misery is fine; virtual drinking buddies, as it were.

 

[antelopedundee]

Do you have a herniated disk?

My issue was L5-S1 herniation. Physical therapy made it worse in my case. Only help was surgery. I went through 10 months of insurance checklists to try everything before surgery.

I've not been told that I have a herniated disc. The gent that I saw at mayo called a complex situation. He suggested the possibility of RF abalation, but not surgery yet.

 

[brymoore]

I've not been told that I have a herniated disc. The gent that I saw at mayo called a complex situation. He suggested the possibility of RF abalation, but not surgery yet.

My google doctoring shows rf abalation as a type of surgery. You might ask what is your issue.

Herniation isn’t as bad as it sounds. I had surgery 14 years ago. (I had a second surgery 5 years later thinking I was Superman but that’s a Bryan being stupid moment.)

I’m 98% now. I don’t pick up anything heavy from the ground but I’m otherwise ok. My physical limitations aren’t from my back. I can pack out elk hinds without back issues.

 

[Darkside]

A inverting table works for me.