i figure this is as good a place as any to discus this - just thought to start a thread for those with back problems, in particular bulging discs given that I'm one of the lucky punters out there to go through this.
Mine started in my late 20's with occasional seizures in my back which would render me unable to move for a period - couple of days usually, then followed by a couple of weeks rehab to get movement back and pain down.
I'm now mid 30's and it's got worse. A lot worse. Being being diagnosed with bulging disc I had a 2 year period where I count do anything re sport, and gardening etc would trigger spasms again and pain management by Chiro and physio would ensue in the months following.
About a year ago it got better, got back in the water surfing again and started playing Aussie 9's ( which is awesome fun btw) but then the latest set-back...
Did something playing footy which triggered the disc inflammation. I didn't know at the time but I had a 17mm bulge in L5 and similar in L4 - leading to sciatica pain so intense down to my Achilles that I couldn't bend my leg or walk properly.
After enduring this on tramadols for a couple of months I went and had the MRI - diagnosis, bulging disc...
So that's the background - the purpose of the thread is to now discuss recovery methods and so on.
The biggest help to me so far has been buying a stand-up desk and doing hydrotherapy.
Being self employed I work crazy long hours and the stand up desk gives the spine relief that it needs - we're definitely NOT meant to sit for long periods....
As for the hydrotherapy - it's been a god-send. It gave me relief within about 4 sessions and settled the bulge in about 2 months.
The increase was so good I went back to the water for a surf last week and a little jog- life was bloody good !!!
BUT, lo and behold, did a hydro session yesterday and whammo- back is sore and feels like I've been transported back 2 years.
Really frustrating - needed to vent here and wanted to hear of others stories
Mine started in my late 20's with occasional seizures in my back which would render me unable to move for a period - couple of days usually, then followed by a couple of weeks rehab to get movement back and pain down.
I'm now mid 30's and it's got worse. A lot worse. Being being diagnosed with bulging disc I had a 2 year period where I count do anything re sport, and gardening etc would trigger spasms again and pain management by Chiro and physio would ensue in the months following.
About a year ago it got better, got back in the water surfing again and started playing Aussie 9's ( which is awesome fun btw) but then the latest set-back...
Did something playing footy which triggered the disc inflammation. I didn't know at the time but I had a 17mm bulge in L5 and similar in L4 - leading to sciatica pain so intense down to my Achilles that I couldn't bend my leg or walk properly.
After enduring this on tramadols for a couple of months I went and had the MRI - diagnosis, bulging disc...
So that's the background - the purpose of the thread is to now discuss recovery methods and so on.
The biggest help to me so far has been buying a stand-up desk and doing hydrotherapy.
Being self employed I work crazy long hours and the stand up desk gives the spine relief that it needs - we're definitely NOT meant to sit for long periods....
As for the hydrotherapy - it's been a god-send. It gave me relief within about 4 sessions and settled the bulge in about 2 months.
The increase was so good I went back to the water for a surf last week and a little jog- life was bloody good !!!
BUT, lo and behold, did a hydro session yesterday and whammo- back is sore and feels like I've been transported back 2 years.
Really frustrating - needed to vent here and wanted to hear of others stories