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Posted by Steve
In Reply to: My orthopaedic microsurgeon diagnosed a prolapsed / bulging (but not herniated) disc in L4 / 5. He is reccomending endoscopic discectomy to remove the disc posted by Tim Green
Didn't do the surgery ....
Yep I am in the same spot except I have a herniated L5 but also S1/S2
degeneration on the right side. The S1/S2 has been a long term thing and the
L5 since Oct/98 - I spent 4 weeks unable to walk - crawling around the house
was my mode of transport.
I am lucky in the fact that I have 2 Chiropractors that are involved in
sports and one being a riding buddy. Had the CAT, saw the neurologist and
the neurosurgeon. All have recommended avoiding the surgery until it becomes
absolutely necessary.
I modify my sport desires ( can't run or play hockey anymore - but I can
play with my kids) I have to pick the challenges on the trails that I
attempt ( like clearing that log pile that your son just rode - doesn't mean
I stop riding - it just mean assessing my new limitations) I've changed
riding positions - went from a Al. hardtail to a Al. hardtail with seat post
shock then to a FS ride, I do core strength exercises, stretches, I walk at
lunch time and in the evening after the kid are in bed. I take out the trash
on a dolly, I ask for help to lift things instead of doing it myself - you
get the idea.
I suffer from daily reminders of the condition - pain in the glut's and down
the leg (on a bad day) but this is infrequently now - sometimes its just
stiffness - other times its nothing at all.
My job as a mechanical designer involves modifying my daily routine moving
frequently and doing stretches during the day - if I don't, I end up paying
for it.
Like others have talked about - Chiro's being quacks - may be true but I
have also met quacks in other professions as well.
As far as being fat ugly mid age men - All the Chiro's I know are 26 to mid
40's and are former athletes, riders or runners. This doesn't mean a thing
mind you, you just need to look for a professional who understands your
desire to ride.
My own GP didn't offer any suggestions when I first had x-rays for the S1/S2
problem - I took it into my own hands to find help. A lot of MD's have
different views about other field's of the profession.
Finding a good Chiro or Physio - find who your local cycling club, hockey,
football, soccer team uses.
best wishes
Steve
