L4 and L5 disc prolapse doesn't add up!

[islamabadphysio]

Hi

I am also a bodybuilder and had a clinic dealing with atletes.

I had a very similar problem, as you train with heavy weights i assume that you abs and lower back muscles are very strong as well as your legs.

I suggest rest for a while, anti inflammatories and maybe muscle relaxants.

You dont have to stop lifting or even stop lifting heavy weights, you just need to adjust your training accordingly. I still lift heavy and have a L4 and L5 prolapse.

I would not worry about it too much at this stage but if the pain continues for more than a week then you should see your doctor and get him to recommend you to a physio who has experience with athletes.


Let me know how you get on

Ik
I

[pt8am]

I think the advice to continue with your weights training is ill advised. A prolapsed disc will not like the compressive forces of body wieght and certainly not when loaded with additional unstable loads. Discs will tend to take 12 weeks or so to heel and become more stable. i would deffinatley follow physiobobs advice and see an experienced physio (privately if you cant wait). In the meantime you could try laying on your front with a couple of pillows under your chest and stick a CD on. This unloaded position may help to encourage the prolapse back into position. You need to experiment a little with maybe adding slight side bends in you back to find the most effective position. An effective position will bring the symptoms back up towards your back - although the back itself may have an increase in symptoms. Basically the less pressure is on the nerve the less it will transmit down the leg.

Also keep a very close eye on your lower back position in sitting as its easy to fall into lower lumbar flexion especially in car seats/sofas etc. So keep a cusion/pillow/ rolled up towel in your back to help maintain this if you need to.

I hope this helps if you have not seen anybody in the meantime. It would be nice to know how your getting on.