I'm a physiotherapist. All of the things you say are completely true. MRI just scares people and makes their pain worse because of fear and stress. Most people will get better by exercising and having hope. I saw these in my patients. You're great 👌👌 Continue your good work and keep us updated 👌👌
SCIATICA!! It’s a bitch. Bed-ridden for more than 3 months Intense pain-drs visits required wheel chair Had 2 non-effective epidurals so went to a new neurosurgeon who gave the epidural doc instructions as to where what and how much epidural to try ( I had zero faith by then/ but Third time was a charm!! Pain abated within a few days- was able to stop opiates altogether- went from wheelchair to cane to nothing within the week Now continuing w PT to stretch and strengthen My takeaway- make sure u r seeing the absolute best, most experienced dr u can possibly find!
I had lower back pain and sciatica for almost 3 years. Until I found a way to heal my lower back pain and sciatica once and for all. I do decompression exercises using monkey bar. Basically, I just hang on the monkey bar and gently twist my hips and gently swing from side to side. I'm now free from lower back pain and sciatica.
@@CoachJeromeTeasley I usually hang for about 1 minute each time. First, I will hang and twist my hips. And then, rest. Then, I will hang and swing from side to side for about 1 minute. I usually repeat this 2-3 times each session. The pain went away in less than a week. I can walk and bend my back pain free. Nowadays, I only hang twice a week just for exercise purposes. ☺️
Just popping in to set realistic expectations for other viewers. I'm happy hanging was helpful for you. For most people, there is no such thing as a SINGLE magic fix. Decompression from hanging may be great for some, neutral for others, and make some people worse. It totally depends on the individual. Even when hanging does help, it still is only there to provide temporary relief, it does NOT substitute for the fundamentals, which are exercise to make the body stronger, and good recovery (nutrition, sleep, and stress reduction). I only chime in here to prevent "magic-fix" thinking. Real rehab must be more comprehensive for most people.
I use my inversion table like this. Hang upside down for a minute or two, then I wiggle back and forth and swing back and forth under my own power. Back pain has really gone down.
Herniated L4-L5, L5-S1 disc in February most severe sciatica pain EVER. Couldn’t sit, stand, or lay down w/o excruciating pain down my right leg and numb outer toes. Now it end of May mostly pain only in my tailbone (still so intense 😖) sometimes in my ankle sometimes my hamstring. But I can only sit for like 15mins bf pain runs down my leg into my ankle. I walk for 1 hr every morning usually a 20-30min walk in the evening. I do a few McKenzie exercises and I tried some of my “normal” exercises but got scared that I was making it worse so I backed off. The pain is debilitating and really makes you feel hopeless. Praying that by the end of June I’m pain free. Your channel is refreshing 😊
@@KappoMichy This is bad advice unless there are red flags. Besides, if a person knows they have an L4-5 herniation, they've already had the MRI. That said, I tell most of my patients to forget about their MRI because the MRI only makes things worse (unless a person has red flags). Re watch the video to understand why. Or watch this to understand why an MRI tells us nothing about pain: czcams.com/video/Z4v04FIWTUU/video.html
Glad you are recovery, did you try any injection? The 1st injection I had not work but very painful experience. Do you take any medication for your pain? The medication helps me but I will cut down soon when I feel better. I have a similar experience like your pain, I also have this annoying tingling on my left leg. Thanks for reply
@@ShapeshiftWellness since I watched your video about fear I started easing more into sitting! I honestly thought that feeling the pain meant I was making it worse so I’d quickly go and lay down. Since Tuesday I’ve been taking a deep breath and reminding myself that I’m not fragile . And guess what the pain doesn’t get any worse! I sit and take breaks and walk around the house but I feel like I’m getting my life back!! Going to keep reminding myself that I’m not fragile and it’s actually bearable!
If you strengthen your core you can reduce about 60% of pain . I had a cousin with 2 disk her iations. He was doing 500 push ups a day . Well he was living very good . So streghteb your body . My dad tells me the human body is stronger than what we think . Don’t smoke - eat low inflammation foods - drink lots of water and walk a lot
I agree with everything you said except the idea that we specifically need to strengthen the core. Core is just one part of the human body. We need to strengthen the whole body, and also get good recovery, sleep, nutrition, and manage stress.
Could be true tbh. I’ve been going gym for ten years and I’m fit and I don’t have pain with my two bulging discs. Only in the morning after sleeping I notice a lot of pain, but I do also have a slipped vertebra
I am eighty-six. Have walked miles for sixty years with my dogs. After losing them I do not walk so much. For around two months I have had buttock pain, going down my leg. Very painful to stand.but sitting ok. Have taken Parecetomal , no good. I have felt so very depressed but now certain days are not so bad Tried a little walking and light gardening. Keeping my fingers crossed but still not convinced I will be ok. However this positive video has really cheered me up and given me hope! I do so wish we can all recover from this very painful condition.
Hi I'm due to have an MRI today, and have been doing my research. I've had a kind back locking, a period of excruciating about a week ago, causing strain and pain down the left leg. I watched this video and it's provided great insight, this all correlates with information gained from this video too. Check out the video - czcams.com/video/bcbuhePZZj0/video.html The WORST Stretches For Lower Back Pain (And What To Do Instead) Ft. Dr Stuart McGill
Im 25 years old and got herniated disc with l4 l5 for 8 months now. Thank you so much for the video as this motivated to stay active as much as possible even if it hurts. This video also helped alot with my mental health as well!
Try moringa leaves brother boil and drink it only if ur not taking any medicine it will help u and if u don't know what moringa is it's also known as drumstick leave
I have 5 herniated discs and it’s been bad for like 6 years now. Starts to get better and then it comes back with the vengeance again. Pain is excruciating and I’m terrified to do the things I love like lifting and martial arts. Feel like I hardly have a life anymore. I’ve thrown my back out just putting my socks on, even sneezing too hard has done e it before. I exercise as much as I can, don’t smoke or drink, and have a better diet than 99% of the population. It only seems to get worse. Wish I could be one of those people who’s herniated discs have no symptoms
@@Gabe-bz9nk I would love to get stem cells but unfortunately due to inflation and a couple of set backs out of my control the past 4 years I’m now poor and couldn’t come close to affording it
@@Chimichanga1986 if you have several it must be very difficult to relax, I bought gravity boots myself and they provide a lot of relief. you can try starting with 1 or 2 minutes per day, it's not bad. (I took the gorillasport brand personally)
Same here brother. 6 years with sciatica and 1 year with sciatica and massive pain in my lumbar spine. I lift very heavy weights, moderate weights and light weights throughout the years, I do yoga, stretches and walking and nothing has got better. I’ve tried resting for months, I’ve tried exercising for months, I’ve tried swimming for months, and nothing has worked. Finally been referred to a neurosurgeon, and I think surgery will be my final option
This is one of the best channels for back pain sufferers! After 9 months my back pain has reduced from a 7 to a 2. Thank you very much for the positive attitude! Long and steady wins the race!
I got injured in the military overseas 20 years ago. I've been dealing with chronic low back pain since. Ive had multiple MRIs from the military. Three lower discs deterioration and bulging. They've done the nurve burning several times (doesn't work anymore) injections for eight or so years (doesn't work anymore) I refuses opioids because in the beginning they didn't work I didn't want the addiction. Military prescribed everything with NSAIDs in it. Now I suffer from long term stomach issues and ulcers. Thanks for the good information because everything the military gave me was wrong lol.
Damn that sounds awful, it's shocking how often healthcare resorts to these treatments despite best evidence suggesting conservative care and rehab effective by comparison without all the adverse events and cost. Glad this video helped!
I retired three years ago after 21 years. Diagnosed with DDD, Disc herniation at L4L5 & L5S1, sciatica and arthritis in the lumbar spine. After I got out I quit the percosets and started eating better and exercising smarter and more effectively than in the military. I dropped 30lbs walking on the treadmill for 30 mins everyday on 15% incline at a moderate pace. I started weight lifting again, focusing on core strength & stability and total body fitness. I have a good dose of a sativa strain during the day before my workout in the evening then follow that with an indica strain at night before bed. I feel so much better.
Wow! I wish scared people with disc herniation would watch this video. It is the same thing I tell people I come across with such problem. In fact, I HAD 4 herniated discs and avoided surgery because I found a therapist who PUMPED me up talking to me like you are right now. 5 years after, I learned to manage my back problem over the years. My back is stable and I can function 90 % normal. Just wonderful! Thank you for this MAGNIFICENT video. Blessings!!!
That makes sense. I do construction and had intense lower back pain for a long time. I went to a dr and they said i had a bulging disk in my lower back. They gave me some injections and it helped a bit but they said they may have to operate if it continues to hurt. I started exploring some self massage methods for trigger points. I found some really tight trigger points near my tail bone and in my glutes. I proceed to massage the areas for a few weeks breaking down the muscle knots and regained most of my mobility and the pain is very faint. It took me a couple of years to figure that out, but it is much better now, and I'll continue to work in it.
Hey thanks I'm happy to here we're on the same page! The healthcare community has a lot of room to grow, so the more people that are really familiar with evidence based best-practice, and avoiding fearful narratives with patients, the better!
As a 44-year-old individual, I am experiencing debilitating pain from a pinched nerve caused by a herniated disc two of them, which affects me continuously, day and night, and hinders my ability to perform everyday tasks such as sitting, lying on my side, or walking for long durations.
Dude I fucking love you. You are GOD SENT. Every Doctor/PT/Surgeon/radiologist needs to watch this video & reference it to every patient with a bulging disc/hernia/sciatica pain.
Oh my God, tell me why I barely came across your video. This is something I’ve been needing to learn the last past seven months. I’ve been on one hell of a ride. I got nothing to do but go through all your videos and I’m going to concentrate on focusing on repairing my back thank you thank you so much doc
Oh man, I love you for this video. My doctor was pushing me for a biacuplasty and that just didn’t sound right to me. Thanks a ton for this information.
I've been suffering from lower back pain for almost 4 years, I feel tingling in my knee and sometimes I can't walk because my left foot loses strength and it becomes impossible to walk. There one stretch that helps, lying with the back of the neck and sacral lumbar area on the floor and bringing the soles of your feet together, leaving your arms open and relaxed. Tips: Lie face down with a pillow under the abdominal area for 1 minute Massage the sole of the foot on the affected side Avoid sitting as much as possible, especially those who spend hours at the computer, working standing up at a lifting table helps a lot. Sleep 8h
Movements that I use to rehydrate my discs and make my spine move are ... 1) Short-range (incomplete) squats : I kind of '' bounce '' quickly with moderate pressure with my feet staying on the floor 2) Moving my upper body from side to side while bending the spine a little (so when I move to the right side, my left leg and foot leave the floor and I bend my spine a bit to the right). Walking can make my sciatic nerve symptoms worse while walking, but helps me sit longer after. taking the walk. Sometimes but rarely, I get discogenic pain or typical muscular low back pain. Like you said, getting your spine to be used to doing flexion again (like when sitting) has helped me a lot when it comes to being able to sit longer. I can't still sit as long as I used to throughout the day (I can't run either because it makes my sciatic nerve too sensitive), but it's much better than it was. Great video btw.
Im not typing comments often. Im in med school myself and i found your videos very informative especcialy with all this research showed. You made the topic crystal clear for me. Thank You!
I had a bulging disc, and tried physical therapy for about 8 months. I ended up getting a steroid injection which solved my problem for about 4 years. Just recently the pain has returned, after I started doing weight lifting. Hoping that I have better luck with physical therapy and gentle exercises this time around
This is exactly my situation. My pain returned roughly after 4-5 years after injection. I did a bit of weight lifting and played footy for few months. Not sure which one caused it
For anyone confused about conflicting advice on low back pain / sciatica: I have been dealing with this issue for just over a year now, and spent most of that time resting and avoiding pain-inducing exercises. I would also avoid bending forward, focusing more on back extension stretches. While my condition improved over that period, it was very slow, and I still felt pain. Once I started a more active, pain-tolerant regimen, as suggested in this video, I began noticing major improvements in both pain and mobility. Some of the advice given in this video does seem counterintuitive and contrary to popular advice, but I’ve anecdotally found it very helpful. There is a balance to be achieved between activity and pain, and definitely took some trial and error on my end. Great video and was very helpful for me, thanks!
By far, one of the most honest pieces of advice i have seen so far. Focus on symptoms, diet, exercise and most importantly mental health. Pain makes us do crazy stuff, believe me :) who had disc protrusion in the past. All the best and have patience, hope and consistency
I ended up having the injections. They really helped take off the edge so that I could get a good nights sleep and actually make some progress in physical therapy. I’m sure the pain would have subsided after a couple weeks but my goodness the pain was too bad to sleep, that was my biggest issue. My biggest concern is the loss in lumbar curvature. But I’m hoping physical therapy will help with that.
Thanks for sharing, I’m glad the injections helped in your case, I know it can be super frustrating to try to push through without something like that. As for curvature, don’t worry about that one bit! Spinal curvature does NOT matter. We have TONS of research refuting that outdated idea. Watch more videos on this channel to see research on myths vs. facts for low back pain and sciatica rehab!
You are very kind to give us the knowledge of sciatica pain.I had suffered for nearly a yr now n had went through lots of treatments.Some are good n some are simply bad.
My doctor argued with me for 20 years with minimal pain relief from less invasive options. Surgery fixed it and they found that there were bone spurs digging into my discs that weren't showing anywhere because there were regular bones hiding the spurs on MRI, Xrays, and the bone scan they made me do. I didn't want to be on medications that just caused dependency for the rest of my life. The meds also stopped me from enjoying my life I get most people don't need it, but if it's been over a year with someone doing what they are supposed to do - don't talk to them like surgery won't do anything
I agree. Been dealing with pain off and on my whole life. Yes you can recover naturally, but I always have some level of minor pain and just work through it. Would love a no pain life. Did you find ADR let you be active again w/o pain?
If you have a disc herniation for more than 2 months and the pain is getting worse slowly, for instance if you have pain even while lying down then definitely consider surgery as an option. A bulge of over 6mm will definitely have horrible symptoms. Don't sit there thinking it will get better simply because it can. The last thing you want is it the disc not getting resorbed and condition hasn't improved and you end up with permanent nerve damage.
Thank you this post as really helped me in my recovery mentally and physically. 3 months journey but everything you say, and all the research I have done (including speaking to my physio) concur with your post. Delighted to have had no pain today at all! I expect a few bumps on my journey but that is to be expected 🤟.
Thank you for giving me a hope. I am suffering from L4, L5-S1 herniation since May. Severe pain shock lower back and left leg mostly at the heap area. Get first initial 6-day steroid treatment that dramatically reduce my pain. Walking every day for about 40 minutes. Yoga and McKenzie exercises. Pain still strikes me at any point of movements. Schedule injection to at least let myself to breathe normally Your video gave me a hope that I may return to a normal life.
Have suffered from chronic lower back pain for years. Had Radio frequency ablation and after 6 weeks no change. In fact my pain threshold has worsened. Am disappointed and desperate for relief.
I have an L5-S1 disc protrusion, which is compression my right side nerve root. Pretty intense sciatica symptoms after standing or walking for roughly 10 minutes (can be longer or shorter). Oddly enough, spinal flexion eases my symptoms. So, for pain relief, I find that squatting down or sitting helps. In fact, I can sit all day long without any pain (very odd).
It's always gonna depend on where exactly the herniation is in correspondence to the S1 nerve root in your case. Maybe sitting helps keep that disk off that nerve. It is odd, but luckily in your case, sitting isn't making it worse.
I have been dealing with sciatica for 2 yrs now due to a disc L5/S1. I have done it all pt, spinal decompression, massage, acupuncture, softwave and nothing has work for the sciatic pain. I am running out of options can’t sleep, can’t sit, can’t stand and walking for 20 mins triggers a lot of stabbing pain on the left side down the leg 😢.
Work on walking a good amount even take your time a walk through the pain depending on pain level and work on core strength. I did all the same things you did and hit a wall after therapy and was told that’s what I had to live with. I moved and was somewhere where I could walk more and started light lifting since I had a wood stove that needed wood in the winter. So that worked my core and I started getting some pain relief. That time kept extending more and more. So don’t give up!
Alhamdulillah, I had L5/S1 disc very serious herniation but I didn't go for surgery, it took 8 months, 3 of them were very painfullfor me but now I am 98 percent healed and i don't feel pain while sitting amd walking even climbing stairs. I feel slightly little pain when I bend try to reach my toes. Trust me it heals with time but doctors help and advice should be followed ❤
In August of 2023, I herniated my L5-S1. I have a foot drop but on the opposite side. This means I can not push off of my calf, and I can hide the limp pretty well. Initially, my pain was severe and placed me in the ER. However, my neurosurgeon elected not to do a fusion. I have had an emergency lamenectimy/discectimy and re herniated the L5-S1. The first surgery was because I had sever symptoms not being able to use my bowls and bladder. I have chosen not to get a fusion to see if I can heal naturally. I do have weakness along the nerve root from my butt to my foot. I sense less weakness as I do the natural program I am in. The weeks I miss I feel more, which gives me hope.
Getting out of bed did it for me today! Someone that’s been dealing with chronic back pain 10+ years. Football, wrestling, boxing, 5K and Spartan races. My last race I noticed my recovery was longer than it should have been. Fast forward today, went to Concentra (worst clinic ever! Don’t ever take your family there. Only in business for money.) all the doctor argued was, why didn’t I do surgery 10 years ago?? Went to Kaiser and the PA jumped through hoops to get me with a specialist and avoid surgery. A working progress now ✅
My only conflict with this video is when he says doing core exercises like side planks and glute strengthening is not necessary. I believe that is one of the most important things to strengthen and isolate to take pressure and load off of other muscles like the very overlooked QL (Quadratus Lumborum). I do believe that imbalances can mimic herniation pain symptoms and once corrected will help ease a lot of discomfort. Other than that, it is a good video and everything else is very spot on
Here's the deal with core: The research repeatedly shows it's not nearly as important as people think. Can it have some value for people in severe/acute flare ups in order to get them able to perform normal daily activities? Yup. Is it necessary for everyone with back pain? Definitely not, research shows you can get the same long term results with just normal exercise without specifically focusing on core exercises. My real problem with core training is the dogma/narrative that comes along with it. It reinforces "magic muscle" thinking, as though it were possibly to isolate some magic muscle that's going to fix everything. People are told core bracing is a long term strategy in order to avoid bending, and they are told that bending and twisting are dangerous. This leads to fear, and overprotective muscle guarding long term, and increases the chances that an acute flare up turns into chronic (long lasting) pain as a result of this fear and guarding. Core can be a brick on the road to rehab, but it should be short lived, and people need to graduate and move on to bigger better things as quickly as symptoms allow. Fair?
I had a bulging disc and it took about 8 months to feel less pain but significantly less pain ... with care in mind not to load the spine or make sudden moves after a while/months all went ok ... and over a year later everything was just fine but my case was not very bad... I did not took another MRI .. I now go to the gym and with care in mind about my spine I can do everything ... NO PAIN! ( When I was getting out from my car the pain was excruciating WAS REAAALLY BAAD!!!! walking felt good no pain there , the sciatica pain was up to behind the knee ... and it went up... and up and went away) so .. maybe depends on the severity of the disc/bulging but we all need to do research in order to understand and heal ...In my opinion!
I'm 24 and I have a protrusion in L5-S1 since 21 (July 2021), in that time I've had 2 cycles of rehab - heading back to gym training - resenting and relapse, until October 2023 where I was able to find a balance between training (with precautions) and keeping my lower back healthy and nearly intact until literally the last 2 weeks (July/Aug 2024) where although the pain isn't piercing and debilitating and demoralizing, it _is_ real and it's certainly sending me in a downward hopeless spiral where I genuinely cannot escape this and there's no way to be freed from living in pain, and just reabsorption like the one described seems like such an outlandish thing to ever happen to me. I never had a very lengthy radiculopathy, my pains have always been located right at the tailbone or 1 buttock (very rarely both), and only seldomly in my right groin/iliac crest.
My friend had surgery for scoliosis. Had a lumbar fusion. Before surgery he was a skilled soccer player. After surgery he is handicapped and stays at home most of the time. I wish i had knew this before so i could have advised him against it.
I started having low back pain and bad left side sciatica the late part of october 2023. Fast forward to today June 21 2024 and I am still in pain with sciatica. I have bad days and I have better days. June 13th last week I got an MRI and it shows a mild herniation at L4/L5 and a large herniation at L5/S1 that is impinging the S1 nerve roots. This sucks and while I am thankful I can still get around, some people have it worse than me so I shouldn't even complain. But the pain has made me a shell of my former self. It has been 8 months of this.
I feel you. It started for me 6 month ago. Last month got corona which totally smacked me. Could barely get out of bed for two weeks. Luckily it was adjacent to the clinic appointment I had, they did epidural setroid injection at L2-3 and honestly is saved me. I still barely walk but now at least the level of pain have tonned down a bit. I don't feel it as much on the back but it radiates to the right leg.
I can barely sit or walk. I have disc leison, disc degeneration, small disc petrusion. Nothing major, but it still gives me mad pain. Its really hard to find a solution. Im trying everything. It all started with a shitty bed, and bad chair
Thank you so much!😇 I have multiple disc bulges from C down to L since my spine straightened due to an accident together with a sacralized L5 and left leg weakened and suffering from muscle pain caused by my back injury. It's been like that since May 2022 and my doctors can't even answer if I will heal and just jack me up with pain meds maintenance month by month. Not until ny current PT Doctor told me I can get better just by strengthening my muscles. Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. I'VE BEEN DEPRESSED EVER SINCE cuz before the accident I was so active(exercising together with weights) altogether with me working long hours and now I couldn't even function normally and have limited time doing normal everyday stuffs. Sighh😩😩I walk with cane and travel with back brace to prevent too much pain from rough road crap. I'M JUST 27 btw
Wow it's got to be frustrating to have that kind of pain at 27. I dealt with chronic pain from around 18-26 years old, so I empathize with your struggle. I hope your PT is helping you get stronger and feel better! If you ever need more help, just ask!
I have bilateral herniations l5/s1. Had a cuada equina scare at hospital after auto accident. Had foor drop and lack of reflex in my left leg. Conservitive treatment is hard to even get. All the doctors recommended surgery to me. Spent 14 hours in hospital for them to tell me I need surgery just not right then. Since, 3 other docs told me the same. I have extreme left leg pain, and have had that leg give out numerous times. Right leg was going numb and giving me hip issues. Got epidural injections, and ended up laid up for 2 weeks not long after. Intolerable pain. Surgeon, offered more of those, but I asked about surgery because of all the docs telling me, and the fact the epidural sucked, carries its own rosks and is a bandaid. It scares me for sure. I cant even find examples of bilateral herniations getting surgery. The left side is pretty large. Cant sit for long, stand for long, even laying in certain positions. Have some cuada equina symptoms occassionally as well. I typically work out, and the rest of my spine is healthy. Feel like this is my only option. Medicines help, but its so hard to deal with the docs, and get one to give them to you. Even 2 weeks before surgery. I do have major weakness in my legs, some sattle numbness, footdrop, and extreme pain. Do you think I am making the right move? Surgery is 8 days out. I am getting a bilateral endoscopic microdiscetomy. I am worried that I will lose stability having two sides removed. And, the lack of literature a long with what my surgeon says (35 years exp.) Says it is rare.
I have another question. If bending over is good for the disc, why does it hurt when I bend forward or flex my spine ? I have definitely made mine worse by accidentally flexing my spine or bending over. I suppose, based on your video, that if it hurts, don’t do it. It sounds as if you are giving us common sense and telling us to do things that soothe our back and avoid things that hurt.
I just responded to your other comment, but short answer: It depends on each individual. If you'd like personalized answers, watch the masterclass, then book a call with me: www.shapeshiftwellness.com/LBP-masterclass
I can't explain the science behind it, but in my experience this is true. I had two herniated discs (had an MRI), and the Dr. wanted a surgery $$$. Something didn't feel right, so I didn't go with the surgery and just learned to live with it. One day I decided it was time to try something different, so I tried decompression, different doctor, he explained there's evidence that discs can go back to their normal position and if you give them enough time, they will stabilize (heal). I went through all the sessions, about 6 sessions once a month. I started feeling better, but didn't want to push it much, so I waited probably about a year and I started working out. Now I play soccer, and can move faster than most players. I can't lift super heavy stuff, otherwise I do feel my lower back complaining a little, but other than that I can do pretty much anything else. I've seen Drs. who still don't believe this is possible, I guess they won't ever believe it unless it becomes mainstream science. I would think there are some cases where it is almost impossible to fix with decompression and other techniques, but I'm sure there's also a lot of people out there getting surgeries for something they could have fixed on their own. In summary, in my case, the key to fix it was to: 1. decompress, 2. strengthen the core and surrounding areas, and 3. stretching!! If the muscles that connect to your lower back are tight, it will cause some pain. In my case I sit most of the day, so the stretching is very important (psoas, gluteus, hip flexor, hamstring, quadriceps, etc...).
I am absolutely AMAZED by these videos, because they are fact-based and giving me what I needed the most - self-confidence and hope to heal my (small) disc herniation. By the way, I hadn't felt symptoms before I underwent an optional full-body MRI (where they found it and I started to fear of the future)... Thank you Dr. Davis, I am so thankful for your enthusiasm and passion - you really helped me significantly!
Hey thanks a ton! Interesting that symptoms amplified after the MRI, even with only a small finding. That just further proves the point that unnecessary imaging makes things worse, and fear is a MAJOR factor in chronic pain. Make sure to watch the video on fear/catastrophizing here: czcams.com/video/7MWEIp9TGvU/video.html If you ever need 1-on-1 help, watch the masterclass first, then book a call! www.shapeshiftwellness.com/LBP-masterclass
I work with clients every day who have had pain for upwards of 5 to 25 years. We get them feeling MUCH better. If you want to know what we do, watch the masterclass: www.shapeshiftwellness.com/LBP-masterclass
Hey thank the research for showing us the truth! I can't believe how much fear-mongering is out there from people who just do not read research, and think our spines are fragile like a house of cards. Motion is lotion!
Thank you for proving my point. I treat people with herniated disc using swimming exercises and somtimes some extra back exercises and stretching. They tend to start feeling better in two weeks. But adults prefer medicines, relaxation, and surgery! And it's doctors falts!
24 years old with a L5-S1, currently unable to walk properly, bike, sit, walk or sleep. Have it since last year November started like i don’t know what it is slowly but surely more pain to the point where i’m now. Next friday i’m getting an injection. For it but off course i’ll need to do exercises to make space i’m also trying to do some fitness and osteopathy. Hopefully i can say that i’m almost pain free next year.
Please make a video on cervical disc bulge , how long it takes , There are lots of videos on exercise But nobody has a video on how you can lift weights after recovery Or which exercises to avoid after recovery - cervical disc bulge
My name is Brajagopal Kha.2012 to 2016 have pain in my L4 L5 S1 JOINT .I AM GOING TO applo hospital channai india .dr hegde said go to home and do sum excercise and donot forourd banding and weight lifting. after 6 month i am start running and other excersise start . now i am plaing football my age is 47
I had chronic disk herniations for 4 years. Finally had a micro disketomy done and was pain free for 4 1/2 years. Recently injured my back again. And will be seeing what goin on next week. But in my eyes my surgery was well worth it even if the herniation is back the last 4 years I’ve felt amazing.
I was diagnosed with L4/L5 disc bulge 3 weeks back and to manage pain i was prescribed with Pregablin Gabica 75mg Zycel 200 mg and tramadol 100mg for twice a day morning & night..and this has considerably reduced the pain I have stopped taking tramadol but continuing with gabica & zycel
I was in a car wreck in the 90’s when I was 20. I couldn’t walk. They did the surgery. I was fine. In my late 30’s I was still having pain. But in my 40’s it got so bad that I couldn’t walk. They said that I have spinal stenosis & I will need surgery. My insurance requires a list of things that I have to do in order to get the surgery. I did the back injections, I had my nerves burned 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 IT DIDN’T WORK!! The injectors were painful and so was getting my nerves burned. The physical therapy is not working! Depending on where I’m going I will either need my walker or my wheelchair. Im taking hydrocodone and it makes the pain tolerable. I have dealt with herniated disc my whole adult life. I was trying to deal with the pain of spinal stenosis. I came here looking for something that I can do to alleviate the pain bc I know that I herniated a disc yesterday!! So don’t waste your time on back Injections or burning your nerves. I came here to refresh my memory on what to do. Watch a lot of videos on exercises to do for a herniated disc and my experience is that I will be better in a few days. If not….. idk what I’m going to do!! I’ve had one knee replacement & I’m having the other one done next month, and I have spinal stenosis & im also having surgery for that. So the last thing I needed was to have a disc hernia!! Please watch a bunch of videos on #CZcams do what you can bare. When I’m done, I will come back and tell y’all what worked for me.
L5S1 disc herniation,since last 2 months, severe pain started 1 month ago,that lasted 10 days ,5/10 pain is still present ,thats like on & off everyday. Doctor suggested either epidural block or surgery. Currently I'm doing swimming for 15-20 minutes,that really helps with pain.
I had a herniated disk at 20, never got better, actually got worse, went and got the microdisk surgery done. Turns out i had a ligament wrap around my sciatic nerve and was cutting into it. 9 years later re herniated the same disk as a full time fire fighter. Been scared to stretch again or really do anythung, walking hurts like hell most days. Only relief i can get is the heat pad or soaking hot water.
2 herniated discs in October 2023. L4/5 and L5/S1. Did 35 physiotherapy sessions and recently did the injections 2 weeks ago, unfortunately didn’t help. I also have one leg weaker than the other so the doc suggested after injections I do more physio, and if that doesn’t help then I have to do surgery. My sciatica is pretty bad and it’s fucking annoying. Making me hate my life so much. I wish there was an easier solution rather than surgery
It can't be easy, I also have a herni and I bought gravity boots and they provide a lot of relief. you can try starting with 1 or 2 minutes per day, it's not bad. (I took the gorillasport brand personally)
What about Jaw Joint TMJ Disc herniation ? Is recovery and all you mentioned here similar to spinal discs ? I’m facing pain, swelling and difficulty in talking and eating in Left Tmj. And with each yawn it gets painful again. Kind of loop. God please heal and help me get back to normal conservatively. I’m 25. Worked for Google as SWE 3. Hope for quick recovery please. Have been dealing with this since last 4 yrs.
I'm so glad the videos are helping! Just one thing - don't call your back "bad." That negative association just makes things worse. I've got a number of videos on this, but your beliefs impact rehab just as much as anatomy does.
Iam having disc herniation since 2017 still i do have severe pain on and off atleast 3-4 times/year. At present iam bedridden due to severe pain which appeared while squating. So i will b grateful if you advice me to get rid of my herniation pain totally .
Thank you so much I just came across your station and subscribed I have two disc herniations and two bulging discs I was experiencing burning in my lower spine and tightness I went to physical therapy for 3 months and it helped but just two weeks after my recovery I went to a new chiropractor I told him I was just recovering from two herniations and two disc injuries he still went ahead and adjusted me I felt burning and tightness just like I had before when I left his office I've been having the same sentence in January 11th almost 6 months a lot of fear anger and frustration came over me I was emotionally and mentally distraught over this regretting that I went to him I tried 3 months of physical therapy but this time it did not help I walk 30 minutes a day which is good but I still have that burning when I lay down at night Gabapentin seems to be the only thing helping with that burning sensation I'm scheduled for an epidural actually Wednesday I'm thinking about canceling it Maybe it was the emotional pain and fear I was experiencing that prolong this was the first time I got better in 3 months now 6 months do I have any advice should I reschedule that epidural?
Thanks for analyzing different researches on disc herniation self-healing. There was a disc herniation in my lumbar spine L5, I have the numbness and tingling on my left leg but not in pain for more than 6 months. Based on my understanding, most of the patient have the self-healing within 12 weeks. One of the neurosurgeon I visited asked me to wait until a year to see if the disc herniation dissolved by the body instead of a surgery since I'm not in pain but only numbness. Obviously, another neurosurgeon suggested microdiscectomy surgery. Just curious if there was any case history / experience for a long period (e.g. 1 year or even longer) of self-healing process similar to my situation. I used to play soccer once a week but stop playing for a while since I had physio treatment (e.g. lumbar traction, shockwave therapy and dry needling ) 2 months ago. Basically, the numbness and tingling still remains the same after the 8 sessions of the above physio treatment. It struggles me a lot for the next step on my disc herniation situation since different medical advices was receieved from different neurosurgeons.
This is a great positive video on how you can rebuild you back and think more positivity about back/disc pain herniations... BUT unfortunately for some people who have hard working labor jobs and overall life situations that cannot be put on hold you must consider surgery if your body does not show signs of improving. If your have signs such as bladder/urine control issues numbing and tingling sensations going through your limbs, and weakness/muscle loss and these signs cannot do not improve over a couple months surgery should definitely be considered! After you've exhausted all your resources with physical therapy, steroids injections and your sick of medicine... TRULY CONSIDER SURGERY... Because we're only getting older and our backs aren't don't have the Benjamin button effect
I was overdosed on vit d by a doctor last year and I then developed disc bulges and protrusions in C-4 to c6 discs and annular fissure in the previous mri too. I was given 120000 iu or more weekly via injection ‘I also have an l5-s1 bulge, my tail bone hurts regardless of what I do. I have swellings on the side I took the prescribed vit d injections, by the neck, shoulder under wrist and above ankle. i have been doing yoga, and a few isometric exercises, im also taking 50 mg of magnesium which is less but it only temporarily subsides my neck swelling. I’ve been told vit d overdose can cause a mag and k2 deficiency ‘the other swellings subside temporarily via excercise and then come back after a 20- 40 mins doctors are dismissive and I’m stuck. I also gained significant weight being 5’3 I’m 64 kgs and what seems right rn is to lose weight so that the swellings are more apparent so I am no longer dismissed by doctors. I can also work out 40 mins a day now, things have improved but the doctors have not helped me at all. One of them just suggested walking for the discs. That’s all and no help at all. So idk what to do anymore. I turned 27 in march and had to quit my job last May cause of the debilitating vertigo from the overdose last year. All my blood reports are clear as well/
I am 27 years old too. And like you, I had to quit my job because of this illness. A doctor recommended high dose vitamin D to me. Oral use. But I did not use high doses because I was afraid of toxicity or other problems. Instead, I use it as 10 drops a day. I think it is good for general health. But I don't think it has any effect on hernia pain. Waist, hip pain and leg pain made me feel alienated from life. I tried different ways but it didn't work. I will go to an interview for endoscopic surgery in 2 days. Everyone tells me to avoid surgery, but I'm so tired of living like this, I've been suffering for 5 years. I'm like half a human. Psychology is exhausted. I even thought of suicide many times. Really hard.
Your very encouraging because I’m in terrible shape 4 herniated disks and 4 pinched nerves Four years in my left rotator cuff I’ve had net ablations but it was the worst thing and made my pain worse he told me epidural he secretary told me it was ablation
Hi. In May, I was diagnosed with lumbar spondylisis, spinal and stenosis with exit foramen to the L4-L5,L5-S1. Finding images by MRI. I have no pain in back,however severe pain and cramps and numbness in my right. leg only. Doing physiotherapy and taking Lyrica 75mg once daily and Norgesic twice daily since January but until now I get no relief. Doctor suggested surgery of which I denied. Are there any other treatment.
You didn't discuss situations where a disc repeatedly heals and herniates. Even when good form is being used during training. What do you do in those situations ?
A lot of people think they are healing then re-herniating, but they are usually basing this on symptoms. They think it must have healed since their symptoms went away, but then they flare it up again and they think the disc actually re-herniated. Most likely this is not true. Most likely the disc never changed in the first place. Meaning: the actual structure of the disc has little correlation with symptoms or injury. We need to stop obsessing about the disc itself and focus on the bigger picture of graded exposure to strength training. Typically when people keep injuring themselves they are jumping back in and doing too much too soon and overtraining, or they are getting crappy sleep and nutrition and they are under a lot of stress, so they are under-recovering. It has nothing to do with the disc.
Really Really a scientific presentation. I love your mind. Just outstanding. Very informative and helpful. I'm just looking for it for my father. Lastly, I just want to say, Thank You so much for this scientific advice.
I have 3 moderate disc bulges in my thoracic spine, 5/6, 7/8, and 11/12. I also have sharp pain in my left shoulder blade in certain positions and I don’t know if it correlates with the bulges. It’s very frustrating and PT doesn’t seem to help. I don’t know what to do :(
While hanging curtains, I strained my right side a lot, and the next day I had a strange pain in my lower back and hip. A week has passed, and it still hurts, but not as much as before. Do you think I injured my sciatic nerve, or is it just muscle damage? What can I do for a full recovery?And there is more tension in my right hip compared to the other one.
I did the same thing but on my left. I was doing kettlebell swings while already having disc issues and pulled something in my lower back. If there’s no radiating or sharp pain going down your glute/hamstring, it’s most likely just muscle or tendon issue. My best guess is it’s either your QL muscle, erectors or glute medius
Herniated. Pain unheard of. Surgery. 2 years later my upper discs slide out every day and girlfriend pushes them back in...my life as stone mason at 60
@albious... she massages them towards the spine...after running her fingers down my spine to locate which ones are out...she gently pushes them back. Sometimes I have to lay over the edge of my bed in order to open my spine up.more...the relief is immediate.
This is good info, but if your hernia is so bad its the size of a bouncy ball, like mine was, you 100% need surgery, I couldn't walk and my left leg was in so much pain I stopped eating, I couldn't go to the bathroom, I couldn't do anything, it hurt that badly, I tried to deal with the pain for 3 weeks, it was so bad I start to cry like a baby and wanted to die. Docs told me they could remove the hernia with a microdiscectomy. Been over a year after surgery, been alright, hernia pains are back now, but I don't really do anything and sit a lot, so I am now trying to move more and sit better.
I always try to make sure to include a section in videos like this about the red flags to watch out for, since in rare cases surgery is needed. Most people never need it though as long as they have good rehab.
Swimming could be great for one person and unhelpful for another, depending on symptoms and stage of rehab. This video breaks down the "perfect" exercises for back pain & sciatica (Hint: there isn't one):czcams.com/video/MbFWZj5iFb8/video.html
@@ShapeshiftWellnesshow about walk in the water? I have L4-L5 herniation, impinging L5 nerve; I have L lower back, coccyx, gluteal and foot/lateral calf/ankle; some left leg tingling as well. Injuried since Feb, but feel slightly better since last night, but still be careful. Thank you
Helen I can only give highly specific advice to people I’ve consulted with. If you’re interested just watch the masterclass then book a call! Link is in the description of my videos.
I seem to have a lit going on the doctor gave me codine that didnt work then amatriptoline that was to be taken at night no education just a referral to a spinal surgeon at the moment I am trying to exercise and manage the pain naturally😢
I had a herniated lumbar disk 8 years ago and I tried walking and simple exercises as soon as possible, like three days after when the most brutal pain was gone, with the result that I got paresthesia starting in my feet which slowly progressed up the legs. I think it was a mistake to walk this much so soon. I should have waited maybe 6 weeks but I dont really know. It's so hard to find the right balance. Also I probably did the wrong exercises. I always found it very relaxing and strenghtening to lay on my back, grab my knees and push the knees against the hands while arching the back to the floor. It was definitely a great exercise for belly and back muscles but it was bad for my spinal cord. Anyway after a few months the disk healed but the numbness in my feet remained all these years. A few months ago a disk herniated again and I made the same mistakes again, walked too soon and exercised too soon. Thing is, Im used to be active and cant stand laying in bed. It makes me mad and I feel sick and rotten after two days in bed. I have to get out and move. But walking makes my feet and legs go numb. Also it isnt really pain but there is a nasty deeply disturbing feeling in the spine, like "red alert", "your doing something very wrong". Cycling is even worse. Swimming is pretty much the only thing that works without making things worse. Im now trying the opposite exercise, the McKenzie thing. It's brutal. Im uncomfortable just lying on my stomach. Impossible to relax in that position. Again, it's not pain, just totally out of my comfort zone. Guess I have a long way to go.
Hello There, I received an MRI report diagnosing disc herniation in L4, L5, and S1, but my doctor's clinical evaluation contradicted this finding. He recommended a normal lifestyle, lifestyle improvements, and numerous physiotherapy sessions, which I enthusiastically pursued, avoiding surgery unless necessary criteria are met. After 12 physiotherapy sessions involving manual massage, dry cupping, and pain relief techniques, I regained energy and returned to playing Padel. Recently, I began a 12-session Rehab phase but after completing only 3 sessions, I am experiencing discomfort such as muscle soreness and occasional joint stiffness, leading to confusion about my current course of action.
I had non fusion laminactomy at L4 L5 in Sep 2023 for a mild bulge not even a herniation and the pain is crazier now and I got an annular tear which isn't healing and the surgeon is suggesting fusion. I even had leg numbness snd burning down the foot after the bloody surgery 😢😢😢. If you don't shit in your pants, never do surgery
Ive been suffering for three months, ive had two chiro appts, started out stretching wrong, sitting with my kneews above my hips, and pillows between my hips, knees and ankle have helped me to be able to get out of bed w/o crying out in pain...baby steps...
Uau thanks for this review! I was thinking in doing this since my neurologist said I shouldn't play soccer or run anymore (he says this to all patients that had herniated disk). Congratulations. Do you have a paper from this review?
Herniated L4 and L5 in 2020 and i am still in agony daily. My wife has to put my socks on most days! I exercise daily and feel like I'm making it worse. I'm at a loss now
Opioids stopped helping, and I'm at 9 months of misery. Steroid injection failed. Therapy hasn't moved the needle much. Decompression with laser failed. PRP has failed so far. Trying peptides now. Exercise isn't helping much either. Sciatica is gone, but the low back is intractable. Definitely interested in ablation, just anything to furnish relief. Sitting causes ruination.
I was suffering from big disc bulge my pain was soo horrible I can’t even sit for seconds and finally i made up my decision and do surgery im only 18yr old and now I return to my daily lifee im feeling much better . If you are having big fan do surgery don’t damage the never it will cuz you life long numbness
I just injured my back deadlifting and now I can't even bend down without excruciating pain. My first time feeling such pain. Do you think I need to get an MRI right away?
Most cases of back pain and sciatica do not require imaging unless there are red flags. Imaging often freaks people out. Watch this video for a complete answer: IF I GET AN MRI WILL I HAVE TO GET SURGERY? Low Back Pain & Sciatica czcams.com/video/DpORyoX0aF4/video.html
The reports don’t seem to make a distinction whether the asymptotic percentage of patients had bulging or herniations that encroach on a nerve branch, i.e. not all bulging makes contact with a nerve. In my case L5 S1 with sciatic symptoms and numbness, luckily no disfunction other than waves of discomfort and pain. What percentage of minimal to moderate nerve intrusion do patients experience pain / limitations?
That's a really good question and I'd have to dig into the research a bit for that answer. In my experience with patients I can say that probably about 40% have a disc herniation/bulge/protrusion etc.. and of those, probably 1/3 have nerve root impingement on the MRI. Yes, recovery can be a bit touchy but nonetheless I see people with nerve root impingement drastically improve their function and symptoms every day.
Why do you say oral steroids should never be used? I’m not being controversial, just curious. When my disc goes out oral prednisone at 10mg always gets me over the pain hump to continue working and living life
That's what evidence based clinical practice guidelines tell us to do. Looking into it, they don't seem to perform any better than a placebo: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29573872/
✅ Watch the MASTERCLASS on Low Back Pain & Sciatica.
www.shapeshiftwellness.com/LBP-masterclass
I'm a physiotherapist. All of the things you say are completely true. MRI just scares people and makes their pain worse because of fear and stress. Most people will get better by exercising and having hope. I saw these in my patients. You're great 👌👌 Continue your good work and keep us updated 👌👌
Hey thanks a ton! Glad to see the number of good evidence based clinicians is growing!
@@ShapeshiftWellness ❤️
Thanks bro mri is just scared me
SCIATICA!!
It’s a bitch. Bed-ridden for more than 3 months
Intense pain-drs visits required wheel chair
Had 2 non-effective epidurals so went to a new neurosurgeon who gave the epidural doc instructions as to where what and how much
epidural to try ( I had
zero faith by then/ but
Third time was a charm!!
Pain abated within a few days- was able to stop opiates altogether- went from wheelchair to cane to nothing within the week Now continuing w PT to stretch and strengthen
My takeaway- make sure u r seeing the absolute best, most experienced dr u can possibly find!
I'm 71 yo athlete L4 L5 Stenosis... I've tried so many therapies
.the numbness just gets worse and worse..but surgery seems so dangerous
I had lower back pain and sciatica for almost 3 years. Until I found a way to heal my lower back pain and sciatica once and for all. I do decompression exercises using monkey bar. Basically, I just hang on the monkey bar and gently twist my hips and gently swing from side to side. I'm now free from lower back pain and sciatica.
How long did you hang? For you how long did it take before the pain was going away
@@CoachJeromeTeasley
I usually hang for about 1 minute each time. First, I will hang and twist my hips. And then, rest. Then, I will hang and swing from side to side for about 1 minute. I usually repeat this 2-3 times each session. The pain went away in less than a week. I can walk and bend my back pain free. Nowadays, I only hang twice a week just for exercise purposes. ☺️
Just popping in to set realistic expectations for other viewers. I'm happy hanging was helpful for you. For most people, there is no such thing as a SINGLE magic fix. Decompression from hanging may be great for some, neutral for others, and make some people worse. It totally depends on the individual. Even when hanging does help, it still is only there to provide temporary relief, it does NOT substitute for the fundamentals, which are exercise to make the body stronger, and good recovery (nutrition, sleep, and stress reduction). I only chime in here to prevent "magic-fix" thinking. Real rehab must be more comprehensive for most people.
I use my inversion table like this. Hang upside down for a minute or two, then I wiggle back and forth and swing back and forth under my own power. Back pain has really gone down.
That’s great
Herniated L4-L5, L5-S1 disc in February most severe sciatica pain EVER. Couldn’t sit, stand, or lay down w/o excruciating pain down my right leg and numb outer toes. Now it end of May mostly pain only in my tailbone (still so intense 😖) sometimes in my ankle sometimes my hamstring. But I can only sit for like 15mins bf pain runs down my leg into my ankle. I walk for 1 hr every morning usually a 20-30min walk in the evening. I do a few McKenzie exercises and I tried some of my “normal” exercises but got scared that I was making it worse so I backed off. The pain is debilitating and really makes you feel hopeless. Praying that by the end of June I’m pain free. Your channel is refreshing 😊
Dang that sounds really tough. Take advantage of all the free resources that n this channel! This does NOT have to be your life. We’re here to help!
@savagezilla I am having the same issue. I recommend an MRI if you have not done it already.
@@KappoMichy This is bad advice unless there are red flags. Besides, if a person knows they have an L4-5 herniation, they've already had the MRI. That said, I tell most of my patients to forget about their MRI because the MRI only makes things worse (unless a person has red flags). Re watch the video to understand why. Or watch this to understand why an MRI tells us nothing about pain: czcams.com/video/Z4v04FIWTUU/video.html
Glad you are recovery, did you try any injection? The 1st injection I had not work but very painful experience. Do you take any medication for your pain? The medication helps me but I will cut down soon when I feel better. I have a similar experience like your pain, I also have this annoying tingling on my left leg.
Thanks for reply
@@ShapeshiftWellness since I watched your video about fear I started easing more into sitting! I honestly thought that feeling the pain meant I was making it worse so I’d quickly go and lay down. Since Tuesday I’ve been taking a deep breath and reminding myself that I’m not fragile . And guess what the pain doesn’t get any worse! I sit and take breaks and walk around the house but I feel like I’m getting my life back!! Going to keep reminding myself that I’m not fragile and it’s actually bearable!
If you strengthen your core you can reduce about 60% of pain . I had a cousin with 2 disk her iations. He was doing 500 push ups a day . Well he was living very good . So streghteb your body .
My dad tells me the human body is stronger than what we think . Don’t smoke - eat low inflammation foods - drink lots of water and walk a lot
I agree with everything you said except the idea that we specifically need to strengthen the core. Core is just one part of the human body. We need to strengthen the whole body, and also get good recovery, sleep, nutrition, and manage stress.
If u c one of these chiropractor
Dr.Alex Tubio (Texas)
Dr.Beau Hightower
Dr.Chris leong (Malaysia)
They r all on net on ph.
500 push ups a day?
Could be true tbh. I’ve been going gym for ten years and I’m fit and I don’t have pain with my two bulging discs. Only in the morning after sleeping I notice a lot of pain, but I do also have a slipped vertebra
I am eighty-six. Have walked miles for sixty years with my dogs. After losing them I do not walk so much. For around two months I have had buttock pain, going down my leg. Very painful to stand.but sitting ok. Have taken Parecetomal , no good. I have felt so very depressed but now certain days are not so bad
Tried a little walking and light gardening. Keeping my fingers crossed but still not convinced I will be ok.
However this positive video has really cheered me up and given me hope!
I do so wish we can all recover from this very painful condition.
Hi I'm due to have an MRI today, and have been doing my research. I've had a kind back locking, a period of excruciating about a week ago, causing strain and pain down the left leg. I watched this video and it's provided great insight, this all correlates with information gained from this video too.
Check out the video - czcams.com/video/bcbuhePZZj0/video.html
The WORST Stretches For Lower Back Pain (And What To Do Instead) Ft. Dr Stuart McGill
Im 25 years old and got herniated disc with l4 l5 for 8 months now. Thank you so much for the video as this motivated to stay active as much as possible even if it hurts. This video also helped alot with my mental health as well!
You’re welcome! Movement is medicine!
Try moringa leaves brother boil and drink it only if ur not taking any medicine it will help u and if u don't know what moringa is it's also known as drumstick leave
I have 5 herniated discs and it’s been bad for like 6 years now. Starts to get better and then it comes back with the vengeance again. Pain is excruciating and I’m terrified to do the things I love like lifting and martial arts. Feel like I hardly have a life anymore. I’ve thrown my back out just putting my socks on, even sneezing too hard has done e it before. I exercise as much as I can, don’t smoke or drink, and have a better diet than 99% of the population. It only seems to get worse. Wish I could be one of those people who’s herniated discs have no symptoms
I feel your pain I’m in the same boat.
If I was you I would try stem cells in Tijuana
@@Gabe-bz9nk I would love to get stem cells but unfortunately due to inflation and a couple of set backs out of my control the past 4 years I’m now poor and couldn’t come close to affording it
@@Chimichanga1986 if you have several it must be very difficult to relax, I bought gravity boots myself and they provide a lot of relief. you can try starting with 1 or 2 minutes per day, it's not bad. (I took the gorillasport brand personally)
Same here brother.
6 years with sciatica and 1 year with sciatica and massive pain in my lumbar spine.
I lift very heavy weights, moderate weights and light weights throughout the years, I do yoga, stretches and walking and nothing has got better.
I’ve tried resting for months, I’ve tried exercising for months, I’ve tried swimming for months, and nothing has worked.
Finally been referred to a neurosurgeon, and I think surgery will be my final option
This is one of the best channels for back pain sufferers! After 9 months my back pain has reduced from a 7 to a 2. Thank you very much for the positive attitude! Long and steady wins the race!
That’s absolutely amazing to hear, thank you so much for sharing!
I am suffer disk bluz since 5 years.I have flowing so many dr. no any progress.i will send my MRI report plz support me from Nepal.
I got injured in the military overseas 20 years ago. I've been dealing with chronic low back pain since. Ive had multiple MRIs from the military. Three lower discs deterioration and bulging. They've done the nurve burning several times (doesn't work anymore) injections for eight or so years (doesn't work anymore) I refuses opioids because in the beginning they didn't work I didn't want the addiction. Military prescribed everything with NSAIDs in it. Now I suffer from long term stomach issues and ulcers. Thanks for the good information because everything the military gave me was wrong lol.
Damn that sounds awful, it's shocking how often healthcare resorts to these treatments despite best evidence suggesting conservative care and rehab effective by comparison without all the adverse events and cost. Glad this video helped!
@@ShapeshiftWellness Yeah it's crazy lol. The VA is wild. I subscribed to your channel. I definitely will check out more of your videos.
U should qualify for surgery?
🙏🏿
I retired three years ago after 21 years. Diagnosed with DDD, Disc herniation at L4L5 & L5S1, sciatica and arthritis in the lumbar spine. After I got out I quit the percosets and started eating better and exercising smarter and more effectively than in the military. I dropped 30lbs walking on the treadmill for 30 mins everyday on 15% incline at a moderate pace. I started weight lifting again, focusing on core strength & stability and total body fitness. I have a good dose of a sativa strain during the day before my workout in the evening then follow that with an indica strain at night before bed. I feel so much better.
Wow! I wish scared people with disc herniation would watch this video. It is the same thing I tell people I come across with such problem. In fact, I HAD 4 herniated discs and avoided surgery because I found a therapist who PUMPED me up talking to me like you are right now. 5 years after, I learned to manage my back problem over the years. My back is stable and I can function 90 % normal. Just wonderful! Thank you for this MAGNIFICENT video. Blessings!!!
That makes sense. I do construction and had intense lower back pain for a long time. I went to a dr and they said i had a bulging disk in my lower back. They gave me some injections and it helped a bit but they said they may have to operate if it continues to hurt. I started exploring some self massage methods for trigger points. I found some really tight trigger points near my tail bone and in my glutes. I proceed to massage the areas for a few weeks breaking down the muscle knots and regained most of my mobility and the pain is very faint. It took me a couple of years to figure that out, but it is much better now, and I'll continue to work in it.
Hi i am an Osteopath of about 25 years and agree with just about everything you say - very good information, great work.
Hey thanks I'm happy to here we're on the same page! The healthcare community has a lot of room to grow, so the more people that are really familiar with evidence based best-practice, and avoiding fearful narratives with patients, the better!
I've had this happen 3 times. The longest time without injury was when I walked 1 hour per day. When I stopped walking I hurt myself working.
As a 44-year-old individual, I am experiencing debilitating pain from a pinched nerve caused by a herniated disc two of them, which affects me continuously, day and night, and hinders my ability to perform everyday tasks such as sitting, lying on my side, or walking for long durations.
Dude I fucking love you. You are GOD SENT.
Every Doctor/PT/Surgeon/radiologist needs to watch this video & reference it to every patient with a bulging disc/hernia/sciatica pain.
lol thanks 🙏 Yea it blows my mind how unfamiliar most doctors are with the research on this stuff. Very frustrating.
Oh my God, tell me why I barely came across your video. This is something I’ve been needing to learn the last past seven months. I’ve been on one hell of a ride. I got nothing to do but go through all your videos and I’m going to concentrate on focusing on repairing my back thank you thank you so much doc
❤
Oh man, I love you for this video. My doctor was pushing me for a biacuplasty and that just didn’t sound right to me. Thanks a ton for this information.
I've been suffering from lower back pain for almost 4 years, I feel tingling in my knee and sometimes I can't walk because my left foot loses strength and it becomes impossible to walk.
There one stretch that helps, lying with the back of the neck and sacral lumbar area on the floor and bringing the soles of your feet together, leaving your arms open and relaxed.
Tips:
Lie face down with a pillow under the abdominal area for 1 minute
Massage the sole of the foot on the affected side
Avoid sitting as much as possible, especially those who spend hours at the computer, working standing up at a lifting table helps a lot.
Sleep 8h
That sounds aweful. Hope you feel better 🙏🏻💚”Dr Rowe Spinecare” also has some amazing exercises. I have had backpain 10 years.
Movements that I use to rehydrate my discs and make my spine move are ...
1) Short-range (incomplete) squats : I kind of '' bounce '' quickly with moderate pressure with my feet staying on the floor
2) Moving my upper body from side to side while bending the spine a little (so when I move to the right side, my left leg and foot leave the floor and I bend my spine a bit to the right).
Walking can make my sciatic nerve symptoms worse while walking, but helps me sit longer after. taking the walk.
Sometimes but rarely, I get discogenic pain or typical muscular low back pain.
Like you said, getting your spine to be used to doing flexion again (like when sitting) has helped me a lot when it comes to being able to sit longer. I can't still sit as long as I used to throughout the day (I can't run either because it makes my sciatic nerve too sensitive), but it's much better than it was.
Great video btw.
Looks like you're capturing the essence of good rehab: progressive overload (or graded exposure). Calm things down, build them back up! 💪
Im not typing comments often. Im in med school myself and i found your videos very informative especcialy with all this research showed. You made the topic crystal clear for me. Thank You!
I had a bulging disc, and tried physical therapy for about 8 months. I ended up getting a steroid injection which solved my problem for about 4 years. Just recently the pain has returned, after I started doing weight lifting.
Hoping that I have better luck with physical therapy and gentle exercises this time around
This is exactly my situation. My pain returned roughly after 4-5 years after injection. I did a bit of weight lifting and played footy for few months. Not sure which one caused it
For anyone confused about conflicting advice on low back pain / sciatica:
I have been dealing with this issue for just over a year now, and spent most of that time resting and avoiding pain-inducing exercises. I would also avoid bending forward, focusing more on back extension stretches. While my condition improved over that period, it was very slow, and I still felt pain.
Once I started a more active, pain-tolerant regimen, as suggested in this video, I began noticing major improvements in both pain and mobility. Some of the advice given in this video does seem counterintuitive and contrary to popular advice, but I’ve anecdotally found it very helpful.
There is a balance to be achieved between activity and pain, and definitely took some trial and error on my end. Great video and was very helpful for me, thanks!
Thanks for sharing your experience! Motion is lotion!
By far, one of the most honest pieces of advice i have seen so far. Focus on symptoms, diet, exercise and most importantly mental health. Pain makes us do crazy stuff, believe me :) who had disc protrusion in the past. All the best and have patience, hope and consistency
Glad you thought so! Yep rehab is really just doing the fundamentals and living a healthy lifestyle, while getting stronger along the way!
I ended up having the injections. They really helped take off the edge so that I could get a good nights sleep and actually make some progress in physical therapy.
I’m sure the pain would have subsided after a couple weeks but my goodness the pain was too bad to sleep, that was my biggest issue.
My biggest concern is the loss in lumbar curvature. But I’m hoping physical therapy will help with that.
Thanks for sharing, I’m glad the injections helped in your case, I know it can be super frustrating to try to push through without something like that. As for curvature, don’t worry about that one bit! Spinal curvature does NOT matter. We have TONS of research refuting that outdated idea. Watch more videos on this channel to see research on myths vs. facts for low back pain and sciatica rehab!
You are very kind to give us the knowledge of sciatica pain.I had suffered for nearly a yr now n had went through lots of treatments.Some are good n some are simply bad.
My doctor argued with me for 20 years with minimal pain relief from less invasive options. Surgery fixed it and they found that there were bone spurs digging into my discs that weren't showing anywhere because there were regular bones hiding the spurs on MRI, Xrays, and the bone scan they made me do. I didn't want to be on medications that just caused dependency for the rest of my life. The meds also stopped me from enjoying my life
I get most people don't need it, but if it's been over a year with someone doing what they are supposed to do - don't talk to them like surgery won't do anything
Each person is unique, I’m happy you found something that worked for you 🙏
I agree. Been dealing with pain off and on my whole life. Yes you can recover naturally, but I always have some level of minor pain and just work through it. Would love a no pain life. Did you find ADR let you be active again w/o pain?
If you have a disc herniation for more than 2 months and the pain is getting worse slowly, for instance if you have pain even while lying down then definitely consider surgery as an option. A bulge of over 6mm will definitely have horrible symptoms. Don't sit there thinking it will get better simply because it can. The last thing you want is it the disc not getting resorbed and condition hasn't improved and you end up with permanent nerve damage.
Thank you this post as really helped me in my recovery mentally and physically. 3 months journey but everything you say, and all the research I have done (including speaking to my physio) concur with your post. Delighted to have had no pain today at all! I expect a few bumps on my journey but that is to be expected 🤟.
Thank you for giving me a hope. I am suffering from L4, L5-S1 herniation since May. Severe pain shock lower back and left leg mostly at the heap area.
Get first initial 6-day steroid treatment that dramatically reduce my pain. Walking every day for about 40 minutes. Yoga and McKenzie exercises. Pain still strikes me at any point of movements.
Schedule injection to at least let myself to breathe normally
Your video gave me a hope that I may return to a normal life.
Have suffered from chronic lower back pain for years. Had Radio frequency ablation and after 6 weeks no change. In fact my pain threshold has worsened. Am disappointed and desperate for relief.
Look up bpc157 peptides pain will be gone within an hour
I have an L5-S1 disc protrusion, which is compression my right side nerve root. Pretty intense sciatica symptoms after standing or walking for roughly 10 minutes (can be longer or shorter). Oddly enough, spinal flexion eases my symptoms. So, for pain relief, I find that squatting down or sitting helps. In fact, I can sit all day long without any pain (very odd).
It's always gonna depend on where exactly the herniation is in correspondence to the S1 nerve root in your case. Maybe sitting helps keep that disk off that nerve. It is odd, but luckily in your case, sitting isn't making it worse.
My wife has L4/L5 and S1 herniation on her right side and drop foot for over 2 years and still in constant pain.
I have been dealing with sciatica for 2 yrs now due to a disc L5/S1. I have done it all pt, spinal decompression, massage, acupuncture, softwave and nothing has work for the sciatic pain. I am running out of options can’t sleep, can’t sit, can’t stand and walking for 20 mins triggers a lot of stabbing pain on the left side down the leg 😢.
What's your age. I hope you recover asap.
Work on walking a good amount even take your time a walk through the pain depending on pain level and work on core strength. I did all the same things you did and hit a wall after therapy and was told that’s what I had to live with. I moved and was somewhere where I could walk more and started light lifting since I had a wood stove that needed wood in the winter. So that worked my core and I started getting some pain relief. That time kept extending more and more. So don’t give up!
Do swimming for 2 months 100% will gone the pain
You gave me courage boss.....may be lord shown your video in pop up....waaw my mind is happy
Alhamdulillah, I had L5/S1 disc very serious herniation but I didn't go for surgery, it took 8 months, 3 of them were very painfullfor me but now I am 98 percent healed and i don't feel pain while sitting amd walking even climbing stairs. I feel slightly little pain when I bend try to reach my toes. Trust me it heals with time but doctors help and advice should be followed ❤
In August of 2023, I herniated my L5-S1. I have a foot drop but on the opposite side. This means I can not push off of my calf, and I can hide the limp pretty well. Initially, my pain was severe and placed me in the ER. However, my neurosurgeon elected not to do a fusion. I have had an emergency lamenectimy/discectimy and re herniated the L5-S1. The first surgery was because I had sever symptoms not being able to use my bowls and bladder. I have chosen not to get a fusion to see if I can heal naturally. I do have weakness along the nerve root from my butt to my foot. I sense less weakness as I do the natural program I am in. The weeks I miss I feel more, which gives me hope.
I was one step closer to getting operated but randomly saw your video and started doing exercises and yup i think you saved me from it😅
Slow and steady! Usually as long as we are patient, but gradually progress exercise difficulty, we can heal from back pain and sciatica naturally.
Getting out of bed did it for me today! Someone that’s been dealing with chronic back pain 10+ years. Football, wrestling, boxing, 5K and Spartan races. My last race I noticed my recovery was longer than it should have been. Fast forward today, went to Concentra (worst clinic ever! Don’t ever take your family there. Only in business for money.) all the doctor argued was, why didn’t I do surgery 10 years ago?? Went to Kaiser and the PA jumped through hoops to get me with a specialist and avoid surgery. A working progress now ✅
My only conflict with this video is when he says doing core exercises like side planks and glute strengthening is not necessary. I believe that is one of the most important things to strengthen and isolate to take pressure and load off of other muscles like the very overlooked QL (Quadratus Lumborum). I do believe that imbalances can mimic herniation pain symptoms and once corrected will help ease a lot of discomfort. Other than that, it is a good video and everything else is very spot on
Here's the deal with core: The research repeatedly shows it's not nearly as important as people think. Can it have some value for people in severe/acute flare ups in order to get them able to perform normal daily activities? Yup. Is it necessary for everyone with back pain? Definitely not, research shows you can get the same long term results with just normal exercise without specifically focusing on core exercises. My real problem with core training is the dogma/narrative that comes along with it. It reinforces "magic muscle" thinking, as though it were possibly to isolate some magic muscle that's going to fix everything. People are told core bracing is a long term strategy in order to avoid bending, and they are told that bending and twisting are dangerous. This leads to fear, and overprotective muscle guarding long term, and increases the chances that an acute flare up turns into chronic (long lasting) pain as a result of this fear and guarding. Core can be a brick on the road to rehab, but it should be short lived, and people need to graduate and move on to bigger better things as quickly as symptoms allow. Fair?
I had a bulging disc and it took about 8 months to feel less pain but significantly less pain ... with care in mind not to load the spine or make sudden moves after a while/months all went ok ... and over a year later everything was just fine but my case was not very bad... I did not took another MRI .. I now go to the gym and with care in mind about my spine I can do everything ... NO PAIN! ( When I was getting out from my car the pain was excruciating WAS REAAALLY BAAD!!!! walking felt good no pain there , the sciatica pain was up to behind the knee ... and it went up... and up and went away) so .. maybe depends on the severity of the disc/bulging but we all need to do research in order to understand and heal ...In my opinion!
I'm 24 and I have a protrusion in L5-S1 since 21 (July 2021), in that time I've had 2 cycles of rehab - heading back to gym training - resenting and relapse, until October 2023 where I was able to find a balance between training (with precautions) and keeping my lower back healthy and nearly intact until literally the last 2 weeks (July/Aug 2024) where although the pain isn't piercing and debilitating and demoralizing, it _is_ real and it's certainly sending me in a downward hopeless spiral where I genuinely cannot escape this and there's no way to be freed from living in pain, and just reabsorption like the one described seems like such an outlandish thing to ever happen to me.
I never had a very lengthy radiculopathy, my pains have always been located right at the tailbone or 1 buttock (very rarely both), and only seldomly in my right groin/iliac crest.
My friend had surgery for scoliosis. Had a lumbar fusion. Before surgery he was a skilled soccer player. After surgery he is handicapped and stays at home most of the time. I wish i had knew this before so i could have advised him against it.
Holy crap that's terribly sad to hear. Unfortunately this type of thing is more common than we'd like to admit.
This guy is on point seriously pays attention people.
He’s great
I started having low back pain and bad left side sciatica the late part of october 2023. Fast forward to today June 21 2024 and I am still in pain with sciatica. I have bad days and I have better days. June 13th last week I got an MRI and it shows a mild herniation at L4/L5 and a large herniation at L5/S1 that is impinging the S1 nerve roots. This sucks and while I am thankful I can still get around, some people have it worse than me so I shouldn't even complain. But the pain has made me a shell of my former self. It has been 8 months of this.
What have you tried for treatment?
I know how frustrating it is to be out with pain. I hope the masterclass helps you get un-stuck! www.shapeshiftwellness.com/LBP-masterclass
Neuroplastic pain. Read The Way Out by Alan Gordon
I feel you. It started for me 6 month ago. Last month got corona which totally smacked me. Could barely get out of bed for two weeks. Luckily it was adjacent to the clinic appointment I had, they did epidural setroid injection at L2-3 and honestly is saved me. I still barely walk but now at least the level of pain have tonned down a bit. I don't feel it as much on the back but it radiates to the right leg.
I can barely sit or walk. I have disc leison, disc degeneration, small disc petrusion. Nothing major, but it still gives me mad pain. Its really hard to find a solution. Im trying everything. It all started with a shitty bed, and bad chair
Thank you so much!😇 I have multiple disc bulges from C down to L since my spine straightened due to an accident together with a sacralized L5 and left leg weakened and suffering from muscle pain caused by my back injury. It's been like that since May 2022 and my doctors can't even answer if I will heal and just jack me up with pain meds maintenance month by month. Not until ny current PT Doctor told me I can get better just by strengthening my muscles. Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. I'VE BEEN DEPRESSED EVER SINCE cuz before the accident I was so active(exercising together with weights) altogether with me working long hours and now I couldn't even function normally and have limited time doing normal everyday stuffs. Sighh😩😩I walk with cane and travel with back brace to prevent too much pain from rough road crap. I'M JUST 27 btw
Wow it's got to be frustrating to have that kind of pain at 27. I dealt with chronic pain from around 18-26 years old, so I empathize with your struggle. I hope your PT is helping you get stronger and feel better! If you ever need more help, just ask!
I have bilateral herniations l5/s1. Had a cuada equina scare at hospital after auto accident. Had foor drop and lack of reflex in my left leg. Conservitive treatment is hard to even get.
All the doctors recommended surgery to me. Spent 14 hours in hospital for them to tell me I need surgery just not right then. Since, 3 other docs told me the same. I have extreme left leg pain, and have had that leg give out numerous times. Right leg was going numb and giving me hip issues.
Got epidural injections, and ended up laid up for 2 weeks not long after. Intolerable pain. Surgeon, offered more of those, but I asked about surgery because of all the docs telling me, and the fact the epidural sucked, carries its own rosks and is a bandaid.
It scares me for sure. I cant even find examples of bilateral herniations getting surgery. The left side is pretty large. Cant sit for long, stand for long, even laying in certain positions. Have some cuada equina symptoms occassionally as well.
I typically work out, and the rest of my spine is healthy. Feel like this is my only option. Medicines help, but its so hard to deal with the docs, and get one to give them to you. Even 2 weeks before surgery. I do have major weakness in my legs, some sattle numbness, footdrop, and extreme pain.
Do you think I am making the right move? Surgery is 8 days out. I am getting a bilateral endoscopic microdiscetomy. I am worried that I will lose stability having two sides removed. And, the lack of literature a long with what my surgeon says (35 years exp.) Says it is rare.
I have another question. If bending over is good for the disc, why does it hurt when I bend forward or flex my spine ? I have definitely made mine worse by accidentally flexing my spine or bending over. I suppose, based on your video, that if it hurts, don’t do it. It sounds as if you are giving us common sense and telling us to do things that soothe our back and avoid things that hurt.
I just responded to your other comment, but short answer: It depends on each individual. If you'd like personalized answers, watch the masterclass, then book a call with me: www.shapeshiftwellness.com/LBP-masterclass
I can't explain the science behind it, but in my experience this is true. I had two herniated discs (had an MRI), and the Dr. wanted a surgery $$$. Something didn't feel right, so I didn't go with the surgery and just learned to live with it. One day I decided it was time to try something different, so I tried decompression, different doctor, he explained there's evidence that discs can go back to their normal position and if you give them enough time, they will stabilize (heal). I went through all the sessions, about 6 sessions once a month. I started feeling better, but didn't want to push it much, so I waited probably about a year and I started working out. Now I play soccer, and can move faster than most players. I can't lift super heavy stuff, otherwise I do feel my lower back complaining a little, but other than that I can do pretty much anything else. I've seen Drs. who still don't believe this is possible, I guess they won't ever believe it unless it becomes mainstream science. I would think there are some cases where it is almost impossible to fix with decompression and other techniques, but I'm sure there's also a lot of people out there getting surgeries for something they could have fixed on their own. In summary, in my case, the key to fix it was to: 1. decompress, 2. strengthen the core and surrounding areas, and 3. stretching!! If the muscles that connect to your lower back are tight, it will cause some pain. In my case I sit most of the day, so the stretching is very important (psoas, gluteus, hip flexor, hamstring, quadriceps, etc...).
I am absolutely AMAZED by these videos, because they are fact-based and giving me what I needed the most - self-confidence and hope to heal my (small) disc herniation. By the way, I hadn't felt symptoms before I underwent an optional full-body MRI (where they found it and I started to fear of the future)... Thank you Dr. Davis, I am so thankful for your enthusiasm and passion - you really helped me significantly!
Hey thanks a ton! Interesting that symptoms amplified after the MRI, even with only a small finding. That just further proves the point that unnecessary imaging makes things worse, and fear is a MAJOR factor in chronic pain. Make sure to watch the video on fear/catastrophizing here: czcams.com/video/7MWEIp9TGvU/video.html
If you ever need 1-on-1 help, watch the masterclass first, then book a call!
www.shapeshiftwellness.com/LBP-masterclass
Thanks, you really made me feel hopeful about recovering. Do you think even low back pain that lasted for a year could eventually heal?
I work with clients every day who have had pain for upwards of 5 to 25 years. We get them feeling MUCH better. If you want to know what we do, watch the masterclass: www.shapeshiftwellness.com/LBP-masterclass
You are "the bearer of good tidings" Thanks for this uplifting video.
Hey thank the research for showing us the truth! I can't believe how much fear-mongering is out there from people who just do not read research, and think our spines are fragile like a house of cards. Motion is lotion!
Thank you for proving my point. I treat people with herniated disc using swimming exercises and somtimes some extra back exercises and stretching. They tend to start feeling better in two weeks. But adults prefer medicines, relaxation, and surgery! And it's doctors falts!
24 years old with a L5-S1, currently unable to walk properly, bike, sit, walk or sleep. Have it since last year November started like i don’t know what it is slowly but surely more pain to the point where i’m now. Next friday i’m getting an injection. For it but off course i’ll need to do exercises to make space i’m also trying to do some fitness and osteopathy. Hopefully i can say that i’m almost pain free next year.
Please make a video on cervical disc bulge , how long it takes ,
There are lots of videos on exercise
But nobody has a video on how you can lift weights after recovery
Or which exercises to avoid after recovery - cervical disc bulge
My name is Brajagopal Kha.2012 to 2016 have pain in my L4 L5 S1 JOINT .I AM GOING TO applo hospital channai india .dr hegde said go to home and do sum excercise and donot forourd banding and weight lifting. after 6 month i am start running and other excersise start .
now i am plaing football my age is 47
I had chronic disk herniations for 4 years. Finally had a micro disketomy done and was pain free for 4 1/2 years. Recently injured my back again. And will be seeing what goin on next week. But in my eyes my surgery was well worth it even if the herniation is back the last 4 years I’ve felt amazing.
Glad the surgery helped you. Discecromy definitely can work for some people.
One of the best video I've ever seen till now❤
Thanks!
I was diagnosed with L4/L5 disc bulge 3 weeks back and to manage pain i was prescribed with
Pregablin Gabica 75mg
Zycel 200 mg and tramadol 100mg for twice a day morning & night..and this has considerably reduced the pain
I have stopped taking tramadol but continuing with gabica & zycel
I was in a car wreck in the 90’s when I was 20. I couldn’t walk. They did the surgery.
I was fine. In my late 30’s I was still having pain. But in my 40’s it got so bad that I couldn’t walk.
They said that I have spinal stenosis & I will need surgery.
My insurance requires a list of things that I have to do in order to get the surgery.
I did the back injections, I had my nerves burned 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
IT DIDN’T WORK!!
The injectors were painful and so was getting my nerves burned.
The physical therapy is not working!
Depending on where I’m going I will either need my walker or my wheelchair.
Im taking hydrocodone and it makes the pain tolerable.
I have dealt with herniated disc my whole adult life.
I was trying to deal with the pain of spinal stenosis.
I came here looking for something that I can do to alleviate the pain bc I know that I herniated a disc yesterday!!
So don’t waste your time on back Injections or burning your nerves.
I came here to refresh my memory on what to do.
Watch a lot of videos on exercises to do for a herniated disc and my experience is that I will be better in a few days.
If not….. idk what I’m going to do!!
I’ve had one knee replacement & I’m having the other one done next month, and I have spinal stenosis & im also having surgery for that.
So the last thing I needed was to have a disc hernia!!
Please watch a bunch of videos on #CZcams do what you can bare.
When I’m done, I will come back and tell y’all what worked for me.
Thank you for sharing the reasearch ✨
L5S1 disc herniation,since last 2 months, severe pain started 1 month ago,that lasted 10 days ,5/10 pain is still present ,thats like on & off everyday.
Doctor suggested either epidural block or surgery.
Currently I'm doing swimming for 15-20 minutes,that really helps with pain.
I had a herniated disk at 20, never got better, actually got worse, went and got the microdisk surgery done. Turns out i had a ligament wrap around my sciatic nerve and was cutting into it. 9 years later re herniated the same disk as a full time fire fighter. Been scared to stretch again or really do anythung, walking hurts like hell most days. Only relief i can get is the heat pad or soaking hot water.
2 herniated discs in October 2023. L4/5 and L5/S1. Did 35 physiotherapy sessions and recently did the injections 2 weeks ago, unfortunately didn’t help. I also have one leg weaker than the other so the doc suggested after injections I do more physio, and if that doesn’t help then I have to do surgery. My sciatica is pretty bad and it’s fucking annoying. Making me hate my life so much. I wish there was an easier solution rather than surgery
It can't be easy, I also have a herni and I bought gravity boots and they provide a lot of relief. you can try starting with 1 or 2 minutes per day, it's not bad. (I took the gorillasport brand personally)
What about Jaw Joint TMJ Disc herniation ? Is recovery and all you mentioned here similar to spinal discs ? I’m facing pain, swelling and difficulty in talking and eating in Left Tmj. And with each yawn it gets painful again. Kind of loop. God please heal and help me get back to normal conservatively. I’m 25. Worked for Google as SWE 3. Hope for quick recovery please. Have been dealing with this since last 4 yrs.
I thoroughly enjoy your videos. They're very encouraging, and uplifting. They give me hope, and options, for my bad back.
I'm so glad the videos are helping! Just one thing - don't call your back "bad." That negative association just makes things worse. I've got a number of videos on this, but your beliefs impact rehab just as much as anatomy does.
Iam having disc herniation since 2017 still i do have severe pain on and off atleast 3-4 times/year. At present iam bedridden due to severe pain which appeared while squating. So i will b grateful if you advice me to get rid of my herniation pain totally .
Thank you so much I just came across your station and subscribed I have two disc herniations and two bulging discs I was experiencing burning in my lower spine and tightness I went to physical therapy for 3 months and it helped but just two weeks after my recovery I went to a new chiropractor I told him I was just recovering from two herniations and two disc injuries he still went ahead and adjusted me I felt burning and tightness just like I had before when I left his office I've been having the same sentence in January 11th almost 6 months a lot of fear anger and frustration came over me I was emotionally and mentally distraught over this regretting that I went to him I tried 3 months of physical therapy but this time it did not help I walk 30 minutes a day which is good but I still have that burning when I lay down at night Gabapentin seems to be the only thing helping with that burning sensation I'm scheduled for an epidural actually Wednesday I'm thinking about canceling it Maybe it was the emotional pain and fear I was experiencing that prolong this was the first time I got better in 3 months now 6 months do I have any advice should I reschedule that epidural?
I keep having numbness in my left leg and foot, seems like it will never go away, 8 months now.
Thanks for analyzing different researches on disc herniation self-healing. There was a disc herniation in my lumbar spine L5, I have the numbness and tingling on my left leg but not in pain for more than 6 months. Based on my understanding, most of the patient have the self-healing within 12 weeks. One of the neurosurgeon I visited asked me to wait until a year to see if the disc herniation dissolved by the body instead of a surgery since I'm not in pain but only numbness. Obviously, another neurosurgeon suggested microdiscectomy surgery. Just curious if there was any case history / experience for a long period (e.g. 1 year or even longer) of self-healing process similar to my situation. I used to play soccer once a week but stop playing for a while since I had physio treatment (e.g. lumbar traction, shockwave therapy and dry needling ) 2 months ago. Basically, the numbness and tingling still remains the same after the 8 sessions of the above physio treatment. It struggles me a lot for the next step on my disc herniation situation since different medical advices was receieved from different neurosurgeons.
This is a great positive video on how you can rebuild you back and think more positivity about back/disc pain herniations...
BUT unfortunately for some people who have hard working labor jobs and overall life situations that cannot be put on hold you must consider surgery if your body does not show signs of improving. If your have signs such as bladder/urine control issues numbing and tingling sensations going through your limbs, and weakness/muscle loss and these signs cannot do not improve over a couple months surgery should definitely be considered! After you've exhausted all your resources with physical therapy, steroids injections and your sick of medicine... TRULY CONSIDER SURGERY... Because we're only getting older and our backs aren't don't have the Benjamin button effect
I was overdosed on vit d by a doctor last year and I then developed disc bulges and protrusions in C-4 to c6 discs and annular fissure in the previous mri too. I was given 120000 iu or more weekly via injection
‘I also have an l5-s1 bulge, my tail bone hurts regardless of what I do.
I have swellings on the side I took the prescribed vit d injections, by the neck, shoulder under wrist and above ankle.
i have been doing yoga, and a few isometric exercises, im also taking 50 mg of magnesium which is less but it only temporarily subsides my neck swelling. I’ve been told vit d overdose can cause a mag and k2 deficiency
‘the other swellings subside temporarily via excercise and then come back after a 20- 40 mins
doctors are dismissive and I’m stuck. I also gained significant weight being 5’3 I’m 64 kgs and what seems right rn is to lose weight so that the swellings are more apparent so I am no longer dismissed by doctors.
I can also work out 40 mins a day now, things have improved but the doctors have not helped me at all. One of them just suggested walking for the discs. That’s all and no help at all. So idk what to do anymore. I turned 27 in march and had to quit my job last May cause of the debilitating vertigo from the overdose last year. All my blood reports are clear as well/
I am 27 years old too. And like you, I had to quit my job because of this illness. A doctor recommended high dose vitamin D to me. Oral use. But I did not use high doses because I was afraid of toxicity or other problems. Instead, I use it as 10 drops a day. I think it is good for general health. But I don't think it has any effect on hernia pain. Waist, hip pain and leg pain made me feel alienated from life. I tried different ways but it didn't work. I will go to an interview for endoscopic surgery in 2 days. Everyone tells me to avoid surgery, but I'm so tired of living like this, I've been suffering for 5 years. I'm like half a human. Psychology is exhausted. I even thought of suicide many times. Really hard.
Awesome!
You’re the best!! Thank you 🙏🏻
I just got a sequestered disc
Your very encouraging because I’m in terrible shape 4 herniated disks and 4 pinched nerves
Four years in my left rotator cuff I’ve had net ablations but it was the worst thing and made my pain worse he told me epidural he secretary told me it was ablation
Hi. In May, I was diagnosed with lumbar spondylisis, spinal and stenosis with exit foramen to the L4-L5,L5-S1. Finding images by MRI. I have no pain in back,however severe pain and cramps and numbness in my right. leg only. Doing physiotherapy and taking Lyrica 75mg once daily and Norgesic twice daily since January but until now I get no relief. Doctor suggested surgery of which I denied. Are there any other treatment.
Nice video bro thank you
You didn't discuss situations where a disc repeatedly heals and herniates. Even when good form is being used during training. What do you do in those situations ?
A lot of people think they are healing then re-herniating, but they are usually basing this on symptoms. They think it must have healed since their symptoms went away, but then they flare it up again and they think the disc actually re-herniated. Most likely this is not true. Most likely the disc never changed in the first place. Meaning: the actual structure of the disc has little correlation with symptoms or injury. We need to stop obsessing about the disc itself and focus on the bigger picture of graded exposure to strength training. Typically when people keep injuring themselves they are jumping back in and doing too much too soon and overtraining, or they are getting crappy sleep and nutrition and they are under a lot of stress, so they are under-recovering. It has nothing to do with the disc.
Really Really a scientific presentation. I love your mind. Just outstanding. Very informative and helpful. I'm just looking for it for my father.
Lastly, I just want to say,
Thank You so much for this scientific advice.
Thanks a ton! My team and I work hard to make things evidence based but understandable.
I have 3 moderate disc bulges in my thoracic spine, 5/6, 7/8, and 11/12. I also have sharp pain in my left shoulder blade in certain positions and I don’t know if it correlates with the bulges. It’s very frustrating and PT doesn’t seem to help. I don’t know what to do :(
Did you watch his master class in the pinned comment?
@@blakeloxtercamp no I didn’t see that, I’ll have to watch, thank you!
While hanging curtains, I strained my right side a lot, and the next day I had a strange pain in my lower back and hip. A week has passed, and it still hurts, but not as much as before. Do you think I injured my sciatic nerve, or is it just muscle damage? What can I do for a full recovery?And there is more tension in my right hip compared to the other one.
I did the same thing but on my left. I was doing kettlebell swings while already having disc issues and pulled something in my lower back. If there’s no radiating or sharp pain going down your glute/hamstring, it’s most likely just muscle or tendon issue. My best guess is it’s either your QL muscle, erectors or glute medius
WOW this video so informative. Thank you a lot for sharing 🌷
You are so welcome! I'm glad it helped! This one took a LOT of research 😅
@@ShapeshiftWellness 🥹🙏🏻
IM LISTENING AND WATCHING THESE VIDEO BECAUSE I HELP PEOPLE VOLUNTARY ABOUT THEIR HEALTH DIFFICULTY
I hope it helps!
Herniated. Pain unheard of. Surgery. 2 years later my upper discs slide out every day and girlfriend pushes them back in...my life as stone mason at 60
How does one push the discs back in place?
@albious... she massages them towards the spine...after running her fingers down my spine to locate which ones are out...she gently pushes them back. Sometimes I have to lay over the edge of my bed in order to open my spine up.more...the relief is immediate.
Thank you very much to good advice or information
Well done ❤
This is good info, but if your hernia is so bad its the size of a bouncy ball, like mine was, you 100% need surgery, I couldn't walk and my left leg was in so much pain I stopped eating, I couldn't go to the bathroom, I couldn't do anything, it hurt that badly, I tried to deal with the pain for 3 weeks, it was so bad I start to cry like a baby and wanted to die. Docs told me they could remove the hernia with a microdiscectomy. Been over a year after surgery, been alright, hernia pains are back now, but I don't really do anything and sit a lot, so I am now trying to move more and sit better.
I always try to make sure to include a section in videos like this about the red flags to watch out for, since in rare cases surgery is needed. Most people never need it though as long as they have good rehab.
Great content. What about swimming? Wouldn’t that be a great way to accelerate disc herniation healing?
Swimming could be great for one person and unhelpful for another, depending on symptoms and stage of rehab. This video breaks down the "perfect" exercises for back pain & sciatica (Hint: there isn't one):czcams.com/video/MbFWZj5iFb8/video.html
@@ShapeshiftWellness thank you sir. I’ll check it out.
@@ShapeshiftWellnesshow about walk in the water? I have L4-L5 herniation, impinging L5 nerve; I have L lower back, coccyx, gluteal and foot/lateral calf/ankle; some left leg tingling as well. Injuried since Feb, but feel slightly better since last night, but still be careful.
Thank you
Helen I can only give highly specific advice to people I’ve consulted with. If you’re interested just watch the masterclass then book a call! Link is in the description of my videos.
I seem to have a lit going on the doctor gave me codine that didnt work then amatriptoline that was to be taken at night no education just a referral to a spinal surgeon at the moment I am trying to exercise and manage the pain naturally😢
I had a herniated lumbar disk 8 years ago and I tried walking and simple exercises as soon as possible, like three days after when the most brutal pain was gone, with the result that I got paresthesia starting in my feet which slowly progressed up the legs. I think it was a mistake to walk this much so soon. I should have waited maybe 6 weeks but I dont really know. It's so hard to find the right balance. Also I probably did the wrong exercises. I always found it very relaxing and strenghtening to lay on my back, grab my knees and push the knees against the hands while arching the back to the floor. It was definitely a great exercise for belly and back muscles but it was bad for my spinal cord. Anyway after a few months the disk healed but the numbness in my feet remained all these years. A few months ago a disk herniated again and I made the same mistakes again, walked too soon and exercised too soon. Thing is, Im used to be active and cant stand laying in bed. It makes me mad and I feel sick and rotten after two days in bed. I have to get out and move. But walking makes my feet and legs go numb. Also it isnt really pain but there is a nasty deeply disturbing feeling in the spine, like "red alert", "your doing something very wrong". Cycling is even worse. Swimming is pretty much the only thing that works without making things worse. Im now trying the opposite exercise, the McKenzie thing. It's brutal. Im uncomfortable just lying on my stomach. Impossible to relax in that position. Again, it's not pain, just totally out of my comfort zone. Guess I have a long way to go.
Have you checked out the master class pinned in the comments? It might help you out.
Hello There,
I received an MRI report diagnosing disc herniation in L4, L5, and S1, but my doctor's clinical evaluation contradicted this finding. He recommended a normal lifestyle, lifestyle improvements, and numerous physiotherapy sessions, which I enthusiastically pursued, avoiding surgery unless necessary criteria are met. After 12 physiotherapy sessions involving manual massage, dry cupping, and pain relief techniques, I regained energy and returned to playing Padel. Recently, I began a 12-session Rehab phase but after completing only 3 sessions, I am experiencing discomfort such as muscle soreness and occasional joint stiffness, leading to confusion about my current course of action.
I had non fusion laminactomy at L4 L5 in Sep 2023 for a mild bulge not even a herniation and the pain is crazier now and I got an annular tear which isn't healing and the surgeon is suggesting fusion. I even had leg numbness snd burning down the foot after the bloody surgery 😢😢😢. If you don't shit in your pants, never do surgery
That sucks! I hope you’re recovering
@@blakeloxtercamp Thank you
Ive been suffering for three months, ive had two chiro appts, started out stretching wrong, sitting with my kneews above my hips, and pillows between my hips, knees and ankle have helped me to be able to get out of bed w/o crying out in pain...baby steps...
Uau thanks for this review! I was thinking in doing this since my neurologist said I shouldn't play soccer or run anymore (he says this to all patients that had herniated disk). Congratulations. Do you have a paper from this review?
Herniated L4 and L5 in 2020 and i am still in agony daily. My wife has to put my socks on most days! I exercise daily and feel like I'm making it worse. I'm at a loss now
Opioids stopped helping, and I'm at 9 months of misery. Steroid injection failed. Therapy hasn't moved the needle much. Decompression with laser failed. PRP has failed so far. Trying peptides now. Exercise isn't helping much either. Sciatica is gone, but the low back is intractable. Definitely interested in ablation, just anything to furnish relief. Sitting causes ruination.
Best video clip on this subject matter debunking unnecessary alarmist opinions. Bless you 😂
Thanks a ton I’m happy it helped! This one took a lot of work so I’m glad it paid off!
I was suffering from big disc bulge my pain was soo horrible I can’t even sit for seconds and finally i made up my decision and do surgery im only 18yr old and now I return to my daily lifee im feeling much better . If you are having big fan do surgery don’t damage the never it will cuz you life long numbness
I just injured my back deadlifting and now I can't even bend down without excruciating pain. My first time feeling such pain. Do you think I need to get an MRI right away?
Most cases of back pain and sciatica do not require imaging unless there are red flags. Imaging often freaks people out. Watch this video for a complete answer: IF I GET AN MRI WILL I HAVE TO GET SURGERY? Low Back Pain & Sciatica
czcams.com/video/DpORyoX0aF4/video.html
@@ShapeshiftWellness Thank you so much for this valuable information
The reports don’t seem to make a distinction whether the asymptotic percentage of patients had bulging or herniations that encroach on a nerve branch, i.e. not all bulging makes contact with a nerve. In my case L5 S1 with sciatic symptoms and numbness, luckily no disfunction other than waves of discomfort and pain. What percentage of minimal to moderate nerve intrusion do patients experience pain / limitations?
That's a really good question and I'd have to dig into the research a bit for that answer. In my experience with patients I can say that probably about 40% have a disc herniation/bulge/protrusion etc.. and of those, probably 1/3 have nerve root impingement on the MRI. Yes, recovery can be a bit touchy but nonetheless I see people with nerve root impingement drastically improve their function and symptoms every day.
Why do you say oral steroids should never be used? I’m not being controversial, just curious. When my disc goes out oral prednisone at 10mg always gets me over the pain hump to continue working and living life
That's what evidence based clinical practice guidelines tell us to do. Looking into it, they don't seem to perform any better than a placebo: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29573872/