MRI update... PT's welcome :)

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

Hi Luna!
I know I'm new here..and maybe b/c of that I don't carry much weight yet... but Knott and Wahine are SO on point with what you should concentrate on. I have no doubt you've been in a lot of pain and it IS very disconcerting - esp when all ya wanna do is get back on the bike and ride!

Been there...

My experience with my L4-5 bulge was different than yours and went through a different path, but I want to emphasize the PT aspect of your greatest potential for help with the bulges/pain/strains. What happened to me was that my disc was ripped b/c of a moderate car accident. It was probably already slightly degenerated because of my running and cycling (mostly running!), but I hardly ever had pain before. After it ripped, I tried every kind of therapy (save for accupuncture) and waited 5 yrs off the bike and in pain before saying yes to surgery. It was definitely NOT healing, but getting worse.. 3yrs AFTER my surgery (and still off the bike), I thought all dreams of getting back ON the bike were lost..let alone being pain free.. I was taking dilaudid (of all things) to control the pain - it was that bad. .... I was on my last string of hope.. I didn't want to live like that so I begged for another try at Physical Therapy.
THANK GOD it worked this time. I didn't think anything would - but I really tried and it did work!

I'm a bit long winded - sorry!! I know this is early in your recovery and really.. you can be sure that 95% of back pain sufferers really do not need surgery. Please give PT all you've got...if you've got a great therapist and a good relationship with him/her - you will come back stronger and pain-free.. with tools to help you the rest of your life!

Beware of the knife-happy surgeon (esp if you have good insurance)...sometimes they'll look at an MRI and see bulges or encroachments and immediately suggest surgery. If you've got a good, conservative one...he'll give everything else a chance before resorting to surgery.

I'm pulling for you! Go girl!!

P.S. I've been narcotic-free for 19mos!!

[mountainchick]

I've been there too, and PT helped me. I did it for about 3 months, stretching, and traction (sp??) where they put you in this device with heat. Absolutely great machine I think I fell asleep once...

But good luck...know that it does help some people. I haven't had anything come back, and its been about 5 years so far.

[Luna]

thank you!!!!!

[babeonbike]

Look at a website called laserspineinstitute.com. They do arthroscopic laser surgery on disc and spine problems. Most people are on their feet in 1-2 weeks and back exercising