There is hope

I suffered for one year with same situation and until I had a great physical therapist and I did alot of abdominal strength exercises I was not able to run. I started with a walk/run program, biked and swam. Now it has been about 9 years since I was dx with low back herniated disk and I have ran several marathons and finished many triathlons including half ironmans!!!

keep up the strength work and get into it slowly...run/walk at first (6min run 1min walk...)

good luck

Hello!  I too had surgery on my L5/S1 in August.  I have been told by my PT never to run again.  However, my job requires it.  For those of you that took the risk and ran, how did you proceed?  What was your running regimine and how long did it take you to get back in shape?  What core exercise have you relied on in your daily routine?  Do you know of anyone that ran and herniated the disc again???  Obviously this issue is weighing very heavy on my mind!  Thanks for any input!

what are your exact symptoms?

A person can have a heriniated disc and still have other problems that  have more to do with the pain.  Studies show that about 50% of the -pain free- population have non symptomatic disc problems on MRI.  Always question a disc diagnosis and definately seek alternative care.  Another study watched  a surgical group and a nonsurgical group and found that the surgical group did no better over a 5 year period.

Two other very common causes for sciatic pain are; Pelvic segmental dysfunction--needs chiropractic care:and,  priformis syndrome-physical therapy or chiropractic:

another less common but definate cause is iliopsoas imbalence-again physical therapy or chiropractic care.

All of these will be aggravated by most styles of situp and straight leg raise.

Hello,

I herniated L5/S1 back in 1984 while playing Volleyball.  I had the epideral shots, etc.  They told me I was one of the very first to have that procedure.  Anyway, it did not seem to do much right away.  I came home from school, and saw a Chiropractor.  I went nearly daily for 1 month, then 3 times a week for the next month, and backed it off over the next 2 years.  They both want to say the "fixed" me, but I really don't know.  All I do know is I was back playing and FULL activity, but it took 9 months or so from when I first had it.  The Dr. for the SD Chargers "Dr. Losi" told me to NEVER get heavy, as this will change the curve of your lower back, and that means problems.  Over the years, whenever I don't workout, and gain a few Lbs, I get some minor problems.  I would suggest a "good" chiro, but be carefull, there's a lot a QUACKS out there.  The best I felt is when they combine it with a good message.  You also must LOSE some weight.  You are too heavy for your height.  THAT is a big issue.  Just a few pounds, like 5-10 and that makes me feel pain...Be patient....it takes time to let those nerves calm down.  Concentrate on hamstrings and abdominals.  This new CORE strength stuff is also VERY good, if you can do it. GOOD LUCK and YES, there is a good chance of FULL recovery.  One last thing, check out the POSE running method stuff.  I recently completed a running class teaching this, and I now run pain free!

I am a 34 year old female with 3 kids who suffered with back pain for 10 years.  After years of various  treatments, I went to a chiropractor who after several adjustments with no improvements suggested a spine surgeon.  I had a fusion on 8/28/03 on L4/L5, & S1.  I now have 2 cages, 2 rods, and 7 screws.  The new surgery involved going in through the stomach for a faster recovery.  I was driving 1 1/2 weeks after surgery and returned to work with no restrictions 3 months later.  I started running for the 1st time in my life 11 months after surgery and have since completed 3 5k's and 1 5mile.  I run 3-5miles a day, 6 days a week with no back pain.  Surgery was the best thing that I ever did!

Murkey, I ran pain free for several months after surgery and then I had the exact type of pain I had before surgery. I went back to my surgeon and he said that I  tore the scar tissue off of the screw heads. He gave me a cortisone shot and I had to take 6 weeks off from running, but I haven't had any problems since. That's been almost 2 1/2 years ago. I had achilles surgery 4 months ago and all was going great. I even did a 5k race 13 weeks after surgery and a week ago, I started having the same pain and the ortho said I tore the scar tissue in my ankle. If it is scar tissue, ask if there is a massage therapist in your area that does ART (active release technique), I started treatment today and even though it's very painful, it's supposed to break up the scar tissue. Good luck!

Lower back herniated disc is pretty easily fixed these days.  Not, leads to nasty loss of feeling and eventually ability/strength of legs and even arms due to nerve damage.  At least that was my experience.  I had to have the surgery years ago when it was much more invasive than now -  I can't imagine life without!  Recover - follow MD directions - stay fit and continue your life of running, tennis, etc., for years.  I did have one "relapse" about 10 years ago - possibly precipitated by maternity? Small frame - BIG baby!??  But it was handled non-surgically by a terrific ortho- ice 5-6 times daily and daily swimming to re-strengthen those lower muscles.  It also involved some scar tissue build-up I think but has never really been a problem since. My brother, also very active recently had similar problem and was back in action in a reasonable time after surgery.  Claims it the best thing he ever did.  I continue to run, play tennis, work out, and whatever else I wish.  Good luck.