[ouch] ruptured/herniated disc

I've been squatting for years and about 2 months ago I'm doing my heavy set in a 5x5 of squats, felt that big pinch of the sciatic nerve and said fuck, ended the workout, shrugged it off and figured I'd be back to normal in a couple days. So a couple days later, I'm fine, don't feel anything... but then about 2-3 weeks later I have this excruciating sciatica, entire leg is numb, can't straighten it out and it's been like this for a month and a half. I went to the ER and got some painkillers, which helped, but now that those are gone it blows again. I'm going to make an appt with an orthopedic physician, but from what I hear once you have a disc injury there's no real cure, regardless of surgery. Anyone else have any kind of disc related problems or know anything that I can do? I'm way too young for this shit and it hinders my daily routine in general.

how old are you?

22

how much were you squatting?

you dont want to get diagnosed with a herniated disc because it fucks up your health insurance for the rest of your life. you're basically out of commission for the next 6+ months... you should do basic stretches and lightly work on core muscles to try to keep your back in line. take anti-inflammatory drugs (aka alieve) regularly and give up drinking for awhile. also helps to sleep flat on your back with a pillow in either you arch or underneath your legs. in general, your body will tell you what not to do (sharp pain)

whatever you do, don't get an xray or scan unless absolutely necessary

ive been squatting for a long time without issues but i've heard a lot of stuff like this recently. i don't squat much anymore, maybe twice a month, but i might drop it completely.

also now that i'm looking back at it, maybe squatting three times a week really isn't the greatest thing for a beginner. because most beginners are not going to have good forms or someone coaching them. maybe a different routine would be better... idk

Sorry to hear that.. if it makes you feel better i'm 22 years old with chronic patellar tendonitis.. my squatting days are pretty much over. Leg press will be your new friend once you rebound enough

also now that i'm looking back at it, maybe squatting three times a week really isn't the greatest thing for a beginner. because most beginners are not going to have good forms or someone coaching them. maybe a different routine would be better... idkI think squatting three times a week is fine for a beginner as long as they don't try and go too heavy. Really, there is nothing wrong with doing extremely light weights to get your form down. The problem is, as you have said, most people's form is really bad and they have no way to know it.

do you have a confirmed disc injury?

how much were you squatting?

guessing poor form!?

you dont want to get diagnosed with a herniated disc because it fucks up your health insurance for the rest of your life. you're basically out of commission for the next 6+ months... you should do basic stretches and lightly work on core muscles to try to keep your back in line. take anti-inflammatory drugs (aka alieve) regularly and give up drinking for awhile. also helps to sleep flat on your back with a pillow in either you arch or underneath your legs. in general, your body will tell you what not to do (sharp pain)

whatever you do, don't get an xray or scan unless absolutely necessary

This here is fucked up and why you should get universal healthcare....
If I were you I'd still rather have it checked than be unsure. imo health is too important to be messed around with, and I'd have an expert tell me what to do in this kind of situations.

This here is fucked up and why you should get universal healthcare....
If I were you I'd still rather have it checked than be unsure. imo health is too important to be messed around with, and I'd have an expert tell me what to do in this kind of situations.

Honestly here's the response you get from the doctor

It looks like you herniated a disk. We could perform tests to find out, but it will probably screw up insurance for the rest of your life. You have 3 options: 1 is to do some these basic exercises and take anti-inflammatories. 2 is to go to physical therapy, which might affect insurance. 3 is surgery which will definitely affect insurance and most likely give you a life long condition

I opted for the first option

HOW MUCH FUCKING WEIGHT WAS IT, CHRIST?

I've had a bulging disk between T12 and L1 for a few years now. The disc was not ruptured, though. Have you gotten confirmation that the disc is actually ruptured (MRI)? Mine bothered me regularly for about 9 months. I avoided squatting altogether for about 10 months, then eased back into squatting and deadlifting after about a year. I still don't do heavy squats, never more than 225lb. It doesn't bother me anymore.

If you did indeed rupture a disc, you'll need to change your routine. You need to stay flexible, strengthen the muscles in your back, and avoid things that aggravate it. You'll also need to be more conscious of your movements, how you lift things, and your posture.

Welcome to the wonderful world of back problems.

Oh, hey I'm a member too now :(