Rowing and Herniated Discs

[rowsleeprow]

Hi,

I rowed university for 5 seasons. About 1 year ago I herniated L5S1 through training (weight training and erging), not sure what did it specifically, but I've been told it was cumulative. Anyways, Almost all better, but I still have some nerve irritation in the buttocks and a little bit down the leg. I'm told right now to just keep doing elliptical, core, light weights (no squats, deads, etc.).

Just curious if anyone has went through this, and if it is possible to row at a competitive level again after this type of injury?? I would love to be able to train with that same intensity again, but I'm not sure about it.

[luckylindy]

They make back braces that cut down on your range of motion (specifically for people with lower back herniated discs). I would guess that such a brace would also put a drag on your performance, so you might need to redefine what "competitive" means.

Have you spoken to a doctor about your desire to row, and options available to assist you?

[aharmer]

You can definitely be competitive again. I had a herniation of the same area a few years ago. Took quite a while to get back because I took the wrong approach. I took the advice of a friend and saw chiropractors, who did absolutely zero to fix the condition, other than line their pocketbooks for several months. Finally left and went to an orthopedic group that specializes in aggressive treatment of these injuries by strengthening the area. Was back to almost normal about 4 months later. Am now able to erg as if it never happened. Also do heavy squatting, deadlifting and other movements on a weekly basis with no issues (fingers crossed). Once I was pretty much healed I started doing back entensions and did them religiously for months. Helped me, hopefully you have similar results with whatever treatment you choose. Good luck!

[rowsleeprow]

That is nice news to hear. What kind of things did they do for "aggressive treatment" ? was it just really intense physio exercises for along time??