3 Bulging Discs

[[old] stevem]

Back in May, I added some running to my rowing program, and after a few weeks I started getting back pain. I have run marathons in the past, but had't done much running except a little treadmill work all last winter. I was rowing about 10K a day though. Anyway, because I'm stubborn, and probably a little stupid, I decided to work through the pain. And it got worse. So I stopped running and in frustration I intensified my rowing and I think my form suffered- I was intentionally trying to extend myself as far forward as possible during the catch, trying to touch the cage with the handle on every stroke, and going for a PB on every row. Then, with a painful lower back, I went on a backpacking trip and came home and split and moved 2 cords of firewood. I awoke one morning in agony, I could barely get out of bed, and putting on shoes or bending at all was nearly impossible. I finally went to a doctor, and an MRI showed 3 bulging discs. It's been about 2 months since I've been able to use the C2, I could manage a recumbent exercise bike but it's not the same. Yesterday I tried the rower for the first time- I went 20 minutes strapless at a ridiculously slow pace- something like 3:00/500m. It felt good afterwards, but even though my back feels better, it is nowhere near 100%. My PT says to do what I want as long as it doesn't hurt, and to work on core strength. I was wondering if I should hold off on the rowing for a while longer or invest in some slides or something. Next time I get some type of injury, I think I'll listen to my body and rest it before I get incapacitated.

[[old] bmoore]

Welcome to the club. I injured my back as a 20 year old paratrooper in the Army. Of course the injury didn't show up until I had my appendix out and temporarily lost the strength of the supporting muscles. I was also stubborn and continued to run, lift, golf, etc and ended up in pain too many times. I had surgery in 1994, and that relieved most of the problems, but now I have to stay in shape to avoid further aggravation of the injury.<br /><br />So, rowing and abdominal work is my therapy. Rowing may seem counter-intuitive for a back injury, but I've worked through it with stretching, ice, ibuprofin and now it's not really a problem. This is my active therapy to keep my back healthy for the rest of my life. If you're like me, the pain you felt is sufficient motivation to never want it to happen again. (I'm still perplexed why my wife volunteered for more than one child. Our fourth is due in December).<br /><br />Another recommendation is "How to Treat Your Own Back" by Robin Mackenzie. The emergency procedure in there for what to do if you're in pain is awesome because it's something I can do. I don't have to put up with the pain and wait for a doctor or medication. It really works. There's also exercises that keep the back in good shape.<br /><br />I hope this helps. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions. I often think those of us who have dealt with this have more immediate help to give than the medical community, but you also need to keep your doctors involved in your treatment.<br /><br />Regards,

[[old] Jim Barry]

These kind of stories remind me that there are not a lot of role models to follow here, but there are plenty of warnings about what NOT to do. <br /><br />Good luck on the recovery. Nothing like a big break to get everything mechanically back in order. Pilates is recognized for sorting out postural imbalances. I took a 2 month break from rowing when I simply felt that I was not getting the stroke mechanics right and instead did Pilates and core work. I came back very strong and reset all my PB's. <br /><br />

[[old] FrankJ]

I too am a member of the bad back club. I was diagnosed and went through PT about 33 years ago. Basically learned to live with it and had to teach myself better ways to move and lift. <br /><br />I am a relatively recent rower at not quite 3 years but found slides early on and use them whenever I want to give the back an extra break or just for the fun of it. I have not found rowing to be an issue at all in fact I think it is one of the best exercises for the back and core that there is. Good luck on your recovery.<br /><br />Frank

[[old] stevem]

Thanks. It would seem like rowing would strenghten the back muscles. I guess I'll start out real slow and easy and concentrate on form. I'll try and start from scratch, like I've never been on the C2 before. Today I used the bike and some light dumbells, along with stretching and as much ab crunches and stuff as I could bear. I'm more comfortable than I was a month ago, so I guess I'm heading in the right direction. I think I'll send for that book- "How to Treat Your Own Back"- Amazon has it for 10 bucks.

[[old] Byron Drachman]

You've already gotten some great suggestions. You've probably already thought of this, but when you are concentrating on form, I think it is a good idea to get some help. <br /><br />Training videos like the ones from Xeno Muller have you work on technique and also are a great workout as well as fun. In particular, watch how Lucas holds his back straight. One of the videos is an upper body workout that works on core strength and flexibility. <br /><br />The technique DVD would be a good one for starters. You could row along with the video and just take light strokes. Obviously, you want to hold back on the intervals and hard work until your back is ready. <br /><br />A large mirror can help with self-diagnosis, but it's a good idea to have an expert look at your form whenever possible. It is very easy to have a flaw that you simply do not notice yourself but will be obvious to someone else. <br /><br />I hope your back gets better and I agree that rowing with good form is absolutely crucial for anybody with back problems.<br /><br />Byron

[[old] JCPC]

I second the "Treat Your Own Back" book by Robin Mackenzie. <br />You may want to check out inversion table too, Sweedish Mastercare, teeter hangups. Regular use of these heal and prevent problems.<br /><br />John Clarke <br />Prosthetist Orthotist (Limbs Braces) and now owner of a Relax the Back Franchise<br /><br />PS Rowing is great for the Back

[[old] sucol]

Another vote for "Treat Your Own Back." The stretches and exercises described therein certainly seem to help me.<br /><br />I've had S1/L5 surgery, and my back has given me problems for years... generally it is when I over exert myself running or on the C2.<br /><br />I find that OTC "Alleve" is very helpful, for what that's worth.<br /><br />Feel better soon.

[[old] Cayenne]

Hi JCPC,<br /><br />Where is your shop ?<br /><br />"Relax the Back" touches upon a responsive chord for me. I have had back issues and I love "gadgets" ( I use that term with all due respect for the many helpful items you carry.) RTB appeals to both.<br /><br />I'm glad to hear an erger is a franchisee. I recently visited one of RTB's outlets and spoke with the owner. I'd guesstimate that she was approx. 75 lbs. overweight. I realize she's a merchant, not a "healer", trainer or physical therapist, but on some level, someone selling these items, to me anyway, needs to present with a certain credibililty that, when she's talking about "core strength", she does not have.<br /><br />I walked in, she greeted me, I smiled and said "Good Morning, I'm just looking around." She asked if she could show me around and I said "sure.". When we got to the corner with physio-balls and exercise CDs and she "authoritatively" told me about the effectiveness of such approaches...well, I already said how that made me feel. ( It's possible that she does train, and is on her path with exercise. I may be wrong, but she just did not strike me as someone at all in touch with her body, but instead, someone who saw the demographics for RTB as favorable and likes comfortable seating and bedding herself.)<br /><br />Best wishes for great success with your franchise. I certainly hope that your "walking the walk" attracts those who will benefit and rewards to you for your work.<br /><br />Eddie