Herniated or Ruptured Disc

[MarkP_]

Yesterday, I was putting my 2 year old in to his car seat and experience a huge amount of pain down my left side.  I almost passed out!  Saw the people at TOSH and had an MRI.  I have ruptured my L4/L5 disk--a really nasty one according to TOSH.  They prescribed me prednisone (steroid for inflammation), methocarbamol (muscle relaxer) and hydrocodone for pain (like vicodin/lortab).  My back no longer hurts, but the nerve down my left side hurts pretty intensely still.  I'm scheduled for steroid injections next week. 

I have a few questions for the board:
1.  Anyone ever have this?
2.  Can I still run (SLC Track 5K is this Saturday)?
3.  Any advice?

I've Goggled this problem, but there is little information available for runners.  I run 40-70 miles a week and do not want to stop

[Tara Summers]

First of all, that just stinks Mark. So sorry to hear that.

If you recall, I injured my back last year after the WRC series. On that last long run we did together, I told you about a specialist that helped with my recovery as well as with form. Before seeing her, I was on and off of running for 6 months with pain (mainly because I didn't have much direction.) Instead of going to a Chiropractor, I wish I would have gone straight to a PT as soon as it happened. Soon after several visits, I was running pain free again.

At the end of the day, if you feel good then run, just make sure you don't make the mistake that most of us do and overestimate our abilities when it comes to injuries. It's my understanding that when it comes to disc injuries that there are levels of severity; Bulging (that is what I had), herniated, and rupture. Everyone's down time will be different depending on how they care for it. Again, my advice ( in hindsight) for speedy and smart recovery, is going right away to see the people that do this everyday to get a plan:)

You should get plenty of good advice here, but if you find yourself going down the PT route, I would refer to Laura B at University of Utah Orthopedic center. She is a Physical Therapist that specifically specializes in running related injuries, she even ran competitively several years ago.

Speedy recovery Mark!

[MarkP_]

Thanks Tara.  Its ruptured, so I will see a Doctor at the TOSH clinic on Wednesday for an injection.  My back feels great, but its the leg weakness that is the big concern.  They gave me a copy of my MRI on CD and with the help of You Tube, I've been able to read it in great detail!  It is a nasty one with lots of pressure on the nerves.  Hopefully, the disc will reabsorb most of the fluid and relieve the nerve.

[Neil Price]

MarkP,

I also hurt my back a couple of weeks ago doing something equally mundane- making a snow fort for my kids. Pain is in my lower back/hip area and, like you, down my left leg only. I also have horrible muscle spasms and numbness to just below the knee. I tried rest, ice, Aleve, 3 chiro visits, a massage, and stretching to no avail. Finally visited a general practitioner last Thursday. I had no response in my left knee to the flex hammer which suggests a nerve/disc problem. I'm now on a 6 day course of Prednisone, along with a muscle relaxor and Norco. The pain is mostly gone but what has me worried is the continued numbness, weakness and cramping in my left leg. I was told to come back if the pain symptoms return once the steroid scrip runs out on Tuesday. Like you, I'm worried about when I'll be able to run again. Even if the pain stays away, I can't fathom being able to run on what is essentially a dead leg.

Good luck to you. I'm very interested in hearing how your treatment goes.

[MarkP_]

Hello Neil,

Maybe we can get a group Fast Running Blog discount at the TOSH clinic? 

Push for the MRI, not matter the cost.  You can then see the extent of the pressure on the nerve.  I'm going to to try the injection on Wednesday to hopefully speed recovery.  I'm not going to wait months for the pain to go away.  If it does not work with PT/injection, then it will be a microscopic disectomy for me.  Try to knock it all out under one big insurance yearly deductible--lol.  I really hope to be at full speed again at the Utah Valley Marathon in June (we all need goals).

[Neil Price]

Hello Neil,

Maybe we can get a group Fast Running Blog discount at the TOSH clinic? 

Push for the MRI, not matter the cost.  You can then see the extent of the pressure on the nerve.  I'm going to to try the injection on Wednesday to hopefully speed recovery.  I'm not going to wait months for the pain to go away.  If it does not work with PT/injection, then it will be a microscopic disectomy for me.  Try to knock it all out under one big insurance yearly deductible--lol.  I really hope to be at full speed again at the Utah Valley Marathon in June (we all need goals).

Haha! I plan on getting the MRI and seeing a sports doc. I want someone who has the same goals as me. I hope the injection works out for you. Its certainly a much better alternative than back surgery. Good luck on your UVM goal. I ran it the past 2 years but I was planning to run our local marathon (Famous Potato) in May this year. Looks like that may be a stretch now. We'll see I guess.