https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 24 May 2026 09:10:27 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2512802 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 11:38:45 +0000 LovelyPlum 2512802@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@krispi: that's exactly where my herniation was, and yes, my orthopedist took one look at the MRI and said, "you need a spine surgeon." I'm glad your treatments are working. It's so miserable to be in pain! I think the anti-inflammatory diet helped me a bit in the lead-up to surgery. At the least, it allowed me to feel like I was doing something to help myself get ready for surgery and the healing that I needed to do going forward. I hope that the treatments continue to work for you, but if you do decide to pursue surgery, know that it wasn't bad, all things considered. Yes, the first few days were hard, and I definitely needed help. But, on the whole, I'd say it was worth it. My daughter is 23 months, and that's why I couldn't lift her. But, she also doesn't need carried all the time any more, either. I think it would be hard to do with a heavier, but still immobile infant. </p> <p>@Smurfette: thank you!!! It has helped me to have more energy and taken some of the strain off of my back. More to go, still, but it feels good to have come this far without any exercise!</p> <p>@twodoghouse: thank you, friend! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2512800 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 11:31:17 +0000 krispi 2512800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm glad the surgery worked for you!</p> <p>I've been dealing with recurring back pain since 2012 or so that flared up again pretty bad about this time last year during my second trimester. In December, when I had a 3.5 month old, it came back so bad I couldn't move at all, was in pain almost as bad as labor, and had to go to the ER. </p> <p>That's when I finally had an MRI done and found out I had a badly herniated and extruding L5-S1 disc. All the orthopedist would do was refer me to a neurosurgeon. My chiropractor, who I've been seeing all along, recommended some alternative treatments first. I was just 3.5 months post c-section, had only been back at work 1 month, had exhausted all my leave, and wanted to be able to lift/carry my baby as much as possible. So I was in no hurry to go through another surgery and recovery. </p> <p>I've been doing IDD decompression treatments twice a week since right after Christmas. They basically harness me to two sides of a table and stretch my back out with counter weights, creating some room in my spine for the disc to retreat back to its normal spot. It's been a huge help! I went from not being able to pick my daughter up at daycare because I couldn't lift her to now being pain free most days. Even on days when I am sore now, it's usually not bad enough to hinder my motion. </p> <p>I'm not done with treatment just yet and have an evaluation next week to see about adding some physical therapy sessions. I also still see my regular chiropractor every couple of weeks. That means some weeks where I have 3 different appointments, but it's made a world of difference in how I feel. I would highly recommend the treatments to anyone who's trying to avoid surgery. My decompression dr is trying to work with me so I get down to zero pain all the time. We'll see...</p> <p>In the meantime, when I am sore, I manage the pain with ice and anti-inflammatories like Motrin, Salon Pas, or Icy Hot. Those seem to be pretty effective.</p> <p>I've been considering switching to a more anti-inflammatory diet, like reducing or eliminating gluten, to see how that helps, but it's such a tough switch to make. Staying hydrated also helps a lot, since the disc is supposed to be filled with fluid. I'm also trying to add light exercise back into my routine, starting with walking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2512637 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 09:54:56 +0000 Smurfette 2512637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: glad that you are feeling good. And 20lbs is awesome! Go you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2512628 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 09:49:44 +0000 twodoghouse 2512628@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: I'm glad you're doing well! I hope the rest of your recovery goes well too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2512590 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 09:26:41 +0000 LovelyPlum 2512590@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wanted to come back here and update: </p> <p>I met my neurosurgeon in mid-January, and he immediately recommended surgery, a microdiscectomy, to relieve pressure on my nerve (L5-S1) and help with my pain. I was super skeptical at first, because back surgery is scary. DH and I talked to a lot of people, including my midwide, PCP, (very conservative) chiropracter, and holistic-minded yoga teacher. After a lot of agonizing, we decided to go ahead with the surgery, for a couple of reasons. One, we worried about nerve damage. Two, my neuro was concerned about how much another pregnancy would hurt/take a toll on my body, and three, it is a pretty minor surgery for back surgery.</p> <p>I had the procedure done two and a half weeks ago and my follow up was yesterday. It was more difficult than I expected, but I was focusing more on the "minor" part of the procedure than the "for back surgery" part when I was mentally preparing myself for how I was going to feel afterwards. In retrospect, things have gone well. I didn't have restrictions other than not lifting LO, which is/was the hardest part. I can walk and have been off strong pain meds for over a week and a half. I don't feel great, but I'm starting to get my strength back.</p> <p>I have done yoga once since my surgery, and it felt pretty good. I've noticed that I am going to need to learn how to re-learn how to balance my body between right and left side. I've been compensating with my right side for so long that I now feel unbalanced. I know it's too early to tell, but I think the surgery was a good idea. Now I have to get stronger and continue to lose a little bit of weight (I've lost over 20 since Christmas). I've asked, and I was told to wait a bit before getting pregnant (6ish months or so). It seems like a long time, but I hope it goes quickly. We are going to revisit the issue this summer.</p> <p>Thanks for all your advice and support. It means a lot! </p> <p>@avivoca: @wheres_c: @MaryM: @Twolittlemen: @Littlebit7: @blackbird: @ballerinabee: @twodoghouse: @BeachMama: @MrsRcCar: @tofuwad: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414649 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 00:31:20 +0000 tofuwad 2414649@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have had a herniated and bulging disc in my lumbar spine since I was about 16 from 10 years of competitive gymnastics. </p> <p>I will say that chiropractic and Pilates has changed my life. Yoga helped but Pilates really changed my life. And I never did a class or anything - I just bought some DVDs and did them at home on a yoga mat. I also had the epidural steroid injections and they made a HUGE difference in my life. My pain was probably at a 7-8 and two rounds brought the pain down to about a 2-3. </p> <p>And I will say that chiropractic care is not a one time thing - when you have chronic pain your care needs to be chronic. You have to take care of yourself. </p> <p>I carried my first baby with no big back issues and actually I believe the relaxin helped my sciatica while I was pregnant. </p> <p>Having been to a million pain specialists and being afraid of narcotics I will tell you what I have been told by countless doctors: the only way to manage pain is to find the exercise that works for you. For some people it's swimming, some it's cycling, some it's walking. For me it is a combo of modified yoga, Pilates and walking. I can use an elliptical but even running is out of the question. </p> <p>For me surgery is inevitable but I want it to be my last resort. I would definitely try the injections first because they're outpatient. I had two rounds when I was 16 and my pain has yet to get back to that level of intensity. </p> <p>But I do still throw my back out a few times per year. But The inflammation goes down with ice and stretching and rest and I get back to my normal. I'm not in constant pain but I do definitely have reduced flexibility and movement (I can't do a proper down dog, for example). </p> <p>If I were to give you simple advice it would be this: see a chiropractor you like, find the exercise that works for you, use ice not heat when you throw out your back, don't push it when you throw out your back because you'll make the inflammation worse, and try not to rely on narcotics for long term pain management. </p> <p>Sorry this is so long and disjointed. Invest in a foam roller. When you have intense pain you may not be able to get up off of it, but I use mine all the time and love it. I also tend to do some gentle stretching at night before bed. And it's a long process. I've been dealing with this chronic pain for half my life and I barely even think about it anymore. </p> <p>Sorry you're dealing with this. Back pain sucks. </p> <p>Oh and one last thing: my sciatic pain radiates down my legs and I've found that Icy Hot and Tiger Balm type things help my pain if I put them on my leg. I don't know why it works because it's not a muscle pain but it helps. There's also this spray called Muscle Mist which is basically liquid Tiger Balm that I like for sciatic pain. Just remember that when you throw your back out you have increased inflammation so Advil or Motrin and ice can help. </p> <p>Again I'm sorry this is basically a novel. But I've dealt with this for a long time and I have learned a lot over the years. And I'm on my phone so it's hard to formulate a truly coherent response. Sorry and good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414578 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 22:23:43 +0000 blackbird 2414578@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: lots of ice and hobbling lol. Also a back support. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414551 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:49:31 +0000 wheres_c 2414551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My pain level was at about a 6.5 pre-pregnancy. I didn't have any steroid injections prior to pregnancy. I went to acupuncture for pain (1 treatment) and it helped a ton. Pain was down to a 2-3. I went a second time about 3 weeks later and I felt awful! Turns out that the first acupuncture had stimulated ovulation for the first time in 3 years and I was pregnant! Shocker!</p> <p>I was worried how my pain would be during pregnancy but actually it was almost non existent. I think this might have just been all of the other stresses on my body! I would say it was about 6-9 mo post partum when the pain came back with avengence. It was about a 9 on the pain scale and probably due to carrying my son. I tried PT and chiropractor for about a year before moving on to Epidural Injections. I've had 2 now, and we are TTC2.</p> <p>Oh and I'm not totally opposed to surgery....id actually like to give it a shot, however at my last appointment they said it wasn't "bad enough" for me to be a candidate for surgery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414547 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:40:03 +0000 LovelyPlum 2414547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just had a huge long response to everyone, and the Internet ate it :sad: But thank you so much for your thoughts and suggestions. I'm going to go the PT route and try acupuncture and Pilates along with chiro and yoga for now. Hoping to see some results from that, or at least give it time to heal. </p> <p>@wheres_c: @ballerinabee: @blackbird: I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, too. Thanks for sharing your stories. Out of curiosity, how did you deal with the pain during pregnancy, while the almighty Advil is off limits?</p> <p>@Littlebit7: thanks for the suggestion! I just looked it up, and there are a lot of practitioners in my area (western NY, where it was apparently developed? Who knew??) Can you tell me more about the method? I'm so glad it worked for you!</p> <p>@Twolittlemen: I hope it doesn't get that far, but it is great to hear a positive surgery story. I'm glad it helped you, but holy crap 17 seems young for such a bad back problem! I worry about nerve damage, too, because my left leg often goes numb when I'm in pain.</p> <p>@BeachMama: @MrsRcCar: thank you for the suggestions! I think I'm almost certainly headed to PT again, and hoping for better results with a more precise diagnosis. I've never heard of IDD, but I will look into it!</p> <p>@MaryM: good to know about the two injections. I hope your DH gets relief soon.</p> <p>@twodoghouse: @avivoca: thank you, friends :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414441 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 19:55:13 +0000 MrsRcCar 2414441@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Look into IDD Therapy. It works by decompressing your spine and realigning everything. Some chiros know about it. We have seen it work for many people. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414372 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 18:43:47 +0000 BeachMama 2414372@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also would recommend trying PT again. Avoid exercises where you are repeatedly flexing your spine (ie any form of sit up) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414371 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 18:42:18 +0000 twodoghouse 2414371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: I'm so sorry you're dealing with this, friend! I hope you're able to get some relief without surgery! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414292 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 17:22:44 +0000 ballerinabee 2414292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a herniated disc and a bulging disc in my lumbar spine, and have gone through epidural steroid injections and RF ablation of nerves. The injections helped a little, but wore off pretty quickly for me. The RF ablation has helped more, but the dr told me the best thing I can do is strengthen my core - pilates, barre, yoga, etc. </p> <p>There isn't much worse than back pain, because it truly limits your activities and the pain makes you miserable. I can empathize. Be kind to yourself, and be patient. It isn't easy, and some people (esp those who've never dealt with pain, let alone back pain) aren't sympathetic or understanding. Ignore them :silly: </p> <p>I also tried the chiro and PT before I moved on to medication and then the injections &amp; RF ablation. I've tried just about everything but surgery - trying to avoid it... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414278 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 17:09:04 +0000 blackbird 2414278@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I fucked up my L3-L5 really bad after having E. At its worst, I bent over to tie my shoe and I just fell over. It took awhile to get better and I still struggle-I have compression of those discs. I'm seeing a personal trainer to help me strengthen the appropriate muscles. I also take a lot of Advil, which helps, because a lot of my spasms are now muscular. Nothing but time helped me with the discs, unfortunately. I was scheduled to get a cortisone shot, though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414169 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 15:34:34 +0000 Littlebit7 2414169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know you said you tried pt , but I'd suggest a Mckenzie certified physical therapist if there is one in your area (you can google Mckenzie and a list of certified pts come up). I had a herniation at l4/5 and was literally immobile and incapacitated. I have no issues now and carried my LO without difficulty last year. If you can't find a Mckenzie therapist you can't look for a Maitland trained one.<br /> I'd exhaust all conservative options; oftentimes surgery isn't recommended for pure pain relief; but for when there is severe neural compromise (loss of strength, numbness/tingling bowel/bladder) or if everything else has been attempted. </p> <p>Also, I'm a PT for what it's worth<br /> You can wall me if you have any other specific questions </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414133 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:51:17 +0000 Twolittlemen 2414133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had back surgery in 2000, at 17, to trim a herniated disc in my lower back. No idea how it happened, I started having terrible hip pain in my sophomore year and it took three years of agony and countless doctors appointments before someone thought to look at my back, as numerous doctors kept telling me there was no problem with my hip. </p> <p>I was in excruciating pain before the surgery and do not regret the decision to have it done at all. I had limited mobility for a few months- I had it done 2 weeks after high school graduation and left to go to college 4 hours away from home 2.5 months later.</p> <p>I'm now 33 and had two pregnancies without any back related problems. Occasionally my back will "go out" for a couple of days to a couple of weeks at a time. (I never had actually back pain before the surgery, just hip pain. I have slight nerve damage in one of my feet from the pressure the bulging disc put on my sciatic nerve for 3 years.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414121 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:34:51 +0000 MaryM 2414121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH had issues with a herniated disc and the doctor suggested epidural steroid injections before resorting to surgery. He said many people feel better after one injection, most feel better after two. </p> <p>Of course DH tried to push through after the first one and put off having the second one and is regretting it. He was told to get them about 2 weeks apart, but because he was feeling mostly better he didn't bother. But then it got worse again. </p> <p>Now he just has to deal with it because he can't take the steroids until other health issues level out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414089 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:16:05 +0000 wheres_c 2414089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a herniated disc. I am also TTC.<br /> My doctor suggested Epidural Steroid Injections as these can be done as long as I'm not pregnant and the drugs are class B so minimal effects if I were to get pregnant shortly after the injection.<br /> The first injection I felt immense relief after 2 days. The relief lasted about a year. I recently had a second injection. This time, it did not help - so I am going to a surgeon for a consult.<br /> Also - acupuncture has helped! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414081 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:10:42 +0000 avivoca 2414081@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: I don't have any experience, but I am so, so sorry that you are going through this! I think Pilates or Barre method will be really good for building core strength. I know that when I did both of those, my core strength was excellent and the instructors will be able to help you modify positions as needed. You can do both of those throughout pregnancy with adjustments. I think keeping up with the chiropractic work will also help too, and if you do get pregnant, the chiro can help you stay aligned while your body is changing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2414075 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:05:23 +0000 LovelyPlum 2414075@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bump...anyone? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/herniated-disc#post-2413874 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 11:23:22 +0000 LovelyPlum 2413874@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does anyone have experience with this problem? I would love to hear your story, as this is now part of mine :bummed: </p> <p>Some of you may remember that when I was pregnant with LO, I fell on the ice and was told I dislocated my hip. Three subsequent falls while also pregnant, a difficult vaginal delivery, and a car accident when LO was 4 months old all exacerbated the problem even more. I used PT and chiropractic care for pain management, but I never felt like I regained the strength in my core that I needed to completely heal and remain injury free for the long term.</p> <p>Unfortunately, I was right. I re-injured myself while running in October, and the pain left me unable to walk or stand without significant, debilitating pain. Muscle relaxers and time made things better, but a deep tissue massage in December left me unable to walk for over 3 days. At this point, I thought it was my hip again, and I called an orthopedic specialist to get help that my PCP was no longer able to provide. I had a hip x-ray and spinal MRI before Christmas and an appointment this past Wednesday to discuss treatment options.</p> <p>The results are in: my hips are totally fine. In fact, he thinks they never dislocated at all. Instead, I have a significantly herniated disc in my lumbar spin and a referral to a neurosurgeon. Cue shock.</p> <p>My appointment with the neuro is in two weeks. In the meantime, I'm doing yoga and continuing chiropractic. I've also been recommended to a Pilates studio to help with strengthening my core. And I'm doing a Whole30 to try to lose some weight and reduce inflammation. I do not want to have to have surgery!!</p> <p>I'm frustrated and angry, but also scared. The thought of dealing with severe chronic back pain for the rest of my life is overwhelming. I'm 31!! To top it all off, we decided to TTC this month before I knew about any of this. Who knows about that now. I can hardly carry LO now; I dknt know what pregnancy would do to my body. Gah. :sad: </p>