So... graduated 10 days ago and was flying high on endorphins for a few days, however it was short lived as i have a prolapsed disc in my lower back. Well a suspected prolapse according to my doc on Friday... got a consultant meeting on Wednesday to have a proper look and an MRI scan.
My main question to all the well informed is... is this the end of my running?
Really loving running but is it possible to do if you have back injuries... if you’ve been through similar, how did you manage it and get on with the job in hand!!
Really don’t want to think of this as the end but unfortunately the glass is half empty at the moment !!
Written by
swisstony4
Graduate
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I don't know the answer to your question but don't spend the time between now and Wednesday getting upset over what may be nothing The consultation may be very favourable and you'll be back running before you know it. Good luck!!
I have had lower back issues over the years and always found exercise to be a great cure. I have never had a prolapsed disc diagnosed so can't comment on your specific conditions, but I must believe developing core strength and physical fitness through running is a good thing. I guess it depend on whether it hurts when you run, if it doesn't then your probably ok.
I think that you would be unwise to think that this random bunch of beneficent runners, however well meaning, are qualified to advise you. Your GP and consultant can give you advice once a diagnosis has been made.
Core strength is crucial to all runners, so if you are able to do strengthening exercises, I am sure they would be beneficial to you and help support your spine.
Take it easy, get a second opinion if told that you will never be able to run again and go as well armed to your consultation as you can be.
Yes, this is definitely a question for your consultant.
Exercise is usually prescribed for slipped discs however, and there are lots of runners and strength athlete who suffer this and recover stronger and faster, so I would not be too gloomy about the prognosis.
I ruptured a disk in my neck 13 years ago in a skiing accident. I ended up with a spinal fusion of the affected space and have bulging discs above and below. Recovery was long and slow but my neurosurgeon didn't give me any restrictions once I got through my recovery period, other than keeping my shoulder girdle strong due to my long thin neck. I know the back is different from the neck, but I hope to give you some peace of mind that hopefully this isn't the end of your running career, but just a blip (although it could be a long blip). I was in my 30's when it happened and it was traumatic in nature versus degenerative but I have quite a bit of degenerative changes in my cervical spine now. I don't seem to have any ill effect from it for the most part, other than some tightness from holding my stress in my shoulders, and a reduced range of motion in my neck.
I'm glad you are getting in to see the specialist right away and an MRI. You'll have some answers soon. We'll be thinking of you.
Oh no, so sorry to hear this, especially so close after graduation. Sounds like you are being well looked after and quickly too. Get well and strong soon.
I run with a chronic/sometimes acute back and hip problem - long term. I rely on my sports physio more than anyone else but have had lots of professional input over many years - some helpful, some not. Don’t give up - and, yes, agree re second and even third opinions.
I'm so sorry to hear this, but please don't be too glum just yet. Speak to your consultant and make sure that you are well advised every step of the way. I hope that your back injury can be resolved more easily than you imagine, and that your despair turns out to be unfounded.
So sorry to hear that, it's a real bummer. I've had many episodes of prolapsed discs from my 20's to my 40's, which started when I was 22. Despite that, I began running in my 30's and in 1989, I was in a running club, doing good times at 10k races. Then in the December I got another prolapsed disc. I was moving to a new job at the time and after my back recovered, I just never went back to running. I guess I was busy with a challenging job, felt I had lost too much fitness blah, blah. Fast forward 28 years, and I decided to do Couch to 5k in 2017 to get fitter. I really enjoyed it and it brought back many memories of my earlier running days.
So my advice is that you can get back to running if you want to (but don't wait 28 years like I did)! Listen to your body and take doctor's advice, of course. My GP eventually sent me to a chiropracter (not on NHS unfortunately) which was the solution for my back problem. Very important to do the recommended exercises to strengthen your back and core muscles. Also consider buying a kneeling chair to help your posture (I'm sitting on one as I type). Good luck and I hope your back recovers quickly!
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The consultation may be very favourable and you'll be back running before you know it. Good luck!!
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