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Question about herniated disc in lower back?

It's been 9 days since my doc said I have a herniated disc. He didn't take an x-ray or anything he just felt around on my back as I winced in pain. I was in A LOT of pain. I have had this type of thing happen before back in July. My lower back isn't giving me much pain now but it's tight and I still have sciatica pain sometimes down my right butt cheek (haha, I know, funny) Anyways, I love working out and I am going nuts not doing anything. I have been on small walks but usually have to make them short because my lower back will start hurting or aching.

Do you think it's ok to do air squats? That means NO weights. But just regular squats at this point? My legs ACHE at night from not doing anything for so long. I just don't want to end up back where I started with all the pain. I've been told to take it easy but not lay around. The other problems is sitting makes it worse and laying is better. I don't know what to do with myself. I'm also off work for 2 weeks. I can walk normal. I've gone to the store a few times...it's mainly just tight and sometimes there is a pinch of pain here and there.

Update:

haha did i spell disc right? it's probably disk.

Update 2:

Bart- what about squats with no weights? i want to maintain good muscle in my legs and i do the back stretches the doctor gave me info on.

1 Answer

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  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    It is possible that you have herniated disk but it is not possible to say this for sure without an MRI. Fortunately it doesn't really matter als even most herniated disks get better with time. For what it is worth, if you have sciatica just to you butt cheek, and not extending to below the knee, a herniated disk seems less likely. Only a small minority of back hernias need operations - although between countries there are large diferences in operation rates, there is no evidence that an agressive operation policy leads to an improved outcome except in the physician's wallet. For now, time is on your side. Keep moving without excessive lifting, walk, sit, lie and stand in turn, avoid long car drives and take simple painkillers when needed. If you notice muscle weakness, problems with defecation or urination, or if you are not improving after 6 weeks, see your doctor again.

    Source(s): I'm a doctor.
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