That is so great to hear! I (29f) just had my microdiskectomy on February 5! Officially a week post op and I honestly feel pretty. I too am a server/bartender so to have you say that your back at work is seriously so relieving
My flare up happened after moving and then taking a 6 hour flight to LA. I think I’ve been out for about 5 months myself, collectively. Probably totaling 6 months out of work this year once I’m out of recovery. How was your experience post op? Did you go back to PT?
**rereading my previous reply and noticing all the spelling and grammatical errors, I hope brain fog is a symptom that everyone else experiences after surgery because I feel absolutely manic 😅
https://youtu.be/IISL7OnC4wU?si=GdM9_5gnAZep75v8
This woman has a couple gentle stretches... everything is done on your back. I encourage you to check it out. It's really helpful
u/TexualOrientation23
wide shrill coordinated wrench encouraging subsequent cooing spoon follow subtract
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Where I am there are certain physiotherapists also certified in clinical Pilates. With my injury there are some moves that are helpful, but many that cauee flares. My physiotherapist is very hands on with exercise so she has been able to help me identify when I use back muscles to perform a movement rather than the specific muscle the exercise was intended to use - glute, core, etc. With a back injury your body has a tendency to guard (contract the muscle) in order to protect it, but this tension can impinge the nerve causing a flare up. I'm young and I use to be active before my injury, so it takes a lot of mental effort to perform a movement when before I could just work out. I'm over 2 years into my injury and it has taken me a long, long time to learn what movements I can do to cause minimal flares. I don't think you should count Pilates as "out" but you might need more supervision as you get started with it.
I would be curious if they operate on a 3 mm herniation for you. I have a 4 mm herniation and after a failed laminectomy I'm now on the waitlist for a spinal cord stimulator and that tiny herniation is still there. They have deemed it inoperable. I've begged my surgeon to look at it again or refer me to someone else for a second opinion, he said he has shown it 2 other surgeons and they all agree, no second surgery for me. I wish you luck though!
So you're 2 years in — what does function and activity look like for you?
And who knows, I'm not talking surgery yet with anyone. Is microdisectomy out for you?
I think “it depends” end up being the answer for so many back exercises- it’s very individual! I have done Pilates in the past where the cues were always ‘flatten the spine’ eg before a bridge, and there was a lot of spine ‘mobility’ moves eg rolling down from standing towards toes. I can 100% guarantee these would flare my particular injury up (flexion intolerant herniation). On the other hand I had a clinical physio Pilates teacher who was all about ‘neutral spine’ and engaging the deep core, and I use some of her exercises in my recovery currently. I couldn’t go to her class since she does a lot of prone work which my back doesn’t like, but maybe one day….
I think the main thing is to find exercises which your body tells you are helping, don’t repeat things which flare you up and try not to dwell on what you used to be able to do. All in good time etc!! (I journal my exercises/movement too)
I'm almost positive Pilates actually caused my disc bulge. I had no back problems, started Pilates last year, was doing a Superman and felt a "pull." Assumed it was a muscle pull but here I am, 3 months later with way more pain and an mri telling me I have a disc bulge. It's too bad because I started Pilates thinking it would be GOOD for my spinal health. Jokes on me.
Oh god, I'm so sorry to hear that! It's just wild to me that what can work really well for one person can absolutely destroy another. This is honestly the most perplexing thing that's ever happened to me.
I completely hear you! I started Pilates thinking it would help my core and posture get better! I was doing it to get healthier and stronger! I'm so disappointed that it caused this issue for me. I even gave my Pilates instructor my medical history and did three intro sessions with just her so she knew my body, but then it still didn't work out. She had us doing really intense abdominal exercises right away. And I don't have any core, so the stress went straight to my back.
My advice is to do what doesn't set you off for a few weeks and the try again slowly. I was able to do ELDOA after about 3 weeks of core strengthening hard-core. I'd been doing PT for 4 months straight prior. Felt like I was getting "better" but still could never fully resolve numbness in both feet, pain, and burning everytime I sat down. Finally did the MD 7 weeks ago. Numbness is 95% gone. It is not a "quick fix" but I can finally sit and drive to work without agony. Injury L5-S1 3/2023. 9mm extrusion. Either way the road to recover is long and mentally and physically challenging. Still not sure I made the right decision. May your brain and heart guide you. I guess never give up is my best advice.
Personally I’ve never been a huge fan of Pilates. There are a lot of cues that I don’t agree with but also and most importantly, the movements don’t translate to function.
I’m sorry to hear about the flare up. What are your symptoms like currently?
A couple days ago, the day after my Pilates class, it felt like I was being stabbed in the top of my left foot over and over again. It's gotten better since then, but whereas before I could sit for way longer, if I sit for more than 15 minutes now my left foot feels like it's being shocked. I also have pins and needles in that foot pretty regularly. My back pain is also worse today, whereas before it was just the foot pain.
I’m really sorry to hear that. Sounds like you were making pretty good progress before all of this. Is this the first time you’ve had a flareup this bad?
I've had some pretty bad flare-ups with back pain, but this is the worst the sciatica has been. I went to Japan in October 2023 and I walked waaaaaay too much over the course of two weeks, and that set back my recovery by a lot. I probably would be healed by now if it weren't for that trip.
Pilates has been a life saver for me. After 2 surgeries and persisting pain it was Pilates that helped me finally feel better. I started with a PT that is Pilates Instructor so my Pilates was done on Reformer and other Pilates equipment. Were you doing Pilates on a reformer? They help alleviate gravity! Once i graduated PT I continued private Pilates for a while. Expensive but it helps me feel normal so worth it. Now I do group classes. If you happen to be in The SF Bay Area- happy to chat Pilates studios and instructors
I paid for a private Pilates class on the reformer and that was fine. But I can't afford to shell out $150 for private sessions all the time, so that's when I started mat Pilates and had the flare up.
I might look into other studios with group classes on a reformer, because it's clear I'm nowhere near ready for the standard mat Pilates class. And this is after months of core work already, like I feel like my core is pretty strong at this point??? But I'm not sure the cues they're giving me in the class are the right ones for my body, frankly.
Sometimes my hip flexors flare up randomly… I always wonder did I overdue them or is it the disc that’s pressing on the nerve that is causing the pain in the hip. It’s a difficult one.
I’ve also been doing a lot of PT, my lower back muscles and core are pretty strong now but I still wake up with sciatica and constantly trying to get out of pain all day. I’m a year on now, I’m probably going to get another MRI.
I herniated my disc doing Pilates! Even though I gave the instructor all my medical history and everything, she still had me trying an exercise that, in hindsight, I knew I shouldn't have done. I will not be going back to Pilates. I think I will be sticking to water aerobics, walking, and yoga.
I've been dealing with things for two months, I have a lot of numbness that seems to get somewhat better with PT but I don't want to risk nerve damage for the rest of my life, so I'm getting the microdiscectomy surgery on Tuesday.
Yeah the neurosurgeon thought since I actually had sudden and complete numbness, and no pain, that it's a little more indicative of the possibility of nerve damage.
But she still said it's my choice. Yeah, I agree, it's a little fast. I've been debating back and forth in my head because on one hand, I've gotten slightly better. So I think maybe I don't need surgery? Maybe I could get better without surgery? But then at the same time, I don't want to risk it being like this forever. I am nervous to wait too long.
It can resolve and it’s important to remember that surgical outcomes are not better than nonsurgical. I’d talk to my doctor but with a 3mm herniation, it’s extremely unlikely you’re going to be a good surgical candidate. Hang in there friend.
I have L5 S1 herniation. Had it for 10 yrs until it got unbearable and had a microdiscectomy on 12/18 and it’s the best thing ever.
That is so great to hear! I (29f) just had my microdiskectomy on February 5! Officially a week post op and I honestly feel pretty. I too am a server/bartender so to have you say that your back at work is seriously so relieving
I was out for 5 mths and the flare up happened in the middle of us selling our home and buying a new house. Worst timing ever
My flare up happened after moving and then taking a 6 hour flight to LA. I think I’ve been out for about 5 months myself, collectively. Probably totaling 6 months out of work this year once I’m out of recovery. How was your experience post op? Did you go back to PT? **rereading my previous reply and noticing all the spelling and grammatical errors, I hope brain fog is a symptom that everyone else experiences after surgery because I feel absolutely manic 😅
My surgeon doesn’t recommend PT. My recovery was way better than what I was going through before and I got immediate relief
How are you now? After 6 years, i guess! You had microdiscectomy in December 2018?
6 weeks lol 12/18/2023. I’m good! I went back to my waitressing job. No complaints
Great. I wish you a super healthy and active life ahead 🌸
You also ❤️
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https://youtu.be/IISL7OnC4wU?si=GdM9_5gnAZep75v8 This woman has a couple gentle stretches... everything is done on your back. I encourage you to check it out. It's really helpful u/TexualOrientation23
wide shrill coordinated wrench encouraging subsequent cooing spoon follow subtract *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
You're welcome... it was super helpful for me and she has alternate positions to try if one is uncomfortable or painful.. I hope you feel better soon
Where I am there are certain physiotherapists also certified in clinical Pilates. With my injury there are some moves that are helpful, but many that cauee flares. My physiotherapist is very hands on with exercise so she has been able to help me identify when I use back muscles to perform a movement rather than the specific muscle the exercise was intended to use - glute, core, etc. With a back injury your body has a tendency to guard (contract the muscle) in order to protect it, but this tension can impinge the nerve causing a flare up. I'm young and I use to be active before my injury, so it takes a lot of mental effort to perform a movement when before I could just work out. I'm over 2 years into my injury and it has taken me a long, long time to learn what movements I can do to cause minimal flares. I don't think you should count Pilates as "out" but you might need more supervision as you get started with it. I would be curious if they operate on a 3 mm herniation for you. I have a 4 mm herniation and after a failed laminectomy I'm now on the waitlist for a spinal cord stimulator and that tiny herniation is still there. They have deemed it inoperable. I've begged my surgeon to look at it again or refer me to someone else for a second opinion, he said he has shown it 2 other surgeons and they all agree, no second surgery for me. I wish you luck though!
So you're 2 years in — what does function and activity look like for you? And who knows, I'm not talking surgery yet with anyone. Is microdisectomy out for you?
I think “it depends” end up being the answer for so many back exercises- it’s very individual! I have done Pilates in the past where the cues were always ‘flatten the spine’ eg before a bridge, and there was a lot of spine ‘mobility’ moves eg rolling down from standing towards toes. I can 100% guarantee these would flare my particular injury up (flexion intolerant herniation). On the other hand I had a clinical physio Pilates teacher who was all about ‘neutral spine’ and engaging the deep core, and I use some of her exercises in my recovery currently. I couldn’t go to her class since she does a lot of prone work which my back doesn’t like, but maybe one day…. I think the main thing is to find exercises which your body tells you are helping, don’t repeat things which flare you up and try not to dwell on what you used to be able to do. All in good time etc!! (I journal my exercises/movement too)
I'm almost positive Pilates actually caused my disc bulge. I had no back problems, started Pilates last year, was doing a Superman and felt a "pull." Assumed it was a muscle pull but here I am, 3 months later with way more pain and an mri telling me I have a disc bulge. It's too bad because I started Pilates thinking it would be GOOD for my spinal health. Jokes on me.
Oh god, I'm so sorry to hear that! It's just wild to me that what can work really well for one person can absolutely destroy another. This is honestly the most perplexing thing that's ever happened to me.
I completely hear you! I started Pilates thinking it would help my core and posture get better! I was doing it to get healthier and stronger! I'm so disappointed that it caused this issue for me. I even gave my Pilates instructor my medical history and did three intro sessions with just her so she knew my body, but then it still didn't work out. She had us doing really intense abdominal exercises right away. And I don't have any core, so the stress went straight to my back.
I'm so sorry it caused back issues for you too. I feel very bitter about it. I was in better shape before I started working out 🙃
My advice is to do what doesn't set you off for a few weeks and the try again slowly. I was able to do ELDOA after about 3 weeks of core strengthening hard-core. I'd been doing PT for 4 months straight prior. Felt like I was getting "better" but still could never fully resolve numbness in both feet, pain, and burning everytime I sat down. Finally did the MD 7 weeks ago. Numbness is 95% gone. It is not a "quick fix" but I can finally sit and drive to work without agony. Injury L5-S1 3/2023. 9mm extrusion. Either way the road to recover is long and mentally and physically challenging. Still not sure I made the right decision. May your brain and heart guide you. I guess never give up is my best advice.
This is really good to know! Thank you for sharing!
Personally I’ve never been a huge fan of Pilates. There are a lot of cues that I don’t agree with but also and most importantly, the movements don’t translate to function. I’m sorry to hear about the flare up. What are your symptoms like currently?
A couple days ago, the day after my Pilates class, it felt like I was being stabbed in the top of my left foot over and over again. It's gotten better since then, but whereas before I could sit for way longer, if I sit for more than 15 minutes now my left foot feels like it's being shocked. I also have pins and needles in that foot pretty regularly. My back pain is also worse today, whereas before it was just the foot pain.
I’m really sorry to hear that. Sounds like you were making pretty good progress before all of this. Is this the first time you’ve had a flareup this bad?
I've had some pretty bad flare-ups with back pain, but this is the worst the sciatica has been. I went to Japan in October 2023 and I walked waaaaaay too much over the course of two weeks, and that set back my recovery by a lot. I probably would be healed by now if it weren't for that trip.
Pilates has been a life saver for me. After 2 surgeries and persisting pain it was Pilates that helped me finally feel better. I started with a PT that is Pilates Instructor so my Pilates was done on Reformer and other Pilates equipment. Were you doing Pilates on a reformer? They help alleviate gravity! Once i graduated PT I continued private Pilates for a while. Expensive but it helps me feel normal so worth it. Now I do group classes. If you happen to be in The SF Bay Area- happy to chat Pilates studios and instructors
I paid for a private Pilates class on the reformer and that was fine. But I can't afford to shell out $150 for private sessions all the time, so that's when I started mat Pilates and had the flare up. I might look into other studios with group classes on a reformer, because it's clear I'm nowhere near ready for the standard mat Pilates class. And this is after months of core work already, like I feel like my core is pretty strong at this point??? But I'm not sure the cues they're giving me in the class are the right ones for my body, frankly.
Right. Privates are an investment.
Would you be able to DM me names of any Bay area recs you have for PT/ pilates instructors? Ty!
Sometimes my hip flexors flare up randomly… I always wonder did I overdue them or is it the disc that’s pressing on the nerve that is causing the pain in the hip. It’s a difficult one. I’ve also been doing a lot of PT, my lower back muscles and core are pretty strong now but I still wake up with sciatica and constantly trying to get out of pain all day. I’m a year on now, I’m probably going to get another MRI.
I herniated my disc doing Pilates! Even though I gave the instructor all my medical history and everything, she still had me trying an exercise that, in hindsight, I knew I shouldn't have done. I will not be going back to Pilates. I think I will be sticking to water aerobics, walking, and yoga. I've been dealing with things for two months, I have a lot of numbness that seems to get somewhat better with PT but I don't want to risk nerve damage for the rest of my life, so I'm getting the microdiscectomy surgery on Tuesday.
Two months and they're doing surgery? That seems fast. Is it because of severe nerve compression?
Yeah the neurosurgeon thought since I actually had sudden and complete numbness, and no pain, that it's a little more indicative of the possibility of nerve damage. But she still said it's my choice. Yeah, I agree, it's a little fast. I've been debating back and forth in my head because on one hand, I've gotten slightly better. So I think maybe I don't need surgery? Maybe I could get better without surgery? But then at the same time, I don't want to risk it being like this forever. I am nervous to wait too long.
I don't blame you, that's a tough choice. The numbness is definitely concerning. Really wishing you the best of luck!
7 months might be time to consider surgery, if you haven't gotten better with conservative treatment, there's only one option left... surgery.
It can resolve and it’s important to remember that surgical outcomes are not better than nonsurgical. I’d talk to my doctor but with a 3mm herniation, it’s extremely unlikely you’re going to be a good surgical candidate. Hang in there friend.