Ive had back pain on/off for the past year. This year, I've had four sciatic episodes (sharp shooting pain from butt to mid thigh, sit to stand is excruciating) lasting 1-2 weeks. In between the episodes, the back pain tempers down to a tightness/achiness that is manageable with PT and dialing back activity.
However, it keeps coming back and i cant seem to progress. In December, I got an MRI and based on that I stopped running and cycling and upped my PT exercises. I started to feel better, but two weeks ago I had another flare up. This time was more intense and lasted longer. I got an epidural shot for it, which helped a bit. Right now, I have intermittent dull butt ache and a sore low back. Sometimes my hamstring has a tightness running down it. The sharp, shooting pain has subsided. There are no neurological symptoms.
This is the MRI:
L5-S1: Large disc protrusion (2.0 x 0.6 x 1.0 cm) dissecting below the disc level, eccentric to the left where it contacts descending left S1 nerve root in the lateral recess and approaches the right-sided S1 nerve. No foraminal stenosis.
For now, plan is to avoid flexion, continue body weight and PT (low weight, high frequency, lots of core/glutes). I was told to stay active with movements that don't cause pain. I was told by the doctor to consider surgery if symptoms worsen or persist after another round of PT.
Anyone have any tips on how to stay active with this injury? I've been swimming workouts, but avoiding flip turns. No pain during swimming. Any tips for how to best deal with this also welcomed :)
Also, Im only 30 years old. Have been running for the past 6 years (3 marathons, several halfs), swam in high school (but not very competitively. Strokes are decent). Decent cyclist, but used to do more spin classes than actual long rides (based in NYC). Only got to do one sprint triathlon but would like to get back into things, particularly running! Would also like to get back to skiing/snowboarding.....getting a little more hopeless on that though
However, it keeps coming back and i cant seem to progress. In December, I got an MRI and based on that I stopped running and cycling and upped my PT exercises. I started to feel better, but two weeks ago I had another flare up. This time was more intense and lasted longer. I got an epidural shot for it, which helped a bit. Right now, I have intermittent dull butt ache and a sore low back. Sometimes my hamstring has a tightness running down it. The sharp, shooting pain has subsided. There are no neurological symptoms.
This is the MRI:
L5-S1: Large disc protrusion (2.0 x 0.6 x 1.0 cm) dissecting below the disc level, eccentric to the left where it contacts descending left S1 nerve root in the lateral recess and approaches the right-sided S1 nerve. No foraminal stenosis.
For now, plan is to avoid flexion, continue body weight and PT (low weight, high frequency, lots of core/glutes). I was told to stay active with movements that don't cause pain. I was told by the doctor to consider surgery if symptoms worsen or persist after another round of PT.
Anyone have any tips on how to stay active with this injury? I've been swimming workouts, but avoiding flip turns. No pain during swimming. Any tips for how to best deal with this also welcomed :)
Also, Im only 30 years old. Have been running for the past 6 years (3 marathons, several halfs), swam in high school (but not very competitively. Strokes are decent). Decent cyclist, but used to do more spin classes than actual long rides (based in NYC). Only got to do one sprint triathlon but would like to get back into things, particularly running! Would also like to get back to skiing/snowboarding.....getting a little more hopeless on that though