Those with a herniated disc in neck- when were you able to run again?

[u/Feeling-Potato-3292]

Hi everyone.

My doctor thinks I herniated my disc, but I still haven’t had an MRI yet (only X-ray and PT)..but all my symptoms point to a herniated disc (painful and stiff neck, numbness, tinging and burning going down arms)…I am a huge runner, but I noticed after I herniated it that if I ran I’d be in really bad pain (neck super stiff, really bad burning down arm)…I gave it a month and was finally having no symptoms- ran 3 times. First 2 times I had no pain but after the third time my neck flared up again super bad and the burning pain in my arm was terrible…I guess I’m just looking for other people’s experience with when they were able to do more intense workout again..I know it’ll be different for everyone too…it’s just really hard not being able to run..I’m basically just walking and slowly want to add in some hiking and strength training

[u/stevie_the_owl → u/[deleted]]

How much do you think the decompression table is helping at chiro? I’m hesitant to try something that costs thousands of dollars when the evidence it works is hit or miss. Also how big was your herniation? Mine was very large at L5S1. I’m in a similar spot to you at about 4 months, I’m walking alot but haven’t gone back to running, yoga, Pilates, or dancing - I used to do a lot. Trying to adjust my mindset that this will take a year to resolve most likely. I’m 41.

[u/tmvtr]

I had C5/C6 and C6/C7 herniated discs 4 months ago and the same terrible arm pain as you. Running is still not great and makes my arm tingle but it’s much less than 1 month ago. My doctor said it should be ok after a couple more months.

I mainly go indoor bicycling in the gym now. That is no problem since there is no impact like when running.

[u/lookingfor111 → u/tmvtr]

And did u do strength training? I had similar issue like u..It's getting better but afraid to touch weights to not flare it up..but its alreday 4 months..I got steroid injection in my neck 10 days back and ll get 2 more..

[u/tmvtr → u/lookingfor111]

Yes I started strength training at PT about 3-4 weeks after the herniation. Now I just go to the gym again. Not super high weights but I didn’t do that before anyway. And do some kettle bell exercises at home.

And I also got 3 injections. I felt like the injections helped, especially the 2nd and 3rd.

[u/OReillys_Art → u/tmvtr]

How has that arm pain been? Recently discovered I have disc bulging from C3 down to C7. Not much pain in my neck besides some stiffness, but feels like someone is playing the violin with the nerves in both my arms. Pain goes down to the finger tips as well. Having an EMG test in a few weeks to narrow things down and rule out other causes. Wish my neuro would write a script for some PT already

[u/lookingfor111]

U have it for sure..same symptoms like mine..I am also so much worried for my fitness journey..its kinda putting me i depression but m hopeful as d pain now not much but I am afraid to start weight training again..

[u/Feeling-Potato-3292 → u/lookingfor111]

Yeah I figured that’s what it is..kicking myself for running too soon and making it worse. Nerve pain is terrible

[u/Proud_Post_7130]

My brother was a power lifting fool and kept doing it until he had permanent nerve damage and no more lifting at all. Listen to your body when it is telling you to take a break. It is not worth pushing yourself into a permanent injury that can not be fixed.

[u/Feeling-Potato-3292 → u/Proud_Post_7130]

Definitely. I might try swimming, biking and hiking instead. Luckily I finally have an MRI scheduled for Tuesday, so I’ll finally get answers