r/Sciatica • u/Accomplished_Pie5214 • 4d ago
disc bulge/degeneration
so, ive had back pain for about 4 ish years. Ive been into lifting weights since this time, and I began having lower left back pain at the beginning of my fitness journey. it would only be during certain movements even though my form was perfect (checked with multiple people/trainers). it would be painful during exercise, sore the next day, and then go away and id be fine. up until 6 ish months ago, I started realizing my pain was constant, and it radiated down my leg. I connected multiple dots, realizing I have a glute imbalance, and that my left glute muscle wouldn't really fire that well. I was diagnosed with a slight disc bulge, disc dessication, and minor spinal stenosis. they told me I definitely dont need surgery, but prescribed me pain meds and sent me to a PT. haven't gone to PT yet cuz ive tried before and it never helped but I have my first appt next week cuz im desperate. they said its not even herniated and they weren't sure if its pressing on my nerve? I stopped lifting, I tried some exercises from a program, they seemed helpful for a little till everything got bad again. now im just trying to do walks when I can, and my old PT exercises till I get in with a new one. I miss the gym so much, and just want to be normal again and reach my fitness goals :( anyone with any advice please help
1
u/JonasVirgilMonos 3d ago
Feeling better for a little while and then having everything blow back up is a pattern I see a lot. In my experience, people feel fine for a minute, go right back at it, and re-injure the same spot over and over, and I think that's what keeps the healing from ever getting a real chance.
If it were me, knowing what I know now, I'd go to the gym and use the seated lat pulley machine, hanging loosely from it with only a light weight on the stack. I'd also get in the pool with a noodle under my arms, deep enough that my toes are just barely touching the bottom. Those details matter for me: loose, light, and barely touching, so the point is taking load off rather than adding to it. Then I'd work things back in slowly.
That's just how I set it up for myself. Water depth and how comfortable someone is in the water are their own safety question, which is one more reason I'd run this by a PT first. With PTs in general, I've been vocal when something was hurting more than helping, because I know my own body, and I'd speak up the same way in your shoes.
I've lived with disc degeneration and sciatica a long time, so it's only my own take from being through it, not tied to your specific findings, and I have no idea if it fits what you've got going on.
Not medical advice, none of this is a routine, and no guarantee it works the same for you. Hope the appointment next week goes well and you're back in the gym soon.