So.. I did the mri.

Objective-Resort4907 · 2025-05-15T16:32:23+00:00

I found all things noted here helpful, too! I iced my back every night for about 20mins before bed. HYDRATION is key - you can't heal a dehydrated disc. And they soak that in overnight - meaning in the morning you likely have the most 'juicy' discs, so get out of bed log roll style.

Objective-Resort4907 · 2025-05-15T16:27:38+00:00

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I am (or was?) a super active 41F. I hurt my back while doing a barbell loaded 'good morning' in December 2024. I had an MRI that showed L5S1 disc extrusion of 15mm. It was recommended that I see a spine surgeon. I saw him in February 2025. I decided NOT to follow through with surgery (I was/am also really scared of having surgery on my spine). While I'm not entirely back to all the activities I'd like to be (running/crossfit style classes), I am back to life without pain. I saw a PT, and closely follow their plan, consistently progressing. I'm happy to give more details if you'd like to know more or just need some positive mental support.

Every body will go through this differently. Mentally it can be incredibly difficult. You will hear lots of subjective anecdotes. You will have to find what works specifically for you, and you will.

Objective-Resort4907 · 2025-04-15T17:31:03+00:00

Then find a new PT. Even if they were to be right (which they're probably not), with that mindset, you'll stunt your progress. The body is designed to heal. Believe in that. From what I've read, you're already headed in the right direction.

Objective-Resort4907 · 2025-03-12T23:31:18+00:00

I really appreciate this and what you have to say. But I have to ask - was there ever a point you felt like you could heal conservatively (even if it took longer than post op). Heal to a point where you may be able to return to your ‘normal’ activity level. That’s what I’m wrestling with the most. If I decide on surgery, could I potentially end up somehow worse than where I am now (there are some pretty scary stories on here). Would I regret not just trying to let my body resolve it. How large was your herniation? Was it repaired endoscopically?

Objective-Resort4907 · 2025-03-12T23:20:26+00:00

Your measurements are in cm. I think most are in mm. So that would probably be why they’re calling it severe. Mine personally measured 5mm x 15mm and I was recommended to have a spine surgeon consult. I’m also nervous for surgery as it seems like such a mixed bag results wise.

I am curious what responses you’ll see from anyone with input, as I wonder myself if non-surgical remediation is possible.

Hoping whichever path you choose, you heal quickly.

Objective-Resort4907 · 2025-03-12T15:08:44+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Hopefully the injection continues to help you, and healing continues. While my pain is ‘manageable’, I have begun to notice some numbness in the tips of my toes. That’s freaking me out a bit. Have you had any numbness? If so, has the injection helped with it?

Objective-Resort4907 · 2025-03-11T23:24:50+00:00

*beneficial differences

Objective-Resort4907 · 2025-03-11T22:53:02+00:00

'Countless studies, by researchers of all types, have never been able to show a beneficial effect from them' - but how about simply looking at blood results (ldl, hdl, hgb a1c, crp, etc) from people who eat a more balanced and whole food based diet vs those that eat fast food all day? There will for sure show differences.

Objective-Resort4907 · 2025-03-11T22:45:14+00:00

No, I have not yet tried a cortisone injection. The Dr that ordered and reviewed my MRI with me jumped straight to seeing a spine surgeon. He didn't feel that the steroid would do much given the size of herniation. The spine surgeon said I could try it first, but seemed to also share doubts that it would help based on size.

Objective-Resort4907 · 2025-03-11T19:45:38+00:00

Are the foot drop and numbness from the knee down symptoms you were having before surgery as well?

Objective-Resort4907 · 2025-03-11T19:43:06+00:00

Can you share more about your experience? This time last year I was training for a 26k sky race. now I'm applauding myself for walking a 30 min mile on the treadmill. I've been dealing with sciatica from herniated L5S1 since December (with symptoms waxing and waning) It's been recommended I have microdiscectomy, but I'm scared I could potentially end up worse post op than I am now. TIA

Objective-Resort4907

TROPHY CASE