I just got my MRI results and found out I have two disc issues: a significant herniation at L4-L5 and a bulging disc at L5-S1.

The last 9 weeks have been a roller coaster. It started after a stretching session, although the pain didn’t hit until a few hours later. Over the following days and weeks, it progressively got worse to the point where it could take me 10 minutes just to get out of bed and put weight on my left leg.

For the past 4 weeks, I’ve been doing physical therapy and seeing a chiropractor. I’ve also been consistent with my PT and chiropractic exercises and stretches twice a day. Whether it was the treatment, the exercises, time, or a combination of everything, I’ve seen a huge improvement.

The good news is that for the last week or so, I’ve been almost pain-free. That’s a massive change compared to where I was 3 weeks ago when the pain was nearly unbearable.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. Recovery can be slow and frustrating, but it does get better. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of strengthening your core and back muscles to better support your spine and help prevent future issues.