Rehab for prolapsed disc (C6-7) can anybody help?

November 21, 2004

Wondering if anybody can offer me some advice on rehab of a

prolapsed disc (C6-7)? More importantly what measures I can take if

any to avoid this happening again. Approx 3 months ago I started to

get mild discomfort in my neck area, but continued training. At the

time I was doing 2 sessions of Brazilian Ju-Jitsu per week, some

strength/power training consisting of cleans, deadlifts, bench etc

etc, and also going surfing on the weekends. After some initial

physiotherapy and mobilisation of my thoracic spine (which I had

been told was very stiff), I started to get radiating pain down my

right arm into my elbow and wrist. In the final stages I couldn't

feel my index finger, was in a world of pain and had a constant

tingling in my hand. After many trips to my doctor and numerous

prescriptions for the pain I decided to take myself up to the

hospital and DEMAND to see somebody. Thankfully I was referred for

an MRI and was subsequently diagnosed with a prolapsed disc. The

options given to me were simple, surgery or no surgery! After

choosing the no surgery route, I'm 2 months down the line off the

medication but with a complete loss of strength and stabilisation on

my right side. So it has come to the point of taking the matter of

rehab into my own hands.... literally. I have started lifting very

light weights/ high reps (20+), but really would like some advice on

the type of training I should be doing. If anybody can help I would

be much appreciated, please feel free to email me if you need any

further information. Thanks guys.

Wilcox

Oxford

United Kingdom

November 24, 2004

Hi !

We have had good success doing simple shoulder shrugs with our

cervical disc patients.

Best wishes!

Dan Wathen,

Youngstown (OH) State University, USA

In Supertraining , " Jezz " <jezzwilcox@h...> wrote:

>

> Wondering if anybody can offer me some advice on rehab of a

> prolapsed disc (C6-7)? More importantly what measures I can take if

> any to avoid this happening again. Approx 3 months ago I started to

> get mild discomfort in my neck area, but continued training. At the

> time I was doing 2 sessions of Brazilian Ju-Jitsu per week, some

> strength/power training consisting of cleans, deadlifts, bench etc

> etc, and also going surfing on the weekends. After some initial

> physiotherapy and mobilisation of my thoracic spine (which I had

> been told was very stiff), I started to get radiating pain down my

> right arm into my elbow and wrist. In the final stages I couldn't

> feel my index finger, was in a world of pain and had a constant

> tingling in my hand. After many trips to my doctor and numerous

> prescriptions for the pain I decided to take myself up to the

> hospital and DEMAND to see somebody. Thankfully I was referred for

> an MRI and was subsequently diagnosed with a prolapsed disc. The

> options given to me were simple, surgery or no surgery! After

> choosing the no surgery route, I'm 2 months down the line off the

> medication but with a complete loss of strength and stabilisation on

> my right side. So it has come to the point of taking the matter of

> rehab into my own hands.... literally. I have started lifting very

> light weights/ high reps (20+), but really would like some advice on

> the type of training I should be doing. If anybody can help I would

> be much appreciated, please feel free to email me if you need any

> further information. Thanks guys.

>

> Wilcox

> Oxford

> United Kingdom

November 24, 2004

These issues are terrifically complex and it often seems one finds a

different answer with each new 'professional' queried.

That said, there is a body of evidence that indicates early surgical

intervention has its greatest efficacy in those candidates with large

herniations - only. Wish I could say the same for plethora of other

spinal surgical procedures...

Very good site for this data? www.chirogeek.com

DOUGLAS M. GILLARD walks the walk - read his " story " (hit link) and

take time to peruse his collection of papers. You can find many

answers at his fine site...

Also - buy Stuart McGill's books (Low Back Disorders & Ultimate Back

Fitness); you'll then be able to speak knowledgably with your medical

professionals.

Ken

26 Forest Avenue

Glen Ridge, NJ 07028