threaded | unthreaded | newest first

*low back pain*

topic posted Tue, August 21, 2007 - 3:38 PM by  jacquie
hi,
This prob. isn’t the most appropriate place to post this...but I thought I'd give it a try.
I have two herniated disks in my back L4/L5 due to a MVA two year ago. Recently, about two weeks ago got a cortizone epidural to reduce swelling and inflammation. Unfortunately the doctor put the needle in too far and caused me to leak spinal fluid and I had to stay in bed for 5 days b/c my head hurt so bad. It will be two weeks on this Wednesday.

I'm still very sore and have been applying heat and taking vicodin ( only when it's unbearable). My question is, do you know when it is safe to start stretching again? Can you recommend any stretches? I do not want to strain anything and cause further pain and discomfort.

Thanks!
posted by:
jacquie
offline jacquie
SF Bay Area
1 friends
join to post
  • David
    David
    offline 87

    Re: *low back pain*

    Mon, September 3, 2007 - 12:01 PM
    First of all i have to say "ouch".. and that fucking sucks... spinal leakage from deep needles reminds me why i have never gone to get the shots. But i have thought about it.

    I have the same two disks herniated on my back as well. I have had these for about 10 years now. accident when i was back in high school. Anyway when it comes to using the yoga as a healing tool remember its strong medicine and too much of this medicine can put you close to prolonging the injury.

    Rest is your best option..First you want to be able to stand up without pain... be able to put on your socks... thats probably the deepest stretch you would want to do .. and that may take a few days... i live on the beach so wearing sandels helps alot.

    But you need to rest for a week or so.. .and maybe longer with the needle in the spine thing..."ouch"

    once you finish find out where the herniation is. Is it located towards the anterior aspect of your lumbar or the posterier..is it left side or right side...this means a lot as to which nerves are being pinched and where you feel the pain. The yoga is the best thing for lower back pain i have found... you just have to anatomicly concious about where your body is.

    Depending on the type of herniation you have would let you know if forward bending is better or backbending...? everyone is different... check out some alexander technique as well.. its a lot of posture and alignment for the skeleton... we spend a lot more time messing up our bodies in normal everyday activities... we only do the yoga for an hour or two...

    If you have any specific questions on postures or the best methods to correct the herniation...or at least bring the pain into control and learn to live with your condition.

    Namaste

    D
    join to post
    • Zip
      Zip
      offline 18

      Re: *low back pain*

      Fri, September 7, 2007 - 9:00 AM
      are you on your own paying for treatments - or is insurance covering treatments for you?

      vitamin C - Rosehips -(strong tissue) Comfrey internally in small dosages (repair tissue)- Astragalus Root or Reishi Mushrroms (deep immunity) - rescue remedy (the pin prick was invasive and scarey for your body most likely)

      be really gentle. for me, when i had a spine injury, my yoga practice became very slow and gentle and meditative.

      cranial sacral work also gave me insight into how to move my own spinal fluid and have deep awareness of ... hm, a flow feeling. I really recommend this work with the right practitioner

      childs pose with my arms outstretched to the right and then left was very helpful, as was a big bolster under my back and gently opening the front of my body with a belt holding my legs in a froggy position.

      peace!

      good healing to you!
      join to post
  • Ripple
    Ripple
    offline 13

    Re: *low back pain*

    Fri, September 14, 2007 - 4:43 PM
    I am so sorry to hear that. I have had several students who have lower back problems, some of them got that from yoga. My research and teaching experience come to lengthening the spine and take it easy when doing postures. There are several poses are especially soothing for lower back pain,if practice with body awareness and coordination of breath.

    If you want to contact me, we can talk more about it. It takes patience, compassion, right method and confidence and love to heal.

    I wish you are on your way of healing,

    Cheers,

    (ripple_echo@hotmail.com)
    join to post