Bulging Disk (me not horse)

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hogged cob

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I have had a bad back for the last couple of years due to a bulging disk in my spine, I have lots of pysio etc but the stiffness is always there. Does anyone where a back support and if yes do they work. The pain does vary with what I do, if I school or jump I tend to suffer for the next few days after, anybody got any suggestions as how they manage with your bad backs and what works for you. I schooled and rode out yesterday and today I am suffering for it. I did have to have 3 months off riding at the beginning of the year because of it and I do not want it to get that bad again.
 
If it is that bad then surgery is the only answer;back supports are a waste of money in my opinion.If you are at all overweight by losing it could also give you huge relief..speaking from personal experience here!:D
 
you have the same condition as me. I don't wear a back support as a rule as I am a bit warey about people saying that it makes tummy muscles (or those I have anyway) lazy - but when I do wear one, as soon as I put it on it feels such a relief - and thats just around the house, not nssesarily riding.

Like you I've had years of physio and hands on work, plus a few epidurals for pain relief and was even prescribed valium the last time my back went severely wonky (not that it helped).

Your condition is nevert going to go away so its all about pain management.
I don't know if you do do it - but the best advice is anti-inflams (diclofenac or ibuprofen) BEFORE any hard work incl mucking out etc AND pilates, pilates pilates to strengthen tummy muscles; your physio can help.

And if a support makes your back feel better, then wear it - even if you don't wear if competing/working, wear it the next day when you feel really tender and "niggly".

Sorry, hope this isn't too waffly! And hope it helps.
 
Have you had an MRI scan yet? It sounds like maybe you need one to see how bad it is? If you are suffering this much it sounds like you may need an operation? I had the op late last year and never looked back! Go back to your GP and tell them how much it is effecting your everyday life and see if they can help you. I know I had to push to get a scan but wen I had it and they realised how bad it was I was having surgery within a matter of weeks! Good luck
 
Thank you all for your replies, Sorry Wonkey Donkey! I bet you thought you were in for a good read and chuckle, your reply made me smile.

I do not currently wear a back support but I have been offered one to try so I may just do that, I will go back to my doctor and ask for an MRI as like you all said it will be an ongoing problem and needs sorting out.
 
Agree with above, MRI scan and surgery was my route, (many years ago) within 3 days I was in hospital, but you have to push hard to get one. The bulge in my case was pressing on the spinal column and as I had ignored it for ages, continued running my yard, I ended up almost paralysed from the waist down. The op was OK, recuperation also OK, took a few months till I felt safe, but I know they do far less invasive ops now. I have one more bulging disc a tad above the operated and 2 in between my shoulders, which we monitor. Valium is useless for me, I use myolastin (tablets or injection if my back freezes) , and I have been managing this for more then 20 years. I use ibuprofen then paracetamol rotationally for pain management days with a myolastin when i feel the muscles going into tension, also heat and massage help. Swimming is great to buils up the muscles if they are weak. My back support does very little except make me feel secure and safe, but I don't wear it to ride, I wear it doing housework and the yard etc. Watch your position when you drive, sit etc, avoid sitting in one place for very long, use a pillow under your legs, or between your legs in bed... all the usual advice, but really, go to a back specialist and get an MRI.
 
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