Need serious help

[DanielPaul]

I’ve been a part of getbig for almost a decade, more of a lurker than anything else but I check the sight daily and I absolutely love it.  I’m 38 and lifting has been a part of my life for 25 years, the longest break I ever took was bootcamp and that’s pretty much it.  I love the high I get from a good pump and the instant respect a decent physique demands from people.  Unfortunately I got some bad news last week, I’d been having pain in my mid back for the better part of 2 years and a couple of months ago I noticed while doing bench press I’d catch back cramps so I decided to see the doc,  he evaluated me and I told him I’d had back issues in my twenties ( ruptured disc in my L5 that is completely gone now) so he ordered an MRI.  The results show that my T4 through T9 are all slightly ruptured and my T5 has slight calcification on the nerve root and on top of that I have spondylitis in my C spine and L spine.   He did an epidural steroid injection that helped for a few days but that’s it.  He tells me for now we’ll just treat it with meds but if the T5 gets any worse surgery is pretty much the only option and it’s literally one of the worst disc to have work on because the only way to get to it is from the neck or stomach.   As someone who has loved working out for so long I’m at a loss as to where to go from here.  I understand this is getbig and I fully expect to be roasted a little but any real advice would be great.  Thanks

[Twaddle]

So, what is the question?   

Maybe, lower your weights, and work on your form.   

[Go 4 It]

Sorry to hear that bro, how did your back get so bad? And did you just ignore the pain all these years and train through it?

[Van_Bilderass]

Did you by any chance get numbness to
the skin on your upper back area? A few months
ago I thought I really fucked up now, like an idiot putting
a barbell on my back when I already felt pain. Could't
twist my head or lift my arms without upper back pain. The pain went away but I have some numbness still.

I have no advice except I read someone who I think is
very knowledgeable and smart in general who said to avoid back surgery "as it never works well". Don't know
how true that is.

[Zillotch]

humans r not built to last, even outside of user error. as mentioned, smarten up.. smoke pot, lighten the load, and eke out whatever meager existence possible from here on out.

or.... u can take the dark path... if u got a lot of money.

[Coach is Back!]

I’ve been a part of getbig for almost a decade, more of a lurker than anything else but I check the sight daily and I absolutely love it.  I’m 38 and lifting has been a part of my life for 25 years, the longest break I ever took was bootcamp and that’s pretty much it.  I love the high I get from a good pump and the instant respect a decent physique demands from people.  Unfortunately I got some bad news last week, I’d been having pain in my mid back for the better part of 2 years and a couple of months ago I noticed while doing bench press I’d catch back cramps so I decided to see the doc,  he evaluated me and I told him I’d had back issues in my twenties ( ruptured disc in my L5 that is completely gone now) so he ordered an MRI.  The results show that my T4 through T9 are all slightly ruptured and my T5 has slight calcification on the nerve root and on top of that I have spondylitis in my C spine and L spine.   He did an epidural steroid injection that helped for a few days but that’s it.  He tells me for now we’ll just treat it with meds but if the T5 gets any worse surgery is pretty much the only option and it’s literally one of the worst disc to have work on because the only way to get to it is from the neck or stomach.   As someone who has loved working out for so long I’m at a loss as to where to go from here.  I understand this is getbig and I fully expect to be roasted a little but any real advice would be great.  Thanks

Here is my experience with a long time client. The disks can be repaired (but avoid back surgery at all costs if possible) this particular client has been with me for 13 years. Unfortunately his biggest problem, since it’s hereditary, is his Ankylosing spondylitis. It actually starts at the cervical spine (fusion) but through training we have able to keep his rotational mobility fairly at bay even though it’s progressive over his his life. He likes to train bodybuilding style but understands that we have to keep more functional movements incorporated in his training. It’s pain management. He’s on a lifelong protocol of Embral unless something less toxic is developed but it can be managed.

[Twaddle]

Here is my experience with a long time client. The disks can be repaired (but avoid back surgery at all costs if possible) this particular client has been with me for 13 years. Unfortunately his biggest problem, since it’s hereditary, is his Ankylosing spondylitis. It actually starts at the cervical spine (fusion) but through training we have able to keep his rotational mobility fairly at bay even though it’s progressive over his his life. He likes to train bodybuilding style but understands that we have to keep more functional movements incorporated in his training. It’s pain management. He’s on a lifelong protocol of Embral unless something less toxic is developed but it can be managed.

Thanks for the incite, Dr. Marino. 

[ESFitness]

I’ve been a part of getbig for almost a decade, more of a lurker than anything else but I check the sight daily and I absolutely love it.  I’m 38 and lifting has been a part of my life for 25 years, the longest break I ever took was bootcamp and that’s pretty much it.  I love the high I get from a good pump and the instant respect a decent physique demands from people.  Unfortunately I got some bad news last week, I’d been having pain in my mid back for the better part of 2 years and a couple of months ago I noticed while doing bench press I’d catch back cramps so I decided to see the doc,  he evaluated me and I told him I’d had back issues in my twenties ( ruptured disc in my L5 that is completely gone now) so he ordered an MRI.  The results show that my T4 through T9 are all slightly ruptured and my T5 has slight calcification on the nerve root and on top of that I have spondylitis in my C spine and L spine.   He did an epidural steroid injection that helped for a few days but that’s it.  He tells me for now we’ll just treat it with meds but if the T5 gets any worse surgery is pretty much the only option and it’s literally one of the worst disc to have work on because the only way to get to it is from the neck or stomach.   As someone who has loved working out for so long I’m at a loss as to where to go from here.  I understand this is getbig and I fully expect to be roasted a little but any real advice would be great.  Thanks

https://www.thoughtco.com/sentence-parts-and-sentence-structures-1689671

[Moontrane]

Thanks for your service, fellow veteran.

You can alter your training such that you can continue lifting, but you’ll have to change your mindset regarding which lifts are necessary and how much weight to use.

It’s a process you’ll appreciate after you get to the point where you can derive satisfaction from pain-free lifting.  I have spondylolisthesis at L-5 and a collision-induced cervical herniation, so I have some sense of your challenges.     

Here’s an example: For DB rows I do 15 reps each with 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 lbs with no rest, before a final set with 60s.  Try it or some variation with your lifts.  For reference, I used to do DB rows for 8 with 120 lbs.  I ride my bike lots, so that has caused most of the drop in strength.

[maxkane69]

I’ve been a part of getbig for almost a decade, more of a lurker than anything else but I check the sight daily and I absolutely love it.  I’m 38 and lifting has been a part of my life for 25 years, the longest break I ever took was bootcamp and that’s pretty much it.  I love the high I get from a good pump and the instant respect a decent physique demands from people.  Unfortunately I got some bad news last week, I’d been having pain in my mid back for the better part of 2 years and a couple of months ago I noticed while doing bench press I’d catch back cramps so I decided to see the doc,  he evaluated me and I told him I’d had back issues in my twenties ( ruptured disc in my L5 that is completely gone now) so he ordered an MRI.  The results show that my T4 through T9 are all slightly ruptured and my T5 has slight calcification on the nerve root and on top of that I have spondylitis in my C spine and L spine.   He did an epidural steroid injection that helped for a few days but that’s it.  He tells me for now we’ll just treat it with meds but if the T5 gets any worse surgery is pretty much the only option and it’s literally one of the worst disc to have work on because the only way to get to it is from the neck or stomach.   As someone who has loved working out for so long I’m at a loss as to where to go from here.  I understand this is getbig and I fully expect to be roasted a little but any real advice would be great.  Thanks

Before the surgery I would at least try this other option if you can afford it !!!

https://www.cellmedicine.com

[Nether Animal]

Thoracic-area back pain is awful. It is so hard to get comfortable, and sometimes it hurts to take a deep breath. I have minor issues in T7-T8. Hope things improve for you.

[oldtimer1]

My bro 2  cents. Try to avoid surgery unless you don't have a life anymore because of the pain. Get opinions from other surgeons. Remember surgeons want to operate because that's how they pay their mortgage on their fancy car and houses. On the other hand there are real success stories too. I heard about spacers being place between the vertebrate that have given many relief. Make sure you are seeing a specialist. Don't agree to an operation that might fix the pain but leave you a handicapped mess either. Tough decisions worth a lot of research.

Regarding training. Don't do anything that hurts it. Give up your favorite or must do lifts if it hurts your back. Nothing wrong with doing body weight squats. Hell, Mr. Universe short class Wilf Sylvester gave up barbell squats to win that title using 400 reps of body weight squats. Use moderate weights with short rests between sets using high reps. Make a light weight heavy through that protocol. I've seen some really built guys that use light weights. Include more body weight exercises. You're not in contention to compete in the Olympia, right? Find a cardio that works for you. That might be walking, recumbent bike or other.

I know the situation is very depressing. No one that has the will to be in shape but is stopped by physical limitations can be without any mental anguish. So start researching. Start researching  who is the best doctor to examine you for a second opinion. If your life just can't be lived with the pain get the operation. The recovery I would imagine will be long and challenging. Work out with your limitations. If it turns out you have to do stuff like 4 sets of high rep slow cadence reps with 20lbs dumbbells for curls in the future that's your reality. Do what you can and you might be rewarded with a decent lean build. I wish you luck and keep your chin up. Unless that bothers your back then keep your chin down.

[CalvinH]

Add Deca to your stack.

[DooM_]

My bro 2  cents. Try to avoid surgery unless you don't have a life anymore because of the pain. Get opinions from other surgeons. Remember surgeons want to operate because that's how they pay their mortgage on their fancy car and houses. On the other hand there are real success stories too. I heard about spacers being place between the vertebrate that have given many relief. Make sure you are seeing a specialist. Don't agree to an operation that might fix the pain but leave you a handicapped mess either. Tough decisions worth a lot of research.

Regarding training. Don't do anything that hurts it. Give up your favorite or must do lifts if it hurts your back. Nothing wrong with doing body weight squats. Hell, Mr. Universe short class Wilf Sylvester gave up barbell squats to win that title using 400 reps of body weight squats. Use moderate weights with short rests between sets using high reps. Make a light weight heavy through that protocol. I've seen some really built guys that use light weights. Include more body weight exercises. You're not in contention to compete in the Olympia, right? Find a cardio that works for you. That might be walking, recumbent bike or other.

I know the situation is very depressing. No one that has the will to be in shape but is stopped by physical limitations can be without any mental anguish. So start researching. Start researching  who is the best doctor to examine you for a second opinion. If your life just can't be lived with the pain get the operation. The recovery I would imagine will be long and challenging. Work out with your limitations. If it turns out you have to do stuff like 4 sets of high rep slow cadence reps with 20lbs dumbbells for curls in the future that's your reality. Do what you can and you might be rewarded with a decent lean build. I wish you luck and keep your chin up. Unless that bothers your back then keep your chin down.

that's really inspiring , great info !

[DanielPaul]

Sorry to hear that bro, how did your back get so bad? And did you just ignore the pain all these years and train through it?

believe it or not the pain at it’s worse is only a 5 but it’s been pretty consistent for a couple of years.  I have spent my youth and even later years working physically demanding jobs like hauling hay and working construction just because I enjoy never being concerned about finances.  So I assume this is probably how.

[DanielPaul]

Thanks for all the great advice it’s much appreciated.

[Joe Valentino]

Add Deca to your stack.

Where do I get real ones, that's what this topic should be in the 1st place. Need serious help finding real gear

[oldtimer1]

Where do I get real ones, that's what this topic should be in the 1st place. Need serious help finding real gear

Is this for real or you're going for a laugh?

[chaos]

DDP yoga

[cephissus]

https://www.thoughtco.com/sentence-parts-and-sentence-structures-1689671

Coming from you, this is a laugh!

[ProudVirgin69]

Wow I had no idea the thoracic vertebrae could be subject to that kind of damage .. you only ever hear of the cervical or lumbar Vertebrae breaking down.

Try any and every non invasive modality to treat the pain but if it doesn't get better surgery may be indicated.  Wait too long and the inflammation will permanently damage the nerves originating from the damaged discs

Good luck

[chuckles]

Thoracic-area back pain is awful. It is so hard to get comfortable, and sometimes it hurts to take a deep breath. I have minor issues in T7-T8. Hope things improve for you.

stop breathing we won't miss you

[_bruce_]

Here is my experience with a long time client. The disks can be repaired (but avoid back surgery at all costs if possible) this particular client has been with me for 13 years. Unfortunately his biggest problem, since it’s hereditary, is his Ankylosing spondylitis. It actually starts at the cervical spine (fusion) but through training we have able to keep his rotational mobility fairly at bay even though it’s progressive over his his life. He likes to train bodybuilding style but understands that we have to keep more functional movements incorporated in his training. It’s pain management. He’s on a lifelong protocol of Embral unless something less toxic is developed but it can be managed.

[Chidoman]

My bro 2  cents. Try to avoid surgery unless you don't have a life anymore because of the pain. Get opinions from other surgeons. Remember surgeons want to operate because that's how they pay their mortgage on their fancy car and houses. On the other hand there are real success stories too. I heard about spacers being place between the vertebrate that have given many relief. Make sure you are seeing a specialist. Don't agree to an operation that might fix the pain but leave you a handicapped mess either. Tough decisions worth a lot of research.

Regarding training. Don't do anything that hurts it. Give up your favorite or must do lifts if it hurts your back. Nothing wrong with doing body weight squats. Hell, Mr. Universe short class Wilf Sylvester gave up barbell squats to win that title using 400 reps of body weight squats. Use moderate weights with short rests between sets using high reps. Make a light weight heavy through that protocol. I've seen some really built guys that use light weights. Include more body weight exercises. You're not in contention to compete in the Olympia, right? Find a cardio that works for you. That might be walking, recumbent bike or other.

I know the situation is very depressing. No one that has the will to be in shape but is stopped by physical limitations can be without any mental anguish. So start researching. Start researching  who is the best doctor to examine you for a second opinion. If your life just can't be lived with the pain get the operation. The recovery I would imagine will be long and challenging. Work out with your limitations. If it turns out you have to do stuff like 4 sets of high rep slow cadence reps with 20lbs dumbbells for curls in the future that's your reality. Do what you can and you might be rewarded with a decent lean build. I wish you luck and keep your chin up. Unless that bothers your back then keep your chin down.

This is The Best post I've read on Getbig for a long time...Really Inspiring!!

[funk51]

I’ve been a part of getbig for almost a decade, more of a lurker than anything else but I check the sight daily and I absolutely love it.  I’m 38 and lifting has been a part of my life for 25 years, the longest break I ever took was bootcamp and that’s pretty much it.  I love the high I get from a good pump and the instant respect a decent physique demands from people.  Unfortunately I got some bad news last week, I’d been having pain in my mid back for the better part of 2 years and a couple of months ago I noticed while doing bench press I’d catch back cramps so I decided to see the doc,  he evaluated me and I told him I’d had back issues in my twenties ( ruptured disc in my L5 that is completely gone now) so he ordered an MRI.  The results show that my T4 through T9 are all slightly ruptured and my T5 has slight calcification on the nerve root and on top of that I have spondylitis in my C spine and L spine.   He did an epidural steroid injection that helped for a few days but that’s it.  He tells me for now we’ll just treat it with meds but if the T5 gets any worse surgery is pretty much the only option and it’s literally one of the worst disc to have work on because the only way to get to it is from the neck or stomach.   As someone who has loved working out for so long I’m at a loss as to where to go from here.  I understand this is getbig and I fully expect to be roasted a little but any real advice would be great.  Thanks

                 first off it's site and not sight....second you should try some corrective exercises the proper exercises should help the stabilizer muscles and lessen the pain. i had rupture discs in the past and this seemed to help.. good luck hope yo're feeling better.