Ruptured disc?

[CB]

I just got back on track and was gonna get back on the prop cycle I had to stop short a few months back, but then last week I injured myself. I think I ruptured a disc in my lumbar region while on my last set of squats. I had six plates on the bar and had done it for the past 3 weeks with no problems. Anyhow, on my last rep I felt something move or squeeze and then the pain started. Immediately I couldn't lean forward and my lower back was in so much pain. I couldn't even get in my car to drive. The day after was even worse. I felt like a cripple. It's been a few days now and the pain seems to have subsided a lot but it is still there when I lean forward or stand up. Also when I feel around the lombar area, I can feel a jelly-like substace (like a little lump) sticking out from each side of my spine, so most likely its a ruptured disc. I wanted to see my doc to get an MRI this weekend but his office was closed all weekend due to the Holiday.

I am gonna see the doc tommorow and get some tests done, but I wanted to know what I can do in the mean time to help speed recovery. Should I stop all training now or can I still work my upperbody and some light legwork? Any supplements or meds I can use to help speed recovery, to reduce inflammation/pain? Could use good advice from the vets arounds here or from anyone who has had this injury before. Is 100% recovery possible?

[ryuage]

i wouldnt be doing any lifting, and downing a bunch of ibuprofen.

[Wikked1]

WOW dude this is NOT GOOD. I hope for your sake that you have not ruptured a disk at your age! It sure doesn't sound good in your description. Definitely do not lift until you see your doctor! It seems to me that it's possible to have a bulging disc(which means it's not ruptured but damn close). I'd follow what Ryu said with either heat or cold packs (whichever feels better to you) and when you can't be at home get one of those heat wraps for your back. I hope it's minor bro,and that you heal up quick.

[BCC]

Gotta keep that ego in check and practice good form.

[CB]

Thanks for the good advice guys. Today the pain seemed much milder when I woke up. It is still there and I can still feel the little bumps but the pain doesn't seem as aggravated. I got an appointment to see the doc later today, and I am gonna ask to get some xrays and an MRI if I can swing it.

As for the working out, I have decided to lay off a bit until can heal up all the way. It's a shame though as I had just managed to get back to my natural peak performance level and maintain it for about 3 weeks. I was hoping I could keep going and break through this natty plateau staying natty. The only things I had been using have been protein powder, ZMA, Trib, and lots of food and heavy compounds.

I have been researching a lot about ruptured discs and have found a few things saying that over time, the body will reabsorb the spongy material that has squeezed out through the ruptured disc. Once this happens, the pain should be decreased due to less material pushing against the nerves. However it makes no mention of whether the body will be able to repair the damaged disc fully. Does any know about this?

BCC - Yeah I hear you about checking the ego and watching the form, but I have been able to squat 6 plates before. I have had to work my way back up to this very slowly again, but I think my back may have been worn out from the stress of work and all the heavy lifting I have done for the last 3 months and it finally gave out. It happened when was trying to squeeze out one last extra rep at the end of my last set when I felt something in my lumbar region. Either way what's done is done.

[CB]

Ok, went to get my X-ray today. Will have the results in a week or so. As for the pain, it's getting a little better, esepcially after I started taking the ibuprofen.