Herniated disc already :(

[goblueyeah]

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I just had an MRI, and it turned out to be (not surprisingly but still frustratingly) L5-S1 disc herniation. I am starting dental school in 7 months. I am wondering if I should rethink about my career choice since it will certainly hurt my back...

 

[onepik]

With a focus on prevention, I think you'll be fine. Have a good chiro, workout a strong core/back, and make sure you have good posture and you'll be fine.

 

[fogorvostan]

You may get a better response asking this on the DMD forum instead of pre-dental. However, I would assume that with proper care and prevention, that shouldn't limit you.

 

[w4nt2baDDS]

If things ever get real bad you can check out this brace: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftPZsX70Rvw

I've never used it but it looks like the most killer 'over-the-counter' back brace out there, with both front and back optional support.

Also I've never used this brace either and am not advertising for it but from the reviews it seems pretty good. It's called Cybertech SPINE Sport Back Brace.

I figure with a brace, close work with a physical therapist/chiropractor, and proper use of loupes us future dentist will be alright. 👍

 

[w4nt2baDDS]

This thing looks pretty cool too haha: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCQyNLqHCKE

I have it so the video jumps to the 11min 20sec mark.

 

[Typical Average Student]

I've worked as a PT Tech for a bit of time and found that many of the patients had significantly improved control on their pain once they figure out what triggers it. You can also do some PT or chiro work (PT is better) for the next 2-3 months and you'll see your pain drastically reduce. You may have to stand up to do your dental/lab work. You don't need to change careers simply because you get some numbness down your leg and lower back pain, just make adjustments and find ways to offset some of the triggers. The other option would be surgery but there is a slightly small chance of postop re-herniation of that same location, but it would help if the pain got really bad and uncontrollable.

 

[JLT223]

Ice, nsaids, when pain free do safe lower back + ab strengthening (nothing that involves flexion of the lumbar spine). You'll figure out what will trigger pain, and eventually the pain will go away unless you aggravate it. Also, roll out the tight spinal muscles with a tennis ball to relieve any serious tension due to spasm.

 

[sumodental]

Ice, nsaids, when pain free do safe lower back + ab strengthening (nothing that involves flexion of the lumbar spine). You'll figure out what will trigger pain, and eventually the pain will go away unless you aggravate it. Also, roll out the tight spinal muscles with a tennis ball to relieve any serious tension due to spasm.

If doing abs, make sure you're also working back. You need to remember to always work the antagonistic muscles when working out

 

[goblueyeah]

Thank you all for the suggestions! Much appreciated.

 

[Mascota]

Just as a side note, I would definitely recommend going to a physical therapist over a chiropractor.

 

[sookstall]

Just as a side note, I would definitely recommend going to a physical therapist over a chiropractor.

Care to share why? I've used a chiro for years that doesn't do jarring (cracking) manipulation, and I swear by it. That being said, I guess it could be the exception, not the norm

 

[Mascota]

Care to share why? I've used a chiro for years that doesn't do jarring (cracking) manipulation, and I swear by it. That being said, I guess it could be the exception, not the norm

I suppose if the chiropractor practices like a physical therapist then I would recommend him/her. I just speak from the chiropractors I've met and a family member who's a chiropractor - a lot of a quackery going on with the whole back adjustments curing cancer, baldness, diabetes etc. (not joking) plus the chiropractors I've met were antivaxxers. Also, this may or may not matter to some but the process of becoming a chiropractor is pretty sketchy - no admissions exams, no interviews, no degree required, no background checks, low average GPAs, and if you're struggling in chiro school they let you drop some classes to make it easier. Basically, if you've got a pulse and money you're in and you get the "Dr." title.

The reason I've researched this stuff is because my uncle would criticize me about "studying too much" (he was a C student) and asking "why is it taking you so long to get into dental school? I just took a few courses and got into chiro school (no degree)" so I decided to look into their admissions process and program. Yikes.

Anywho, this is probably way more than you wanted to know so sorry about that. From what I've seen there's starting to be a division between chiro schools. Some are now teaching evidence based therapy, basically just adopting what physical therapists do, and other schools still teach magic based therapy.

There's definitely good chiropractors out there, I'd just be extra cautious is all.

 

[w4nt2baDDS]

other schools still teach magic based therapy.

Oh man, you just made my night! Funny stuff. Good overview too.

 

[zammyd]

Don't fret too much, there are options.

1. Stretch/exercise/physiotherapy: works for some people and has solved it, but not for everyone
2. Inversion therapy: Basically hang upside down on a table- some people have claimed it completely solved it, some say it didn't do anything
3. Get a steroid epidural injection: Has completely solved the problem for some people, for others it works for a only shorter period or not at all
4. Surgery: You can get the herniation shaved off surgically so it no longer presses against the spinal cord.

I also have back pain, although mine is muscular. I am working out and stretching religiously and hoping I can recover 100% before dental school.

 

[Rambunctious]

I just had an MRI, and it turned out to be (not surprisingly but still frustratingly) L5-S1 disc herniation. I am starting dental school in 7 months. I am wondering if I should rethink about my career choice since it will certainly hurt my back...

Sometimes my back and hands hurt and I never had prior problems so I definitely feel for you. It's going to be a challenge and I wish you the best.

 

[goblueyeah]

Sometimes my back and hands hurt and I never had prior problems so I definitely feel for you. It's going to be a challenge and I wish you the best.

Thank you for the kind words! You may wanna have some massage on your hand since repetitive muscle movement will cause problems. As for your back, McKenzie exercises are the best!