Back disc degeneration and high impact exercise

[FranTan]

Hi

Just received the result of my mri in the post. It says "shows disc degeneration with tearing at L4-5 and L5- S1 and at L5-S1 there is a right-sided disc bulge with appears to be compromising the S1 nerve root".

It's to be discussed at the MDT meeting and I'll be contacted in due course.

My symptoms are mild/moderate lower back pain, managed by ibuprofen and paracetamol when needed. I also have sciatica- leg pain, pins and needles etc all the time.

However, the thing I am most anxious about is exercise, I love it. Currently I do high impact, boot camp style functional training and also some running. I generally ask for alternatives when it comes to weight lifting but confess this is not all the time. Swimming, walking etc just doesn't cut it for me and high intensity interval training is such a huge part of my life, I'm even re-training to have a career in fitness.

I guess I know the answer to this, but how bad is high impact training to degenerative back disease? Obviously I don't know the extent of the damage but it doesn't look good.

Oh and the consultant told me, pre MRI, to continue with exercise but no weights

TIA

[Sanchar]

I got a bollocking for doing weight lifting by my physiotherapist, I have the same problem in the same bones.
Was told not to go to the gym at all.

None of those exercise s hurt my back but swimming, which kills my back is OK

[FranTan]

Thought as much, Sanchar, so did you abandon your weights?

[Sanchar]

no. I stopped doing the side bendy one but that's it.

[FranTan]

Bumping to see if anyone else has experience or knowledge.

[FranTan]

Bumping for final time

[cheesecadet]

This is what I want to know as well. Similar degeneration to you. Scared of running but want to go!

[FranTan]

I really enjoy running but find it the hardest on my back, given the jolting nature of it I guess.

I suffer less with functional training, using body weight only. Perhaps because it strengthens the core. Have you tried this? Under no circumstances am I suggesting as I have no medical training. Just curious....