Disc problems and steroids?
Hey guys,
I have a mate who has lower back problems from damaged discs. He has been told that he will need surgery on it in the future, but for now to try and strengthen it, But he is struggling to workout because of the pain it causes him, even walking often will give him troubles. Now some of his friends have told him that steroids could help him get through light exercise, I'm just trying to find info or get advice for him before he listens to them.. He is taking heaps of different supplements like shark cartilage and all sorts of things at the moment but still not feeling up to exercise.
SO my question is, Is there a cycle he could do that could help him deal with the pain from his condition in order to strengthen his back? he has been told deca has helped many people with back problems. My worry is it might help him work out but then could do him more harm then good in the long run. I understand this is best for a doctor to decide, but if he is going to listen to guys from the gym then who better to gain info from then the experienced people on here!
Thanks for any help and info you could share.
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I agree with everyone saying he should only do as the doctor says. And the doctor said more core strength will help. But this guy has trouble even going on walks daily. So the cycle idea is to push him through light exercise only. He is trying to go without the pain medication.
Tell him to stay away from any substance that will "mask" the problem. If it is a disc problem muscle strength will not help. In fact if he does a cycle gets strong then comes off and tries the same weight he might do more damage. The only person he should be talking about this with is his orthopedic surgeon. Disc damage is nothing to play around with and the wrong advice could put him in a wheel chair for the rest of his life. So unless there is an orthopedic surgeon on our sight tell him to take his doctors advice only.
AnonNo Dr is going to recommend a cycle, that's just silly.
I'm on this boat, my back is pretty messed up as is the rest of me. However, I have personal experience with this situation.
For me cycling helps, the stronger my back is the better I feel. When I stop or slow down on workouts is when I feel pain.
My docs tell me that my spine is fucked but the muscles in my back keep me from being a cripple.
No one said the doctor will rec. a cycle.if u look at my post there is a full stop.
dont listen to any advice on here, we are not doctors, only his GP (doctor) will give him sound advice.a cycle is not the answer to solve his back problems.tell him to follow his doctors advice only.!!
I'm in the same boat. I have 2 bad herneations of L5 & S1 in my low back. It caused pretty bad sciatica. I've had steroid epidurals, cortisone shots, therapy, and the only thing that truly helped me was training. I keep my core strong. Hit the lumbar muscles hard , abs and obliques. KEEP YOUR CORE STRONG! It takes peressure off the spine and the muscles carry the bulk of the load as well as absorb the shock
I've got a couple of mangled discs in my back (herniated) that have been operated on but never really right. I live on some nasty painkillers including morphine, but I do find I get some more relief from using Deca than anything else. Gotta be careful in the gym, especially with things like squats and deadlifts, in reality probably not going to be doing anything too heavy here and wearing a belt for most things! Gotta listen to your back, any twinges I stop doing anything that involves my lower back.
Could bore the £$"! out of you with this, but happy to offer any advice I can. Lived with it for about 7 years so hopefully can offer you some assistance!
Yeh mate any advice is very helpful, he was thinking that the deca might be enough to get him able to swim more often and the maybe get him able to workout lightly down the track.
100% I'd definitely avoid gear until it's clear whats going to happen with surgery etc, he'll do more damage than good. Swimming, any core strengthening as someone else mentioned, but obviously need to listen to qualified medical advice. Good quality pain medication from GP should assist in improving quality of life in the short term.
If it's back nerve damage...that'd just a horrible issue. Steroids accelerate muscle recovery but don't see it alleviating nerve issues. Npp or deca May put more fluid into the joint but if that adds pressure to the disc then he's in worse pain. I don't like that docs always do cortisone vs other treatments bevausr the side effects. Prop/npp is the fast acting way to see if its a possibility...however....if its nerves....there's risks.