disc herniation

[jon12321]

so....i've just got the results of an mri i have a "small left paracentral disc protrusion at t8-t9" any one had a thoracic disc herniation here? advice on getting back to full strength? at the moment im not lifting, i understand time is the best healer. i'm taking glucosamine, chondroitin, msm, fish oil. it has been injured since nov 2012 but until recently i was still lifting weights and probably not giving it the best chance to heal. i get no numbness, tingling etc, just stiffness and pain with certain movements, particularly upon waking. people's experiences would be greatly appreciated. anything else i can do? heat appears to help, all of my pain appears to come from my erector spinae on my left hand side. twisting hurts particularly.

 

[marmasatt]

Sorry to hear. I can't offer exact advice because I have bulging discs and not herniated. I have 4 in my cervical spine with the worst between c5-c6. I can offer some general advice. Are you being treated yet? Rest is always the first option. You ought to see a physical therapist and they will develop a treatment plan. To be honest, it ebbs and flows. So when you are at your "worst" you should assume it will not always be like that and keep a positive attitude. DONT get stuck on narcotics. Take them as needed. It's too easy to go down that road. I find that exercise actually helps me at times. I kind of get used to the endorphins.

As far as the surgery option goes, there is an old cliche. "You'll know when it's bad enough for surgery." Not to scare you. It's all about pain management really.