Hi there Well I just rec'vd bad news. You may know I have 3 protruding discs, one ruptured ........arthritis in spine. WC for 8 years and TCC -- I also teach Now my new MRI shows a tear in addition. just got the news 20 min ago. Doc (only the GP) said no more KF or TCC......BUT he is not the specialist........NO WAY can I NOT do Kung Fu does anyone here have the same injuries?? If so, share with me your experience. KFG
Sorry to hear about your condition .... suggest that you do get a second opinion as I would believe there may be physical therapy, chiropractic care, and numerous other non-operative treatment modalities. Are you considering an operation? Perhaps that is why doctor is telling you to stop your KF and TCC.... your condition may be treated with proper rest. http://www.facs.org/public_info/operation/backpain.pdf
Disc Tear. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Hey KungFuGirrrrl You did not say "which" discs are protruding. Are they Cervical, Lumbar or Thoracic? Most probably Lumbar or Cervical, but keep your chin up. Non-Martial Arts or Non-dedicated sports physicians usually overrate these injuries, and it could actually be just normal wear and tear on your body. We all age at different rates. My spine gave me Hell during my mid to late thirties. Lots of degenerative disc disease, ( genetic) and also a share of moderate to severe pain. But when the offending discs spaces finally fused, the pain stopped. It took several years, during which I adapted my training and techniques to compensate for the loss of motion from those spaces. I trained to whatever capacity I could. I know lots of middle age to older Martial Artists with back fusions, both by nature and by doctors who still train on a regular basis. As a matter of Fact, few people know that the living legend, Bill "superfoot" Wallace had a Left hip replacement in 1998 - and he STILL tatoos everyone's face when they spar. (http://store.yahoo.com/superfoot/stkiafallthy.html )I bet your doc would have told him to take a chair also... :bang: ++++++++++++++++++++ Here is a few links you may find helpful. http://fit4martialarts.com/back_surgery.htm http://fit4martialarts.com/back.htm http://www.mybacksolution.com/ http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/search/topic/7887-1.html http://www.spineonline.com/ Learn as much as you can about the spine, vertebral alignment, disc protusion, therapy and the possible surgical techniques. By the way, your life won't end if you go into the Operating Room either. You want a "REAL Life" experience from others? I also have had multiple cervical spine surgeries, including a multi-level expansive Laminectomy of the cervical spine (neck). First, it was completely fused from the front and then the back half of the spinal colum was removed. Basically I have no bone in the back of my neck. Did that Suck when I had it? Yeah, it did. But not for long. Here is a little Story about that, and the pictures were taken about 6-8 months AFTER the surgery. http://enabledonline.com/BackIssues/February2001/health2.html and here are are a few video clips. The one in the top row, "upright cycle punch and ride" and the bottom row in the wheelchair were taken after that cervical laminectomy. ( about 8 months ). Notice my head doesn't move much, but I'm still working out. (You will too.) http://www.speedbagcentral.com/Demos.html Good luck, KFG. It's gonna be OK.
Hey! Thanks so much Silly me, I have posted so much I assume everyone knows my story! LOL I was injured in 1995, domestic violence, broken back yada yada......etc etc... anyway, now I have 2 protruding in cervical, and 1 black disc protruding in 45 lumbar, that is the one with the tear, and about 3 months ago I broke my tailbone and was rearended in a hit and run car accident...... mri shows burisits in right hip thats the one I was repeatedly kicked in.... Im telling you all, I might change my name to Kung Fu Grrrrandma! Im only 41 I REALLY need as much encouragement as you guys can dish out! and your letter REALLY helped me! I put them in a folder and when I get depressed I look at them. I have post traumatic stressdisorder too from the beating so tend to *shut down* when these things happen...... I do have an article about all this coming out in Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine on stands in February
There are an awful lot of advances recently in spine treatments. Make sure you look into them and talk extensively to someone who is up on the most recent information. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Punchfast I just looked at your video WOW! that put a SMILE on my face you are amazing. I used to box in 94-95 and havnt touched a speed bag in years wonder If I still could!? I am going to look into getting one. Thank you for responding to me! KFG
So you're 41. Well, at 41 ( several years ago..) I had my first anterior cervical disc removals and fusions. C4-5 and C5-6. Took 3 months off and then did what I wanted ( with limited neck motion.) Then, at 44 I had another disc removed anteriorally. ( C7-T1). Then at 49, I had the C4-C7 Laminectomies. Being in Good physical condition B4 surgeries really helps recovery time. In your case, discs that are only "protruding" can also realign themselves within the vertebral space, IF other corresponding connective tissue doesn't fuse or alter itself and compromise the disc space or facet joints. ..Enough technical physiobabble. You keep the faith and keep training the best you can. and congrats on getting published. It's gonna be fun to go to the store and see a national mag. with YOUR as an author. Be warned. You may have an overwhelming urge to buy every copy you see. PF Put a little Rhythm in YOUR workout.
