Bulging disc

[Tian]

Hi

i have been practicing tai-chi for over 3 years now and have been getting alot of back pain it runs down the left leg into my lower back,i have been told by the doctor after having an xray that one of my discs is slightly bulging ,i was just wondering if i should carry on with the tai chi as i like it or will this agravate my disc or is it something i do wrong in the form


also if this is posted in the wrong place could the admin kindly put it into the right topic thanx

 

[donna tennessee]

1) An x-ray is unlikely to confirm this diagnosis, to be sure that's the problem an MRI scan is necessary, so question the diagnosis.

2) the symptoms you describe could be caused by other things.

3) not all disc bulges create these symptoms, and many people in fact have disc bulges that do not affect them in any way.

4) take 2 and 3 together, there may be other factors contributing to the problem, and it is important to deal with those also. Disc bulge could still be present and irrelevant, or highly important - you don't know until you deal with the whole case.

5) I hope you have a good tai-chi teacher. If so, let them know about your problem, check your technique and modify your practice accordingly. You may indeed have to cease at some stage, but if done well tai chi should not cause these problems, and may help recovery.

6) find out what is the underlying cause of this problem, I would suggest see a GOOD osteopath, but I have a vested interest. Somebody else will no doubt mention emotional components, there is merit in that, but not sufficient to overlook completely the practical aspects of mechanical strain. Nutrition, environment, occupation are all there also. If it was just the tai chi, then all tai chi practitioners would have the same symptoms, right?

7) this is living tissue, not the ball joints in a car, so think general health as your watchwords for recovery.

 

[Odemori]

Hi Eric

Your thread has been moved to the back forum for you.

Kind regards
Moonfairy
HPmods

 

[bamjo]

A bulging disk, also known as a herniated disk, is the result of an injury. It can heal, but there will be a weakness which may become exacerbated at some future point in time. Alternate applications of ice and heat (no more than 15 minutes for each) are very helpful in the controlling the pain and promoting the healing process.

 

[ohgddaiz]

Hi

I agree with KVDP, find a good Osteopath, Chiropractor or physio as a bulging disc is often an indication of an underlying problem.

If my understanding of Tai-Chi being is correct, that it involves mostly slow controlled moves, without leaping in the air or physical combat, it would be one of the better forms of exercise you could do. Do tell your instructor though so they are aware that you may have limitations. If you can fit in Pilates class that may help as well as some of the exercises practised are often beneficial to back problems.

Hope that helps
Pete