Injured Back Club

[Michigansk8er]

I'm wondering if anyone else has dealt with a back injury, and is now back on the ice, and as good as new?

I initially injured my back in the summer of 2001 doing a sit spin (of all things). With PT and some time off the ice I was able to come back and compete successfully at AN 2002. This past year has been a different story. I've had to scratch from every planned competition. Heck, I never even skated through my entire program, and ended up selling my unworn competition dress at AN this year (I hope whomever bought it loves it as much as I did :D). Stress fracture in the fall (off the ice in a back brace for 8 weeks ), followed by a herniated disc after being back on the ice for a few weeks. I've tried skating, not skating, PT, drugs, a back brace...........you name it. Right now I'm allowed to do moves period (wouldn't you know......the person who loathes moves would get stuck doing them this way......:roll:). I'm in PT, but not seeing any real progress. My doctor is suggesting we consult with a surgeon. What I'd like to know is if anyone has had disc surgery and is now as good as new and back on the ice full out? I really don't want to go there, but am considering it if it means I can jump again.

[skaternum]

While I haven't experienced exactly the same back problem as you, I would like to offer a thought. I've been struggling with a lower back (sacroilliac) and pelvic structure problem for almost 2 years now. I, too, have done everything under the sun: skating, not skating (6 months), seeing every medical specialist known to man, PT (going on 17 months now). All I can say is that back injuries take a looooong time to heal. Be patient. There are lots of subtle little muscle, ligament, tendon, and nerve issues that come into play too, and they all take time to resolve. Don't rush the skating. Stay within the bounds set by your doctor or PT. You'll be sorry if you don't.

And I completely understand the head job this can do to you. It's so frustrating. I empathize completely with you. I missed all the competitions last year I'd planned to do. And gained weight because of the lack of exercise. It can make you a basket case.

Sorry. Not what you wanted to hear maybe. But it'll all pass! Good luck with your back.

[1lutz2klutz]

I have a herniated disc in my lumbar spine also (from trying to get my lutz/loop combo before my technique was good enough for the lutz alone). I'm fortunate in that I'm also a PT specializing in back injuries, so I know how to treat myself. Of course, if my patients followed my example, I'd have a fit- do as I say, not as I do!! It's so important that you be on a good spinal stabilization program and KEEP IT UP. The important muscles of the back and abdominals don't recover from injury automatically, and are not the ones we typically exercise regularly. I advise my patients to avoid surgery unless they have true neurologic signs- weakness in the leg ,loss of reflexes, or loss of bowel and bladder control. If not, then the best approach is to exercise under supervision of a PT and modify your activity. I haven't competed this season, but it's mainly because I'm in school getting my doctorate, not because of back pain. Some days I can do what I want on the ice, other days i have to change my plans, but I listen to my body (OK, well, sort of!) and do what i can at the time.

[skateflo]

1lutz2klutz is right - surgery these days is reserved for more serious symptoms (loss of bowel/bladder functions, inability to walk, etc.) Many people have disc disease and don't even know it. Back problems of all kinds take many months to resolve. Remember Cohen had stress fx and was off the ice too - and Todd Eldredge too.

I can only offer my own personal experience after frustration with the traditional medical community - and recently had a recurrence of severe back pain (bilateral sciatica, muscle spasms/piriformis, scoliosis exaggerated by raised hip, pelvic girdle twisted) - and continue to work with an excellant chiropractor. I have degenerative cervical disc disease and a herniated disc (C-6) with spinal stenosis in my neck and now have it in my lower spine. With adjustments, exercise, ice, and patience I have improved and now am starting to jump again. It is amazing to learn how many skaters and dancers utilize chiropractors - when a show is in our city, my chiropractor office is very busy!

Yes, it does take time for any modality to work, but proper exercising, diligence on your part and listening to your body will bring results - think in terms of months, not weeks. Please don't rush into surgery as it is not always a cure-all and may not fully resolve your problem.

I also know that like any profession, there are good and bad people in it. It takes time to find the right one, whichever path you go, traditional or alternative, but it can be worth the effort if the end result meets your goals.

So to answer part of your question, I am 85% back to pre-injury and hope in another month to be 100%

[Michigansk8er]

Thanks for all of the information. At least I'm on the ice a little and can walk (there was awhile there where I could barely hobble). Part of my problem is I see my skating clock ticking away (I'm 49) and wonder how long I can be down for the count before all of my jumps go out the window............not to mention my courage. I'm doing my exercises at home, but my PT seems rather all over the place. Traction one day, ultra sound the next, exercises the next few times, twisting me this way and that the next.............no continuity at all. More of a lets see if this works and I'm not sure one time of anything is worth much at all. I'm at a new place. When I went a year ago we did the exact same thing every week and it was successful.

I certainly won't jump into anything surgery-wise. I am experiencing some weakness in my left leg, but that's all (along with the chronic pain.........which is a given). I also have a degenerative facet joint. Injections have been mentioned for that. We shall see. I'm not a fan of needles at all. Yuck!

Oh..........and the weight gain. Ugh! I was in the back brace and unable to do much of anything from the beginning of November until the beginning of January. Wouldn't you know...........the calorie laden part of the year and I can't exercise. None of my summer clothes fit. :(

I hope we all get back to new, and soon!!!!!!

[Black Sheep]

I had to deal with a knot in the small of my back at the worst possible time: Skating my Gold FS program at Adult Nats.! I was lucky to be skating at all, but this "injury" hurt my program and my pride as well as my back. It wasn't until after I'd skated that I figured out that aspirin and a massage and hot pads could easily fix it.

Oh, well--live and learn. 8-)

[flo]

Hi,
I have had an assortment of hip problems, and also this last year my back. I found an excellent pt who really worked with me to get back on the ice. She developed specific excercises that I was able to do at home, and they really helped. It does take lots of time, and patience, so don't despair, it's a process.
Take care and do lots of fun things while you're recovering.

[Lili]

When I was doing a catch spiral today, I felt something in my back pop again. I had an injury a while ago with my back, where if I did laybacks or catch spirals (or any spirals for that matter), my back felt like something inside of it was popping or tearing. For a while after I did the spiral, I wouldnt be able to breathe without pain in my back. My parents refused to take me to the doctor and it eventually went away.

I just hope it isn't as bad as it was before because I just got back onto the darn ice a week ago! :evil:

Edit: I AM going to PT for this pretty soon. My doctor spotted it when I was there for a regular check-up.

[skateflo]

Michigansk8er - please don't get discouraged! Remember the thread of winter weight gain!? Even with your back out, you had lots of company by those of us still skating!

As for PT with a different style every visit - there are some therapists who do vary the routine based on muscles quickly getting used to a certain range/stress and fail to progress. So different exercises are used that accomplish the same goal and fool the muscle. Just that there are different schools of thought...what concerned me was the attitude "lets see if this works" duh? My own preference when starting exercises after a period of not doing any, is to do a month or so of repetitve routine, gradually adding numbers, time, or weight until I notice my strength improving, then I begin to add some variety.

It is great that you are back on the ice! That alone is progress! Your concerns are legitimate and there is a whole branch of psychology related to recovering from an injury. I also think as we get older, we do focus more on our physical ailments and every ache and pain. Do you have family or good friends for emotional support? Skater's Edges last issues addressed this very topic. Not easy reading as we all want to be back to our best yesterday. But what it does say is that your feelings are the norm and attitude toward yourself and your goals is the best help. As for age, I'm 56 if that makes you feel a little better, and I am back doing some of my simple jumps. I try not to remember my age thing....just enjoy what I am able to do, raise the bar a fraction when I am feeling discouraged and try to rise to the challenge.

Remember to ice after exercising! It took me years before I actually tried it after being told by so many PT people, and by gosh it really does work! I keep two rectangle soft mushy ice pads in my freezer at all times....

Good luck, keep the faith, the sun will come up tomorrow, the weather is getting better, and so will you!

[Michigansk8er]

Skateflo,

Thanks for the encouragement. I've been kind of depressed today. My last 2 PT visits have been canceled (by the PT assistant I was seeing) because I'm getting worse instead of better. I'm glad I see my doctor on Monday. When I was in PT last time (successfully) we built on the exercises. In addition, I had ultra sound treatments each time. That really worked for me. I'm not sure where things went wrong this time. Today I was on an exercise bike. What was with that?

I'm ready to throw caution to the wind and jump and spin through the pain. I believe I have a high pain threshold, so I'm sure I could do it. The only thing holding me back is my daughter. She is sure I won't be able to make it down the aisle for her wedding if I don't cool it. My coach wants me to take more time off. I guess I'll wait to see what my doctor says on Monday. In the mean time I'll have to try ice. I've generally been more successful with heat, but I do have the ice packs in the freezer. I'll give it a try...............while dreaming of being on a warm beach!!!! :D

Lili.....I hope you get better soon too. Funny, I can do back laybacks with no pain, but not forward ones. If you saw what my PT thought was the perfect spiral position for back injuries you'd die laughing. Catch foot wasn't it..............but with this sort of flat back thing and looking down. Really hysterical. I need to remember to show it to my coach sometime.............and note the horror on his face. LOL!!!! :D

[dbny]

Originally posted by Michigansk8er
I'm ready to throw caution to the wind and jump and spin through the pain. I believe I have a high pain threshold, so I'm sure I could do it. The only thing holding me back is my daughter. She is sure I won't be able to make it down the aisle for her wedding if I don't cool it. My coach wants me to take more time off. I guess I'll wait to see what my doctor says on Monday. In the mean time I'll have to try ice. I've generally been more successful with heat, but I do have the ice packs in the freezer. I'll give it a try...............while dreaming of being on a warm beach!!!! :D

I'm glad you are listening to your daughter and your coach. Please remember that pain is an indication of injury. If you attempt to skate through the pain, which it sounds like you could do, you might end up with a worse injury that wouldn't allow you to walk, much less skate.

[lazenpa]

my daughter has back problems. its from bending backwards and the constant landing of triple jumps. the ring around the verebrae cracks or breaks or gets weak. she was off 2 months from jumping. so she lost that training time. she just started back the end of march. it still bothers her sometimes and her hips are hurting too

[Elsy2]

Originally posted by lazenpa
my daughter has back problems. its from bending backwards and the constant landing of triple jumps. the ring around the verebrae cracks or breaks or gets weak. she was off 2 months from jumping. so she lost that training time. she just started back the end of march. it still bothers her sometimes and her hips are hurting too

This sounds very much like my daughter. Her first stress fracture was about 2 years ago. She wore a back brace for about 6 months and was able to train again for about a year and a half before her back acted up again. We just determined in January that she sustained a second stress fracture. Our whole focus of skating has changed from competition to testing. I understand we need to be especially careful during her growth period which should end sometime in 2004. After that her risks become lower for injury. We always let pain be our guide. If it hurts, she doesn't jump, period. Laybacks are permanently off our list of things she can do.....