Question
Hello Dr.John,
I had a severe pain in my back while I was playing cricket 6 months back. I thought it would gone in 2 days, but I was wrong. So, I consulted a doctor and he advised me get an MRI scan of my lower back. MRI scan reported that I have severe compression over bilateral neural foramina and moderate compression over thecal sac because of diffuse annular bulge at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. And also there is loss of lumbar lordosis. The doctor advised me to take rest for 3-4 months without straining my back and suggested me some exercises. I took rest for 3 months and followed his exercises. The pain was not completely gone, but it was lesser. So, I came back to my work routine which requires me to sit for longer time and now I'm feeling a bit of pain again. Is there a permanent cure for this situation? And one more thing is, I was a bit thin 6 months back and after taking rest for 3 months I put on some weight(got tummy :)).

Thanks and Regards,
Srinivas

Answer
Sitting makes disc injuries worse because of the compressive forces it puts on your spinal column. I have found patients do well when they take frequent breaks from sitting and do McKenzie back extension exercises periodically during the day.

Here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBOp-ugJbTQ

Keep in mind that once you have disc problems, they are likely to re-occur again if you discontinue the postural exercises and stretching. Sitting for long periods of time will most certainly make it worse. Carrying extra weight will also put more stress on the back so probably a good idea to lose the "gut" too.

Hope this helps,

DrP