Question
Dear Dr.G,
I recently had an MRI indicating that I have 2 tears in my back disc, due to a weight training injury and then a physiotherapy treatment malpractice. This was a couple of years ago, at first I recovered and was able to go back to my workout routine but recently it has relapsed again causing severe pain. I already do my rehabilitation exercises at least every other day and swimming prior to the relapse but why is my back not healing? Please help, I am at a very young age and need to be strong so that I can work and lead a normal lifestyle. Thank you so much for your help.

Answer
Sarai,

Disc tears are complicated and nobody has a definite way to get them to heal.  I would suggest that you be very careful in noting any exercises that provoke your back and avoid them. You may want to avoid any exercises that really load up the discs.  This includes Ab Crunches or sit ups, heavy squats, and some aggressive core exercises (just to name a few).  You can see some safe exercises on www.fixyourownback.com; See if you can find a PT or DC that is familiar with McGill and McKenzie protocols.  You should also have a consultation with an interventional pain management specialist, e.g. an MD Physiatrist to see if you are a candidate for epidural steroid injection.  

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G