Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I,ve been told i have an L4/L5 L5/S1 nerve impingment through an MRI scan.
My question is it wise to carry on running or should i switch to cycling a less stressing form of exercise,
I can only manage 20ish min running before it feels like i may fall over,
cycling i,m ok till i try to get out of the saddle then i,m a bit wobbly.
I,ve not had anything done for my problem and i am unsure.

ANSWER: BACK PROBLEM & EXERCISE , MRI , nerve impingment




Hello Adrian,

Sorry to hear of your problem.

I am also sorry it has taken me so much time to reply,,, my computer has been sick and only recently repaired.

I hope my answer can still be of help to you.


".....I,ve been told i have an L4/L5 L5/S1 nerve impingement through an MRI scan......",  Tests are important, however-- some people have TERRIBLE test results, and they can run marathons; while other people have 'normal' or 'healthy' test results and cannot move.  Tests are important, but they are not the ultimate be-all and end-all.

More important is YOUR specific condition, YOUR specific reaction to activities-  ".....I can only manage 20ish min running before it feels like i may fall over.....", this is just as important, or more important then the MRI results!

"....I,ve not had anything done for my problem and i am unsure.....",
Well, you have symptoms, physical complaints;  you have a test showing a problem.     What should you do?- well, you have a spinal problem, by history, symptoms, and MRI--- what does this suggest?--
see your local 'spine specialist'- see your local Doctor of Chiropractic.  This problem  "...L4/L5 L5/S1 nerve impingment through an MRI scan.....only manage 20ish min running before it feels like i may fall over...."- is right up the Chiropractor's alley.

When I was in Chiropractic School, a long time ago, we had students from around the world.  Among the countries represented was England, and all of the English speaking colonies-- South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India; so a Doctor should be available to you.

Bring your MRI, bring reports to your local Doctor of Chiropractic.

There is even a Chiropractic College in England:

Anglo European College of Chiropractic
13-15 Parkwood Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 2DF
Tel: +44(0)1202 436200 Fax: +44(0)1202 436312
Registered in England No 653 859
Charity registered No 306 289 VAT No: 186 3517 42

http://www.aecc.ac.uk/



Please see these chiropractic health professionals for an opinion on your condition.

My recommendation:
Gather your test info, go to the local DC, or the college, be evaluated, perhaps treatment will be appropriate for you.

If you need further information, do not hesitate to re-contact me here at AllExperts.com  @  
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm  


Again, Sorry for the delay, hope my computer stays healthy.

I hope you get healthy again, I wish you good luck and Good Health Naturally,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com     (Email Newsletter)


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi & thank you,
Should i cease running/cycling for the moment then ?
Also i have started taking a calcium & glucosamine supplement is this good or not to do this ?
Again thank you for your time Adrian.

Answer
Hello Adrian,



Welcome back.

"Should i cease running/cycling for the moment then ?", you can do activities that you can tolerate.  'Active rest' is the term currently used.  I know it sounds simple or silly,,, but,,, you can do, what you can do.

If we rest, we atrophy.  If we rest, that inactivity actually causes the problem to progress.  Some activity is fine.  If you are used to running 20 miles, then 15 miles should not aggravate the condition. If you are used to walking a mile, then walking 3/4 of a mile should not inflamme/ irritate the problem.

You may not be able to do as much as you have in the past, but do keep up some level of activity to prevent deconditioning.  Do not do so much as to aggravate the area.


"Also i have started taking a calcium & glucosamine supplement is this good or not to do this ?", Sounds good to me.

I would recommend:
Glucosamine sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic acid, MSM, calcium, magnesium, Vit D, Vit C - all of these things help to build/ repair joints , bones, muscles.

PARTICULARLY While you are in pain (irritated, inflammed), I would recommend Proteolytic Enzymes, Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids.

For my patients that are irritated/ inflammed- these are the recommendations I give to my Staten Island Nutrition patients.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for the Follow- up question.  Please visit your local DC, follow the nutritional advice, this should be helpful.

If you need further information, do not hesitate to re-contact me here at AllExperts.com  @  
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm  


I hope you get healthy again, I wish you good luck and Good Health Naturally,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com     (Email Newsletter)