Question
Hi Doctor,

I was wondering if it would be beneficial if I do pullups, given that I have a slipped disc (L5.) Now I have a couple of questions:

1) Am I correct to assume that pullups beneficial to my injury?
2) Is it ok to do weighted pullups given that the weights are attached to my waist?
3) Is this condition recurrent? I mean if I sit and do my exercises properly, will this still naturally return?

I did and MRI which stated that I do have a slipped disc. I also underwent EMG. Results show that all inconsistencies are only resultant of the slipped disc. My doctor has me taking three drugs: Omeprazole, Methylprednisolone, and Diclofenac Potassium. I'm also undergoing therapy thrice a week.

Answer
Hi Jefferson,
Toronto spinal decompression patients have asked me questions regarding home treatment of disc problems over the years, so thank you so much for taking the time to ask me your important question regarding which exercises are appropriate for a person suffering with a slipped disc.  

Jefferson the discussion regarding "slipped discs" are extremely important. I can say that before I can answer your question directly it is of the greatest importance to have clarity with the exact diagnosis.  Doctors do not commonly use the term "slipped disc" Can you possibly get me the exact name of the diagnosis and even better would be to forward to me the MRI report from the radiologist.  The drug called Omeprazole is used usually for patients suffering with peptic ulcers.  The drug called Methylprednisolone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug and is used primarily as for it's anti-inflammatory effects. The drug called Diclofenac Potassium is used largely for pain relieving properties and for patients with either osteo arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

I am curious as to which kind of therapy you are undergoing.  

So lets try and tackle your question about Pullups.
To say for sure if pullups can benefit your injury, it is hard to say for sure without knowing more about you, and the exact diagnosis and how seriously you are affected. When you hang from a bar and the legs and trunk are able to dangle freely it permits gravity assisted decompression, which theoretically can reduce discal pressure. This may be of help, however only your doctor can make that call when taking into consideration all of your personal factors. My answer would be the same regarding performing pullups with weights attached to your waist.

Regarding your question about if this condition is recurrent, well, it depends on exactly what the diagnosis is, how serious the injury is, and how well it is healed after care and including details about yourself including age, weight, general health, lifestyle, etc.  

So before you do any of these pullups please see your chiropractor or a MD to get clarity.  If you are fortunate enough to be a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression you should strongly consider that care due to it's high success.

I look forward to hearing an update about your question when ever you can!
Can you please take a moment out to rate my answer and consider to nominate me as volunteer of the month.
Regards and good health!
Dr. Ron Nusbaum
www.backclinicsofcanada.ca