Question
hello. I herniated my lumbar disc(L2-3) with a central herniation and anterior thecal sac impingement about 3 weeks ago. I have been going to a chiropractor/sports MD and have been treated with ultrasound and the traction table and TENS . I am also doing Mckenzie exercises at home and other similar exercises like birddogs and bridges and clamshells-- I am also using my treadmill etc. My question though is this- I am a very active person and need to know from someone who has had a herniated disc- just how long this acute phase of pain/discomfort will last. The real pain has gone but I feel stiffness and tightness in that area of the back- I ice it and use heat as well --But can someone tell me if I will be "normal" again. I mean I will always be much more careful- BUT will I be able to JOG again- not just walk on the treadmill. Will I be able to do jumping jacks??? Will I be able to go on Roller coasters.. and will I be able to pick up my grandchildren when that day comes in the future. Right now I am 52 years old and until recently was an avid exerciser. Please let me know what my future holds..
I have been to an orthopedist who initially gave me a cortisone shot for the spasm- now I am on antiinflammatory meds.As said the intense pain and sharp pain has gone - but I have achiness and tightness in the lower back. It is especially hard after sitting to get up- I need to hyperextend and squeeze to straighten up.I am  trying very hard to maintain good posture while sitting.What I really need to know is how long does this discomfort take to go away-- and is it true that discs "ACTUALLY HEAL" over the long term??????? I know they will always be weak- BUT will I feel really good again. Like will I be able to lift something or anything overhead again as long as I am careful- and not have to worry about my discs getting squished?? or reinjured??
I really need to know what my quality of life is going to be. I cannot get much out of the orthopedist I saw- he had no bedside manner- all I got out of him was that the MRI- did not look that bad-- and other people say that in my state I am no candidate for surgery because I am not debilitated or having bowel problems etc- but what about quality of life issues???-
Sorry -for the long essay here- but 2 more questions-- I am doing light bounce on a swiss exercise ball- to "rehydrate" the discs-- is that OK to do on a daily basis. And lastly I was looking at a machine on line called the Spinal-Stretch.. at the web site of the same name- have u heard of that and what do you think of that as a supplement to use at home for the future?? Please advise and thanks so much for your concern.

Answer
The reason that disc herniations take so long to get better is they have a poor blood supply.
I utilize a procedure called Non-surgical spinal decompression with the DRX 9000 and I have definitely have seen hundreds of patients respond to this procedure.
BUT even using this equipment the results are not overnight and it does require patience.
It sounds like you are doing everything right,continue doing what you are doing.
I really like patients to start swimming,this helps to strengthen the back muscles with little strain.
I don't like the bouncing on the Swiss ball, this sounds that this may add insult to injury.
Be sure to drink plenty of water.
I have not heard of the Spinal Stretch machine so I cannot comment on it.
If you need additional information on Spinal decompression visit truespinaldecompression.com
great video's and studies.