Back Pain Forum - Backpacking trip with herniated disks

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Q: Backpacking trip with herniated disks

asked by: surfer31 on May 29th, 2009

New User

I am a 31 year old male with 3 herniated disks in my lower back. L-3, 4, and 5 to be exact. This was diagnosed about 2 years ago. Since then I have been doing daily physical therapy and have been taking elevil and mobic daily. Recently (April) I got my first blow out I have had since the Diagnosis. I was out of work and on my back for 4 days because of it. Now, every 3 years I go backpacking to Yosemite or various areas around there. I am scheduled to go again this coming August. However, I am scared this time around because the last thing I want to have happen is a blow out in the middle of the mountains and have my friends carry me for days to the nearest doctor. I feel the pressure on my back and a slight tingle at least once a week. Needless to say the presence of this injury has by no means left. Is it wise to go on this 9 day hiking trip? The conditions are rough and there is a day hike up Mt. Whitney which I always wanted to do, but how wise of a choice is that?

Replies(2)

littleonefb

replied on May 29th, 2009

Extremely eHealthy

It is not a good idea for you to take this trip. Odds are, since you are asking the question, that deep down you already know that.

You said you "got your first blow out in I have had since the diagnosis" and you where out of work for 4 days.

The odds are quite high that you would have a repeat of this during this trip.

Every time you have this problem, you are making you spine situation worse. It is quite possible that your discs are in worse shape now than they where 2 years ago when you had your MRI.

What you really need to do is get an evaluation with a spine surgeon, either a orthopedic surgeon that specializes in spines or a neurosurgeon that specializes in spines only. Then have a new MRI ordered and go from there as to the best course of treatment for what is going on with your spine.

What you shouldn't do is go on this trip.

Good luck

Fran

surfer31

replied on May 29th, 2009

New User

Thanks for the advice. I was thinking of getting another MRI to see how things are looking. Now that you have suggested it, perhaps I should get off my butt and do it.

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