Dr. Stuart McGill is an absolute legend in the spine world. I'd have your wife start with his interview with Peter Attia (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1_sb1auiV8), and then take a look at his books. "Back Mechanic" is a DIY guide he wrote to help people help themselves. It's a fantastic resource. He also has a training academy of sorts for practitioners, and you can find certified providers on his website (https://www.backfitpro.com/backpain/). He is adamant about avoiding surgery if at all possible. He isn't anti-surgery, but in his experience, he believes more surgeries are unnecessary.
Thanks yes she's worked through majority of videos McGill has got online, which she found really helpful. Yes have read the Back Mechanic it's great. Yes Mia is currently having online consultations with one of his certified providers in Japan currently. Yes the more we learnt he more determined we are to avoid surgery at all costs granted there is a point at which is becomes unavoidable with loss of function. Really appreciate your help!
I've had back issues, but nothing as serious as Mia. What's worked for me is applying elements of the mckenzie method (a kiwi physio) : https://mckenziemethod.com/
There have been preventative measures I've put in place to successfully prevent reoccurance: stretches, neck (for sleeping) and back lumbar rolls to improve posture.
Thanks yes she is a way off being able to do most of this. Can still only stand/walk for short periods before needing to lie down again. Will revisit this when she get more function back. Really appreciate the recommendation thanks Steven!
Ferg are you in Bali? My wife is from Jakarta/Borgor but she works and lives here in the US now. Would you like me to ask her for any recommendations for your wife?
I had an interbody lumbar fusion at L5-S1 back in 2010. For me, it was a game-changer. I'm a kiwi too and happy to chat thru my experience if helpful at any point.
My sister in law had disc hernia for 6 months. We ended up doing surgery which fixed the problem. She is now recovered enough to do her job as a singer again. I would recommend surgeon here in Clermont-Ferrand (France). A bit far from Asia I know. Best luck to Mia, the pain is crippling.
My brother’s fiancé is a naturopathic doctor who had terrible back pain but was able to heal it without surgery. She worked with a chiropractor after getting a scan done in Mexico. Here in Canada she would have waited years for surgery. I could put you in touch if you like.
Check out Dr. John Bergman on YouTube. He's a chiropractor in California who helps people with this injury. He may be able to guide you in the right direction.
Hi Ferg, I am a roofer and have been following your work to hopefully one day be an independent investor and prospering whole on the ground. I have had a herniated disc since my junior cricketing days. I'll keep it simple. My advice is hard intensive pilates to learn about core strength, and then don't stop core strength activity ever. That saying about our bodies- if you don't use it, you lose it. I'm still roofing at 55 years. I have suffered painful moments over the years but mostly when I was less active, which incidentally was when my kids were young and we were putting our time and energy into them. Hopefully my early investment in PDN will set me free. Even then I will make sure that my core is active on a daily basis. Oh, and investing in regular Thai deep tissue back massages is better than investing in private health cover. It has served me well so far!
I’m probably just a dumb Yank who got lucky but, with 2 discs degenerating (confirmed by MRI) I’ve had great results from sciatica pain and overall back discomfort by the use of an inversion table. I was asking Drs. for surgery to relieve the pain I was experiencing and thankfully they didn’t want to do it. My pain tolerance is at a point where I didn’t take pain meds for a triple hernia surgery, if that’s an indication of how bad it was hurting me.
My experience was that I started using the table with no effect at first, other than more pain from stretching everything out. Then I started using a wheel to roll out into an extended plank position to help strengthen my core. Two LOUD pops in my spine later, the continued use of those methods and X-rays confirmed that I was straight as an arrow again and the pain had greatly diminished. Now I use the table only as needed and work a blue-collar job lifting 50+ lbs. with no problems.
Like I said, I probably just got lucky but I can’t recommend using the inversion table enough. At least to let the disks decompress, heal up a bit, and take the pressure off of the nerves.
Having suffered back pain on/off my whole life (muscular/ligaments/disks) I have always tried to stretch whenever possible. I used a combination of heat creams (dencorub Aust) and a foam back brace when required. Best if you initially see a physio then doctor then if need be specialist. Best of luck and will have positive thoughts.
Dr. Stuart McGill is an absolute legend in the spine world. I'd have your wife start with his interview with Peter Attia (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1_sb1auiV8), and then take a look at his books. "Back Mechanic" is a DIY guide he wrote to help people help themselves. It's a fantastic resource. He also has a training academy of sorts for practitioners, and you can find certified providers on his website (https://www.backfitpro.com/backpain/). He is adamant about avoiding surgery if at all possible. He isn't anti-surgery, but in his experience, he believes more surgeries are unnecessary.
Thanks yes she's worked through majority of videos McGill has got online, which she found really helpful. Yes have read the Back Mechanic it's great. Yes Mia is currently having online consultations with one of his certified providers in Japan currently. Yes the more we learnt he more determined we are to avoid surgery at all costs granted there is a point at which is becomes unavoidable with loss of function. Really appreciate your help!
The Kiwi Kilowatt Kingpin - Sending best wishes to Mia mate!
See an old osteopath,ferg.
I've had back issues, but nothing as serious as Mia. What's worked for me is applying elements of the mckenzie method (a kiwi physio) : https://mckenziemethod.com/
There have been preventative measures I've put in place to successfully prevent reoccurance: stretches, neck (for sleeping) and back lumbar rolls to improve posture.
Hope that helps.
Thanks yes she is a way off being able to do most of this. Can still only stand/walk for short periods before needing to lie down again. Will revisit this when she get more function back. Really appreciate the recommendation thanks Steven!
Ferg are you in Bali? My wife is from Jakarta/Borgor but she works and lives here in the US now. Would you like me to ask her for any recommendations for your wife?
Sure if you don't mind Adrian. Granted we have already worked our way through a decent proportion of specialists and physios here now!
I had an interbody lumbar fusion at L5-S1 back in 2010. For me, it was a game-changer. I'm a kiwi too and happy to chat thru my experience if helpful at any point.
Thanks mark, appreciate that and will keep it in mind. Doing our best to still avoid surgery at this point
My sister in law had disc hernia for 6 months. We ended up doing surgery which fixed the problem. She is now recovered enough to do her job as a singer again. I would recommend surgeon here in Clermont-Ferrand (France). A bit far from Asia I know. Best luck to Mia, the pain is crippling.
Thanks Julien, yeh that is a wee bit to far! Appreciate you reaching out
Will keep my ears and eyes open for expert opinions regarding your wife's back condition. Good you shared this.
My brother’s fiancé is a naturopathic doctor who had terrible back pain but was able to heal it without surgery. She worked with a chiropractor after getting a scan done in Mexico. Here in Canada she would have waited years for surgery. I could put you in touch if you like.
Thanks, where are they based?
BC, Canada
Check out Dr. John Bergman on YouTube. He's a chiropractor in California who helps people with this injury. He may be able to guide you in the right direction.
Thanks Jeremy, I'll check it out!
Hi Ferg, I am a roofer and have been following your work to hopefully one day be an independent investor and prospering whole on the ground. I have had a herniated disc since my junior cricketing days. I'll keep it simple. My advice is hard intensive pilates to learn about core strength, and then don't stop core strength activity ever. That saying about our bodies- if you don't use it, you lose it. I'm still roofing at 55 years. I have suffered painful moments over the years but mostly when I was less active, which incidentally was when my kids were young and we were putting our time and energy into them. Hopefully my early investment in PDN will set me free. Even then I will make sure that my core is active on a daily basis. Oh, and investing in regular Thai deep tissue back massages is better than investing in private health cover. It has served me well so far!
Same here pretty much Brendan, pilates is the way to go l-t, once you are back up and running...
Ferg any thoughts on PDN production guidance and the market reaction?
PDN got hammered today. What are your thoughts Ferg? Appreciate it!
don't know anyone, but praying for your wife
I’m probably just a dumb Yank who got lucky but, with 2 discs degenerating (confirmed by MRI) I’ve had great results from sciatica pain and overall back discomfort by the use of an inversion table. I was asking Drs. for surgery to relieve the pain I was experiencing and thankfully they didn’t want to do it. My pain tolerance is at a point where I didn’t take pain meds for a triple hernia surgery, if that’s an indication of how bad it was hurting me.
My experience was that I started using the table with no effect at first, other than more pain from stretching everything out. Then I started using a wheel to roll out into an extended plank position to help strengthen my core. Two LOUD pops in my spine later, the continued use of those methods and X-rays confirmed that I was straight as an arrow again and the pain had greatly diminished. Now I use the table only as needed and work a blue-collar job lifting 50+ lbs. with no problems.
Like I said, I probably just got lucky but I can’t recommend using the inversion table enough. At least to let the disks decompress, heal up a bit, and take the pressure off of the nerves.
Wishing you and the family nothing but the best
in overcoming this, and in general Ferg!!
https://www.cnsneurosurgery.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Fun-Empire-Ranking-5-Best-Spine-Specialists-in-Australia-2022-FunEmpire.pdf
This may help
Having suffered back pain on/off my whole life (muscular/ligaments/disks) I have always tried to stretch whenever possible. I used a combination of heat creams (dencorub Aust) and a foam back brace when required. Best if you initially see a physio then doctor then if need be specialist. Best of luck and will have positive thoughts.