Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

I guess this falls under technical. I went to see the Dr. because I had a bad stiff neck and my left arm was aching and getting all tingely. He took xrays and test and told me I have a crushed disc in my neck. He gave me some therapy and said absolutely no archery until this problem was resolved. I was just about to buy a new allegiance too. Has anybody run across this situation? Is there a doctor in the house? Do I need a second opionion? Archery is my favortie pastime. I just can't comprehend giving it up. Alan

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i'm no dr., but i'd surely be careful with that.

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

I totally agree! Thats serious stuff so you really need to be careful with it.

I've never had a crushed disc but i did have a L4 rupture in my lower back. The pain was bad and went down my left leg and got so bad that my left leg and foot went numb from nerve damage. I had to have emergency surgery to get the disc off the nerve before permanent damage set in. I do ok now as long as i use my head and don't try to do something crazy like lifting really heavy objects. I guess i could say i have good days and bad days as i still have a little numbness in my foot and back pain from time to time but nothing like it was. All this happened in 1996 right before bow season and needless to say i missed the entire bow season but was able to rifle hunt a little before it was over. First things first, take care of your problem above all because it's way more important than archery will ever be. Hopefully it won't be as bad as it sounds. God Bless!

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

I've been through two operations ina ten year period for ruptured discs in my neck. This is called fun------NOT. How old are you? If you're even close to my age and been through this you wouldn't even be asking us That's what the doctor is for. I'm assuming he was a Neuro-surgeon. Listen to him. A month, or even 6 months of not shooting is better than wearing a neck brace for 2 months (after surgery) and having a weight limit of 10 lbs. And then another several months of starting with a Genisis and working your way back up to hunting weight.

Not listening to him could result in permanent nerve damage and/or surgery, which might happen anyway.

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

Ive had surgery for a herniated disk in my lower back . One piece of advise I would give you is , to find the BEST doctor you can , a specialist . Xrays show littel , you need an mri , dont take no for an answer , demand the best care , if you dont your quality of life may/ read will , suffer . I know Ive been there , and its not a fun place to be .

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

Amen Brother. Been there, done that.

Don't mess around. Not shooting your bow for awhile sure as hell beats not being able to shoot your bow possibly for the rest of your life. There was a time when I couldn't hardly hold up a bow, let alone draw it. But I listened to my doc, sucked up the boredom, and eventually got back to shooting my normal 70-80 pounds. There are times when my back goes south and I need to take it easy for a few weeks or even months, but if I take care of myself and don't push it, I always bounce back.

Listen to the Dr.

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

Alan,

As the gentleman above said, an XRAY is of no use. You must have an MRI (don't use an "OPEN" MRI..not as accurate).

Look at the two links below, they will give you quite a bit of information. Don't mess around with this until you really know what is going on. Again, an MRI is a must!

E-Spine Institute

Spine Universe - Neck Pain


Best of luck and of Health.

Nubbb

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

Hey Guys, I really appreciate all the replys. I am kind of going thru a bit of depression right now. I have been avid in archery for many years and I just love to bowhunt especially for elk. I have been hunting out west now for about 9 years now, and finally arrowed a nice 5 by in New Mexico in 2003. I'm having it mounted because it just may be the last bull I arrow. I'm 55 years old now and if at all possible, I would like to chase them elk for another 10 years. Thanks again and the best to you all. Alan

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

I'v got a herniated disk in my lower back. Usually once a year I'm on my back for a week. Last 2 years anyway.
They give me a steroid dose pack & it gets me up after a few days. Do like they say & listen to the Dr.
MRI's are wonderful things but IMHO humans aint made to be in them things. I bout freaked out during mine. I was fine for the first 1/2 hour but the thing stopped clanking & I thought I was done & opened my eyes. Well, it wasn't done & I had to get pulled out for a sec to gather my wits.
Pretty impresive pictures it takes tho.

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

i had to sit still in one of those machines for 40 minutes right after i shattered my heels. i remember i did it, but the pain was sooooo bad, even hopped up on lots of morphine, that i've basically blocked the experience out. yeah, lay here with your shattered heels down on the machine for 40 minutes or however long it was, that was bad. i used to think a broken heart was bad. it kind of put things in perspective.

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

I doubt it , you'll be back shooting again . Keep praying and have those around you pray . It works . Do what the doctor tells you to . He told me not to lift anything over 10 pounds for 6 weeks . That was extremely hard for me , be a strong guy . The looks people would give when you wouldn't lift a hand to help them , is a vivid memory for me . But you have to not do it . Alin your in my prayers .

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

Alan, you're young yet. I had my first surgery in 1990 when I was 43 years old. The second one (for two discs) was in 2000 when I was 53. I'm soon to be 58 now and my neck is the least of my problems at the present time. Now it's my lower back from a work injury some 33 years ago. I guess it's soon going to be time for the old MRI.

As before, follow the Dr's orders. You may lose one season, but you'll be back at it and better than ever if you listen. The other option of not listening is not worth the risk.

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

I would suggest you follow the doctors orders and get yourself well. I had surgery in March 2003 for a lower disc problem. I just had another surgery on Feb 4th and had 6 titanium screws put in my lower back. I haven't worked since June of last year. Dude, it ain't worth it. Use your head and not your heart. I'm 55 and sit here wondering where all this will go. Take care of yourself. Mine is from too much grouse hunting climbing those freakin mountains, many years of residential carpentry and working in a meat dept. Be safe.

RE: Chrushed Disc, any experience?
 

Alanin, i'll give you a week to feel sorry fore your self thats it. I've had both hips replaced, triple by pass and a few other operations and i still hunt not as good as i did a few years ago but i still try. I'll be 62 in april and im looking forward to next falls hunting season and i mite try this spring for turkey.If you cant use your bow ( i know yow mite not want to read this, but hunting with a crossbow will still keep you out in the woods. )Good Luck Rich