Back On The Trail, Patient Starts Running Again After Back Surgery
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Published 2019-02-12
Trey Rutherford is 31 years old. He is a husband and father and, as a marathon runner, tri-athlete, avid golfer and soccer player, was in excellent shape. One morning after a run, this seemingly healthy and active athlete experienced the most excruciating pain he had ever felt in his lower back. It literally took his breath away.
“I knew this was not just a minor muscle strain from my running,” Trey said. “I immediately began thinking about getting some medical help...as soon as possible!”
Despite his young age and superb condition, Trey had ruptured one of his spinal discs – specifically the L5S1A Herniated Disc: A Common and Very Painful Condition
Between each vertebral bone a “disc” acts as a kind of shock absorber and hinge. With age, that disc can become dehydrated, making it more prone to injury.
According to the back specialists at Texas Back Institute, the disc is composed of the “annulus,” which is a tough tissue that makes up the outside of the disc, and the “pulposus,” which is the jelly-like substance contained in the center of the disc. A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus breaks through the outer tissue.
Medical studies suggest that a herniated disc is very common and may or may not cause symptoms. Stretching or tearing of the annulus may result in back or neck pain. The discs are immediately in front of the spinal cord and exiting nerves, so when the herniated disc, or protrusion, compresses the spinal cord or nerves, leg or arm pain and numbness or weakness may occur.
A Decision Had to be Made
To say that this injury shocked this active young man is an understatement! After consulting with Dr. Scott Blumenthal, a spine surgeon and internationally recognized expert on artificial disc replacement at Texas Back Institute, Trey had to make a decision about how to move forward with a treatment plan.
“After weighing the options with Dr. Blumenthal, I decided on the artificial disc replacement procedure,” Trey said. “This was a serious decision for me because I’m a runner, tri-athlete, golfer and I want to continue doing this for many years to come.
“My choice was between having the fusion procedure or the total disc replacement. After considering all of the short- and long-term considerations, I felt the fusion procedure, where the two vertebrae on either side of the ruptured disc are fused together, would limit my range of motion and keep me from enjoying the sports I love.”
See the Full Story Here: texasback.com/a-ruptured-disc-and-an-inspiring-story-of-recovery-from-a-marathon-runner-and-tri-athlete
All Comments (13)
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I did not know there was total disc replacement for lumbar too. I got one for my cervical spine. Really cool!
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I had L2 brust fracture surgery 3 years ago may I know why I can't run like you till now
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I have foot drop after spine surgery how to normal
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Me to. It hurts so much im retaining fluid so much i look fat
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Very interesting story. I'm in a very similar situation with the same issue in L5/S1. I was very active (runner, soccer player) until this injury. I have an upcoming ALIF surgery scheduled for fusion, not disc replacement. I had asked about this because I'm concerned about mobility issues after among other things but was told that there is a very low success rate with disc replacement at this level. Very curious to see how he is doing now since a couple of years have passed. I'm mid-40s.
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Sir my disc bulge enjury in 1 year so can i running
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Why was there no thought of discectomy? I’m in similar situation
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Ooh I want one
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i used to run miles before my spinal stenosis, now my right calf doesn't work after surgery. i can barely walk normal. so depressed. dr said it would come back in 8 weeks is week 10. it didnt .
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For herniation i recommend micro or endoscopic discectomy. I can run like a dog now.
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I'm suffering from L2 fracture ... Doc told me its minor fracture u should take bed rest for atleast 6 weeks ... It will heel on its own . But i'm depressed in thinking that can i run everyday after pain heals Please response if anyone know
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Surgery after running yes or no
