re: L4/L5 herniated discs

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L4/L5 herniated discs
Anyone have to quit lifting heavy bc of this same herniation? Doc said no more barbell squats and deadlifts, so I guess my powerlifting “career” is over. Getting an injection Monday to help ease the pain. I guess my question is, what can I do leg-wise that won’t destroy my lower back? I’m 38, 200 lbs, 5’10 if that helps.

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First of all, that sucks man, here's wishing you a speedy recovery.

Having said that...don't expect it to be speedy and don't rush it. I had same thing a bit lower down in 2017.

I hope the shots put the pain at bay long enough for your body to hopefully take care of the herniation itself. But you need to know that they might not. There's a chance you'll have to have a surgery (microdiscectomy) to ameliorate the damage.

However it goes, you need to give it time to actually heal. Having the strongest quads, hams and glutes you can (along with proper form for all motions, not just lifting) will be your best defense going forward. Good luck!