Bulging Disk? Herniated Disk? The BIG LIE You Need to Know!

[@BobandBrad]

For more information on back pain check out our video "6 Best Low Back Stretches For MAX Pain Relief (Every Position)"- kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJSwg5-veM-GfrMsi=XBJVTivJED4ws7y1

[@mrcouch9018]

I had surgery when I was 21, I am 58 now. It was like a toothache in my back. The surgeon told me I somehow pinched a small chunk off the disc and he said he just picked it right off. I woke up completely painless and haven’t had a problem since.

[@BobandBrad]

That's awesome!

[@Another_taco.Yes_please]

Bless you guys. I have listened to horror stories from my mother & cousins with back surgery and fusion. My cousin Mary is done since her surgeon nicked her spine with a saw - wheelchair city. After a very serious car accident I instead used chiropractic. Took six years but I was finally pain-free. Now, a tune up every few years helps, but exercise is your friend. And DMSO gel (from the animal feed store) will take your pain away while helping the muscle spasms stop :)

[@BobandBrad]

Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@VeryMiley]

Really loving the new format of nesting videos into the new intros There’s a lot of great info that might be hard to search on your YT at Bob and Brad. Re-presenting in this way definitely helps us viewers out. A lot of what you discuss is still relevant and safer than faddish or trendy unbacked ideas. Also - we love Bob! We love the new crew too. But we definitely always can use Bob+Brad combo. ❤ Prayers to Bob. Have a great Thanksgiving all.

[@frankunderbush]

Thanks for the info, young Bob and Brad!

[@BobandBrad]

LOL, glad it was helpful!

[@MichaelBuck]

Wow, this was a very TIMELY VIDEO guys as I just experienced a bulging disc and pinched sciatic nerve episode this morning in bed. I have a bulging disc that acts up from time to time since I was in my late 20's, I am almost 64 now. The symptoms range from mild back discomfort, to groin pain, hip pain, upper leg pain to the thigh or hamstring and sometimes all the way down to the ankle and foot. In the past I have seen a chiropractor for adjustments that have helped me tremendously cope with this natural nagging issue. In my experiences with this issue over the years a pinched sciatic nerve will give you different pain indicators depending on what part of the nerve is being pinched at the time. Its rather confusing at first as I had to learn over time all the different symptoms. And ironically TODAY, when I woke up I experienced a NEW symptom. Apparently the bulge hit other nerves in the area, making me suspect a kidney issue along with hip pain and buttocks pain on the left side. I also experienced CHILLS, like I had a temperature (which I did not), I was shaking and rattling my teeth, like having the flu or something. It was VERY, VERY, strange. However, once I did my stretches, I have several plus the NEW one I learned in this video, followed up with a heating pad, some warm tea and some Tylenol or Ibuprofen, things finally called down and the chills disappeared completely, the pain subsided, and I am headed towards recovery. Note that recovery is a process of continued stretching and useing the heating pad and additional meds as needed. My recoveries can take 1-3 days to 7-14 days depending on the severity. But so far NO SURGERY is required. I also try to stay active, I love to run, bike, swim, and play tennis or pickleball. I mostly enjoy biking but looking for a recumbent bike versus an upright bike as the upright hurts my NECK, wrists, elbow, knees and back. Therefore to minimize or eliminate all the pain points I am looking for a recumbent bike (www.cruzbike.com) which addresses ALL those pain points. Thank you all for addressing this issue and teaching me a NEW STRETCH that I just used and WORKED as advertised. This new stretch you demonstrated has never been shown to me in over 40 years but works even better than some of the other stretches that work but not as immediate. The stretch actually FEELS good when I do it and immediate relief is felt. I will keep using it all day today until all symptoms disappear completely.

[@sishowser848]

It's a re-post but it's uncanny how often these pop up when needed. Check their playlist for more information

[@BobandBrad]

Thanks for watching, we hope you find it helpful!

[@bluecurlygirl]

You should really check out Rick Olderman whom they mention in this video. I'm following his back program and it's absolutely fantastic. I cannot praise him enough. I couldn't find a physio to help me and was in chronic pain daily. Within a week of following Rick's program, my pain levels had reduced to almost half of what they were.

[@cyclingqueenbee]

This was a terrific video. Even if you don't have back pain, you know people who do and can refer them to this video (and others) that can be of great help!

[@BobandBrad]

So happy to hear it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@jeil5676]

I had sciatica in my twenties for years until I went to an old school chiropractor and he cured it in 2 treatments over 2 weeks. In my forties I somehow developed a herniated or bulging disk, I assume. I did go to a newer chiropractor for treatment but did not have an option for physio therapy. They basically told me to take drugs and rest till it got better. What I did was try to stay active and move my joints gently and strengthen my back. It took months and i may be prone to relapse but it has worked well so far. That was maybe 15 years ago and I have done laborious jobs since, figuring it would keep my back muscles strong. It is possible to be healed.

[@krw5723]

NO. STOP THIS. I was forced to live in pain for THREE YEARS, unable to stand for more than ten seconds at a time without support, while my three kids were 6, 7 and 8. And the reason? BECAUSE ALL MY DOCTORS WERE TELLING ME THE PAIN WAS IN MY HEAD. That I could heal. I was in and out of a hundred doctors appts, got epidurals, trigger point injections, 30 dry needle injections, PT that did nothing but aggravate my pain. I did everything this channel suggested. Finally I was begging for surgery and was told by my spine specialist, "no one will operate on you, you're too young and healthy." I had ZERO quality of life. I was in agony every waking minute, while trying to keep up with my kids. I had no idea what anyone was telling me ever because all I could think about was my pain. Finally I told that "specialist" who did nothing but hurt me for a year, that I wanted the consult anyway. Within minutes of seeing an xray of my back, the surgeon said I had one of the worst cases of stenosis he'd ever seen in anyone my age. He said it over and over. While all the other doctors listen to THESE LIES and treated me like it was all in my head and would go away. Worst three years of my entire life. Because of THIS lie that allows drs to wash their hands of things and order you a tens unit when you need surgery. I ended up with a laminectomy, fusion, etc. And guess what. A year later I have quality of life. This is not true for everyone, I listened to the flashback video and let doctors brush me off for years. You know how they tell most women to lose weight before they take them seriously? They didn't take me seriously bc I was late thirties and super healthy otherwise. They use any reason to ignore your pain especially if you're a woman.

[@BobandBrad]

I am very sorry that you encountered this with your doctor. That is certainly not the case with every doctor as well as is not the case with every patient. It all comes down to individual cases and hopefully nobody gets tossed aside when in pain again.

[@buelan.6525]

Nothing like being discounted when you’re suffering, it’s crazy-making. Also, according to latest studies (nobility.nim.gov) 85-90% resolve within 6-12 weeks. A spinal fusion is only 45-55% successful and may never get to the comfort level prior to the injury.

[@KBradAdams]

So glad you took control of your situation and found relief. SO many doctors want to say you are fine. I had a few tell me go back to doing what you did, I said ok and 3 days later reruptured my disc. I wanted to go back and say I told you so but just found a better surgeon.

[@kcthrower]

Could you do a video on osteoarthritis in the shoulders, back, neck, and hips?

[@ShannaM1]

Great info! Thanks fellas!

[@BobandBrad]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheBuilder311]

That horn on the little trolley going by really got me ;)

[@brendagamba7826]

Just shared it with my 3o jr old daughter. Thank you 😊❤

[@ArthriticBeard]

Ive had 5 lower back surgeries from l3-s1 first 1 at 18. I had a bone fragment stuck in a nerve, extremely painful. 1 in my neck at c7. And have 2 MRIs tomorrow for 1 in my upper middle back that is very painful. I also ha AS and arthritis , my bones dont know if they want to crumble or fuse together. Both shoulders replaced because of bone on bone. My hips are going quick to. Im only 51 and dont see a very good future for myself. Over the years I have tried everything and nothing stops my pain except strong pain meds that I dont want. PT doesnt work for everyone but I would advise someone to try before surgery.

[@BobandBrad]

We are so sorry you have had to live that way.

[@DynamicBailey]

I feel for you. I have a herniated disk, two torn rotator cuffs, severe compression to my spine, and tailbone fracture. Just to name a few issues. I can’t recommend Serrapeptase enough. I wasn’t about to start taking pain meds. I didn’t want to be one of those addicted, dependent, depressed people whose lives are ruined by addiction. I started taking Serrapeptase and within 5 days the pain, all of it was gone. I got my life back. Just give it a try. Stay away from the expensive brands. They aren’t any better than the 18 dollar ones. And that bottle lasts me three months. I wish you a pain free life🌸

[@buelan.6525]

One of my favorite stretches.

[@Hugmir]

I had no idea I missed Bob this much. To have such a great presenter get so randomly struck down by Lady Luck is just plain nasty.

[@samchat1]

What happened to Bob! I am watching this channel after a long time.

[@ladyluck5248]

??? I certainly did nothing of the sort.

[@imanoppressedamerican]

It's very interesting. I had the exact issue. I got to watch MRI as it happened in real time. 10 minutes after it was performed all of it was fully explained to me there on the spot. I think you guys should be careful with your advices as to what is a lie and what isn't. Sometimes a bulge at l4 l5 is bulging toward the spinal cord. You should be very cautious with your advice.

[@Chrismw81]

My pain increased a lot AFTER i was shown my MRI....

[@Stigz34]

😂

[@jeanauguste-f7i]

Wow this comment came at the right time. I saw an exray of my broken sternum which happened a year ago. Since I saw the exray I am getting pains.

[@BobandBrad]

That might be your mind playing tricks on you. What did the MRI show?

[@Chrismw81]

@BobandBrad herniation. Had some pain before the image but then it really flared up after seeing it

[@susanreed6826]

I always thought I had pinched nerves every so often throughout my life and just waited for it to go away until it didn't go away. Had x rays which only showed some fluid loss at L5/SI, the pain specialist didn't care about my pain but I sure knew many others he was giving pain meds to, but I had to suffer it out go 6 weeks of therapy then got an MRI to find out that it was 2 bulging discs, a protrusion and a slipped disc ? Which is confusing , I understood a couple of them to mean the same thing but my point is that after that I could not reach the pain specialist. I did speak to his nurse and asked her to make an appointment for me to see him which did not happen and I asked her to see if he would prescribe me something for the pain until I could get in there and get something under way. She said he said no, I asked how she knew, she explained he said that the first time I asked, I said of course but now the results are in from the MRI please ask him. I never heard back. Tried many times to get through and never got anything back so my PCP said go to the office. It's a small town and he knew the specialist, so I did around 3 pm, I sat for an hour and a half until everyone had left a c the receptionist said she didn't see the nurse or the doctor leave and that she was sorry. My PCP was shocked so here I am still in pain and headed back to therapy. He gave me a kenalog injection in my hip and Prednisone prescription to take. I'm a nurse who works long hours and just turned 57 today. My plan is to work until I can't I have seen many patients and friends have back surgery after back surgery and really don't want to have any more surgeries myself since the last double hernia repair and removal of my appendix i was sent home immediately after waking up and given 12 5 mg Vicodin, I couldn't even cry it hurt so bad when I called the doctor who did the surgery 2 days later and told him this and that I couldn't even get to a standing position he laughed out loud and said you should be in pain you just had major surgery. I said no offense to you but I chose you because the Dr who is no longer in your office saved my life and I had seen you a few visits so I trusted you to take care of me like he did. For major surgery he kept me in the hospital, took care of my pain a few days then sent me home, that's what I expected. So he ordered me 14 5 mg Percocets and said that's all , no more. I had many surgeries in my life starting when I was in my early 20s never received pain meds never thought about it never asked but I'm not a young resilient 20 year old anymore. I don't bounce back as easy have never been on pain meds for any length of time just when my bowel was nicked during a hysterectomy that I didnt want but couldn't handle the pain and bleeding anymore and the small town specialist insisted that I have the hysterectomy instead of ablation. Sent me home and I knew something was wrong over the next 6 days I turned yellow and legs felt like trees, pain was unbelievable. The 6th day I knew I was going to end up in the hospital, I'm lucky I made it to the hospital my intestines had been pouring into my abdomen I had 5 superinfections but a wonderful small town doctor who came from a big town saved my life, spliced my intestines back together amd gave me a colostomy long story I know but I feel others should know what to watch out for. Wish I knew then what I know now. I have no idea why affects can walk in a place and get what they need to feed their addiction but at times the real pain suffering people get treated like that's who they are. I would just like to have this problem resolved so I can try spend another 18 years doing what I want to do the most...helping others and being the reason someone wants to go on

[@cindywilson6779]

I had a herniated disc that took me to the ER. I was 71 and had never had a pain like that. Im almost 73 and have some ongoing numbness in my left thigh. Thank you for your input.

[@adrianwaterman133]

It is true a herniated disc is nit necessarily the cause of back pain or the only cause of back pain. However, a herniated disc that traps the exiting nerve root can be a significant cause of pain or worse paralysis depending on the nerve or nerves

[@normal_norm2627]

What about STRENGTH LOSS for having surgery? That's why I had to have 3 surgeries at L4/5, L 3/4 and C6/7. The discs all herniated (different times over a 5yr period) and I had sciatica constantly 24 hr a day for 15 years (before and after). Had strength loss in right leg of 30%. Strength loss in right arm of 20-30%. It took 20 years after the surgeries for me to begin to feel human again and I'm working to get my life back at 65 !!.

[@BobandBrad]

Strength loss is exactly why we suggest therapy as soon as you are able so that you can keep up your strength while healing.

[@KBradAdams]

I think there are different degrees of sciatic pain. I hear people say they have it but can still workout stretch and run. That is not real sciatica. When you can not sleep at all and want to blow your brains out. That is real sciatic pain. I didn't have foot drop originally but one day I was able to walk jog do whatever I wanted and the next after it popping, I could not stand for more than 10 seconds or walk more than 10 steps without having to go to a knee. I could not sleep and was in a pain scale of 10 out of 10. Crawled around my house to where I had calluses on my knees. I had injections, tried everything and suffered for a few months. Because I waited after surgery I had foot drop and today my left leg is number from below the knee down. I finally had a discectomy and woke up pain free in the leg and could sleep again. Re ruptured it 2 years later and it was a pain level 11... never thought it could hurt anymore than it did the first time but it did. Had surgery a week later fusion this time from the back. Woke up pain free except back was sore. My back never fused. Had revision from the front, in 2023, they removed all hardware screws etc and it fused finally. Woke up off all meds immediately. Went home next morning. Post surgery pain was a 1 or compared to "REAL" Sciatic pain. I am back to about 95% now, best thing I ever did. I wish I had opted for the PLIF originally after the microdiscectomy re ruptured. Be your own advocate and get opinions from several surgeons and ask them if it was their wife or kids what would they do.

[@BobandBrad]

There are definite degrees, for sure. Some sciatica can be much worse than others and more debilitating than others. That doesn't mean that the lower degrees aren't in pain though. Every case should be treated just as importantly.

[@wheepingwillow24u17]

DAUGHTER AND I BOTH HAVE BACK PROBLEMS. SHE'S CONTEMPLATING NECK SURGERY AS SHE IS EXPERIENCING ARM NUMBNESS AND PAIN. I'VE HAD BOTH BACK AND NECK SURGERIES. IT RELIEVED MY LOW BACK ISSUE WHEREIN MY RIGHT LEG WITHOUT WARNING WOLULD GIVE OUT FROM UNDER ME. THOSE WERE DONE IN 2004 AND 2006. I'M NOW BACK TO SQUARE ONE, I'M EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS. I'VE BEEN TOLD, I NEED BRAIN SURGERY, ON THE AXIS AND ATLAS 1. DUE TO SEVERE CERVICAL INSTABILITY. MY HEAD WOBBLES. I NO LONGER TRUST SURGEONS OR ORTHOPEDICS. ALSO TOLD I COULD DIE INSTANTLY. SO....DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS. I GET HEADACHES A LOT, LOSS OF BALANCE MORE OF LATE, AND SOMETIMES DIZZINESS. TY TC AM I PAST HOPE.

[@BobandBrad]

We are so sorry to hear this. First of all, don't give up hope. When you give up, that's when things get worse. Secondly, get second opinions. Third opinions. Keep searching until you find what will help. We wish we could help more, however without a proper examination and diagnosis, we wouldn't feel comfortable giving you exercises/stretching that could possibly make things worse.

[@salciano]

Hi! I'm not sure I understand. Did all the people in the study have a bulging disk (and some of them had no pain) or did all the people in the study have no pain (yet some of them had a bulging disk)?

[@jennifermoore2041]

Had surgery but here I am 7years later the one spot is now 4. 3 new areas are giving me great grief

[@cheylou1]

Pain in my groin.? Pain down left back to butt to tor ? What is it and what do? I think it’s hip pain?

[@MichaelBuck]

I have a bulging disc that acts up from time to time since I was in my late 20's, I am almost 64 now. Your description of symptoms mirrors my own and seems like you have the same thing, a bulging disc that is hitting the sciatic nerve. The symptoms range from mild back discomfort, to groin pain, hip pain, upper leg pain to the thigh or hamstring and sometimes all the way down to the ankle and foot. Understand that a pinched sciatic nerve will give you different pain indicators depending on what part of the nerve is being pinched at the time. Its rather confusing at first as I had to learn over time all the different symptoms. And ironically TODAY, when I woke up I experienced a NEW symptom. Apparently the bulge hit other nerves in the area, making me suspect a kidney issue on the left side. I also experienced CHILLS, like I had a temperature (which I did not), I was shaking and rattling my teeth, like having the flu or something. It was VERY, VERY, strange. However, once I did my stretches, I have several plus the NEW one I learned in this video, followed up with a heating pad, some warm tea and some Tylenol or Ibuprofen, things finally called down and the chills disappeared, pain subsided, and I am headed towards recovery. Note that recovery is a process of continued stretching and heating pad and the recovery can take 1-3 days to 7-14 days depending on the severity. But so far NO SURGERY is required. I also try to stay active, I love to run, bike, swim, and play tennis or pickleball. I mostly enjoy biking but looking for a recumbent bike versus an upright bike as the upright hurts my NECK, wrists, elbow, knees and back. Therefore to minimize or eliminate all the pain points I am looking for a recumbent bike (www.cruzbike.com) which addresses ALL those pain points. Hopefully I gave you some insights to dealing with long term bulging disk and pinched sciatica.

[@BobandBrad]

Without a proper diagnosis or examination, we can't say for sure what it is. However, here are several videos you can try to see what helps! www.youtube.com/@BobandBrad/search?query=groin www.youtube.com/@BobandBrad/search?query=piriformis www.youtube.com/@BobandBrad/search?query=sciatica

[@Artist_Kevin]

Had C6-C7 fused a few years ago. Massively ruptured and herniated disk. Saved my life. Then I got hit by a car about two years and now my whole neck has bulging and herniate disks and they don't want to touch me unless it's life threatening... About to break my neck just to get it fixed.

[@ditz3nfitness]

I've had a degenerative and bulging disc with an annular fissure for 2.5 years now. I have gotten MRIs yearly, and it shows the exact same. However, I've gotten worse pain-wise and am now bedridden most of the day. I got an ESI last Thursday, but haven't felt any better. I feel the same if not worse. Should I just give up and go for surgery? I'm only 22 and it has already ruined my youth. I got it from deadlifting with a bad form for months where I ignored the back spasms till one day I got a sharp shock, and it has been getting worse since. I've not been pain free one single day for 2.5 years now. Don't know how much longer I can stay sane. I'm from Denmark so healthcare is free. Idk if they can even do surgery on a protruding disc that hasn't extruded.

[@BobandBrad]

I am so sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, sometimes it does require surgery. Have you done physical therapy for it yet? If not, here are some videos we suggest you try for 6-8 weeks until you decide on surgery: www.youtube.com/@BobandBrad/search?query=bulging%20disc

[@nutterbutter1062]

I've had a l4l5 lamo 2x. First time ended up with foot frop... second time I'm in a walker unable to work. And they said it's more likely to reheriate again. And my back still hurts like heck... life just seems pointless. I can't even get disability because they ignore me contently. Life isn't worth living with this disability.

[@BobandBrad]

We are so sorry to hear this. Don't give up!! Here are some more videos you can try: www.youtube.com/@BobandBrad/search?query=l4%20l5

[@tracydavies2175]

Hello, I was just told I have Bertlotii syndrome, do you have any advice on this, thank you....

[@BobandBrad]

We are very sorry but we do not have a video on this yet. I have put this on our to do list and hopefully we could get a video uploaded in the near future!

[@suzanneschott2603]

What's the best way to release tension in upper back?

[@BobandBrad]

Here's a video that you should watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnq0haJpfb6JjKssi=vl4Mjk9xY-6aktO_

[@KarenUntz]

Will this help my numb and partially paralyzed foot after pedestrian hit by truck? They traced the nerve to my lower back.

[@BobandBrad]

Did you get physical therapy after this accident?

[@KarenUntz]

@BobandBrad yes. I had to learn to walk again.

[@sharonchancey8938]

I have something that comes up in my back, above left butt cheek. It causes shocking pain down my leg to my heel. If I bend over and don’t stand back up just the perfect way, this thing locks and feels like it’s gonna pop. I have to immediately bend back over and stand back up slowly. My chiropractor has been able to get it back in but it only stays in place 2-3 days after adjustment. He says he fears my job is messing up my back and is very concerned about continuing to put this knot back in.

[@Barryferg100]

My Drs say arthritis it’s not super bad now. I also feel a little bubble L4 or L5 on the back just to the side, I think it’s more a facet joints. Is that kind of the same pain wise?

[@Shuvah2Him]

Please tell us what kind of shoe you put the pole in. Thanks

[@BobandBrad]

They are Zero drop minimalist 😃

[@Shuvah2Him]

@ thanks!!!

[@joshtijerina3519]

I have 2 bulging dis and 3 with tares l1l2l3 and l5. Anything for that. Had 1 set of injections reduced pain a little

[@BobandBrad]

Absolutely! Here are several videos you should watch: www.youtube.com/@BobandBrad/search?query=l%201%20l2%20l3

[@amil500ify]

[@BobandBrad]

Thanks for watching!