Need advice - Robin Mackenzie exercises or not

[imamidnightlover]

Hi all,
I am new to this forum but have found it to be very informative.
I have suffered with back pain for many years and have finally had a cat scan of my lower back. I am only 43 years old and too young to be in this much pain.
I have been exercising regularly for years while going through times of aggravation due to putting my back out. I usually can exercise and within time it'll get better. I have been suffering for about 2 months now with pain and its not getting better. A relative of mine has recommended the Robin Mackenzie book and I've just started doing these exercises 3 days ago. The pain is still quite bad and I'm wondering if I am doing more damage than good.

Here's the results of my cat scan (no contrast given-not sure what this means):
There is a mild multilevel degenerative disc disease throughout all levels most pronounce at L4 and L5 and L5 and S1. There is osteoarthrosis involving the posterior elements. The vertebrae are in good alignment with no fractures or destructive lesions.
L4, L3 the disc is unremarkable
L3, L4 there is a diffuse annular disc bulge
L4, L5 there is a diffuse annular disc bulge. This combined with the bony overgrowth of the poterior elements has resulted in some borderline spinal stenosis. The neural foramina are patent.
L5, S1 the disc is unremarkable.

In talking with my physician, he claims that it is only borderline/mild conditions but that I should keep my back strong by exercising. Didn't seem too concerned but my chiropractor was very concerned as he felt that I was too young to have all of this going on. I've gone to a physiotherapist (about 4 times) , I've been doing pilates (a little), I was doing muscle training classes(too sore now), going to the gym about 2 times per week, exercising at home-walking/jogging when strong, and now I'm trying Mackenzie's exercises.
I have a lot of pain in my left buttock with a lot of pain in my lower back with pain radiating down my left leg and at times my right leg. The pain was going into my knees and fronts of my legs. Mostly left side.
Since doing the Mackenzie exercises the pain down the legs is gone but I am experiencing a lot of lower back with pain in both sides of my buttock. He does claim that the pain will centralize and it is normal to feel different pain. My dilema is that my chiropractor tells me NOT to do the Mackenzie exercises as this will cause more problems because of my disc bulges.
I am much more concious of my posture and this seems to be helping as I am on a computer all day long. Trying to use a rolled up towel behind my mid back while sitting/driving/sleeping.

I am getting frustrated as the pain is disrupting my business and my everyday life.

Any help would be most appreciated.
Regards,
Mirla

 

[Redsawdom]

I know you may think I'm biased - I probably am!!

I would suggest that you try an alternative to the crunch / click and physio. Try finding a therapist who specialises in the Bowen Technique. This is a gentle, holsitic therapy that may help reduce your pain considerably. Obviously you also have to look at your work posture and try to avoid awkward positions whilst working on the computer etc.
I don't know enough about the mackenzie exercises to give you advice on this - but I'm sure there are plenty of others who will be able to comment on that.
Bowen is an amazing technique that constantly surprises me in it's effectiveness. If you need advice on where to find a therapist do let me know where you are.
Good luck with managing your pain.
JJ

 

[sorryx]

Thanks for the quick reply, do tell more about the Bowen Technique. I am in Ontario, Canada.