[Guest]

I'm 29, 6' tall and weigh 208. July 9, 2001 I herniated L5-S1, MRI confirmed. I spent 2 months almost completely confined to bed and meds. I started losing muscle in my right calf and had all the symptoms which went along with the compression of nerves i.e. tingling, numbness, and loss of reflex.(right leg sciatica) The 3rd month I started physical therapy for a period of 2 months which involved traction, it helped. When I returned to work on month 5 the sitting while driving was painful enough to warrant an ESI, it didn't help much. I purchased an inversion table and use it every other day for about 15 min. My range of motion has substantially increased. 3 weeks ago I started walking 4 miles a day and lifting weights. I still have pain in hamstring (increases with sitting), sporadic tingling in toes, and the outer edge of the calf muscle seems to be about 40% there. The inner portion of the calf muscle is 100%. I score a 5 on all tests having to do with calf raises. I can lift my own body weight with my right calf, but it is not 100% I have decided to live with this and forgo surgery. My question is Will my calf muscle ever return completely? What can I do to help it along i.e. meds(chondroitin, glucosamine)/exercise? There must be input to the muscle, but like I said it's not 100% (outer calf 40%, inner calf 100%) - are my expectations of a full recovery realistic? Will the nerves ever start functioning again and provide enough input to the muscle? I know this is a question that can not really be answered, but based on case experience is there a possibility?
Thanks for any input,
JP

[Guest]

I hope the muscle will continue to show improvement. In general, prolonged bedrest is no longer recommended for herniated discs, as muscular weakness and otehr problems can develop. Continued muscle strengthening exercises provided to you by your physical therapist would be helpful. Aqua therapy (in a pool) with physical therapy guidance may also help strengthen the muscle. Glucosamine and Chondroitan may have some beneficial effect on cartilage, not on muscle strengthening as far as we know now. Good luck.
[quote] I'm 29, 6' tall and weigh 208. July 9, 2001 I herniated L5-S1, MRI confirmed... [/quote]