I'm just about one year into swimming since stopping after college thirty years ago. I always retained great leg strength though biking but seven years ago I developed very bad sciatica at disc L5-S1, and pain down my left leg was excruciating. Three years ago I had a 2nd surgery and finally began recovery. The problem that remains is a tendency (actually more of a certainty) of getting bad cramps in my left calf and both arches in my feet. The chiropractors we get at big swim meets all say any nerve damage would be healed by now and I simply need to strengthen my calf muscle. Using fins will guarantee a cramp in seconds and actually so will a pull-buoy.
Anybody else every had this dilemma?
Former Member
Okay, learning what exactly is involved with dynesys and I'm not sure I could endure or rationalise another invasive procedure. What exactly is involved with the procedure and what kind is recovery was needed?
Okay, learning what exactly is involved with dynesys and I'm not sure I could endure or rationalise another invasive procedure. What exactly is involved with the procedure and what kind is recovery was needed?
I was 35 or so when I had it done, sciatica down both legs for a year + with absolutely no relief. I rehabbed most of it with a chainsaw, a little core work everyday, and long walks down to the pier to fish. Worst part of the recovery was the muscle relaxers initially prescribed didn't do the job. I believe it was 2-3 months until I went back on full duty at the fire department. I'm 52 now and can stand and put my palms flat on the floor, and throw a roundhouse kick over my head level. I am thrilled with it, considering what I saw happen to people who took the fusion instead. I'd advise you to condition your core as much as possible before the surgery, that way atrophy won't slow your recovery. Robert Shugart did the operation and was training other surgeons at the same time. Good luck with it, I know a pain in the back can be a real pain in the .....
