How fast can I get back to sports after L5-S1 herniation?

August 10th I herniated my L5-S1 (had MRI). Since then it's been 95% crazy sciatic pain, 3% tolerable back pain, and 2% no pain.

When I'm active the sciatic pain goes away. If I'm too active I get some soreness in the back after. I ride my bike, take 2 hour walks, and stretch and I get relief from the sciatica. If I sit around doing nothing my sciatica drives me crazy. If I bike too hard I get some soreness in the back.

I do martial arts as well and I haven't practiced since I hurt myself. It's japanese fencing so there isn't any bending or twisting, though, it is fast and full contact. Since I seem to be doing good when I'm active do you think I should give it a try? I feel like the doctors guessing is just as good as a guess from people who have gone through the same thing.

Thanks.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, this would be a difficult question to answer without knowing the relevant clinical details such as the severity (grade) of herniation, associated abnormalities like pressure on the surrounding nerves, postural defects etc. In mild-moderate cases the recovery time may vary between a few weeks to a few months. A course of physiotherapy is usually advised in most cases for relevant exercises that would help strengthen back muscles and help with recovery. Routine activities and more aggressive exercises are preferably suggested after getting a green signal from your treating neurologist/ orthopedician.
Hope this helps.

Take care!