I'm way to young aren't I?

[cewilford]

I am a 20 year old male and I've resently been told by my doctor that the results from my M.R.I. came in and I have two bulged disks in my lower back (L4 and L5/S1). I have suffured from back pain since January of 2009, but the kicker is I don't know what started it or what caused the disks to bulg. When my back started hurting I was in tech school I wasn't doing any heavy lifting or anything like that, just regular exersise everyother day, I'm 5' 10' roughly 200 lbs. Im relativly musclular, but I'm not the leanest cut of meat (so to speak). In high school I was active playing three sports: Football (definsive nose), Wrestling (215 weight class only weighing 190), and I was a long distance runner in track (3200 meter run). Sure I had my share of pain but nothing to this extent. If you could help me understand what it could be that caused my disks to bulg I would greatly appreciate it, thank you for your time.

-cewilford

[MisterTimC]

Your activities probably caused various stresses, strains, and injuries which can cause scar tissue and calcium deposits to accumulate. Sitting for long periods can aggravate all that.

It would be good to learn specific stretches and exercises to strengthen specific muscles in that area from a qualified physical therapist, preferably an MD or PHd with knowledge of the spine. Talk to your doctor for a referral to the best person in your area.

And no, you're not too young, you've just lived hard.

[seano]

I was also 20 years old when my back first started hurting me. I was active in sports, etc.  I guess some of us are predisposed to having these conditions. I have had nine lower back surgeries and I'm now 40 years old. I hope you are luckier than me with your spine! Try everything beforehavingsurgery, although surgeries did help my pain in the long run. Good luck.