I just hit a marathon season "altering" situation. Around 12 days ago, I was hit with extreme lower back pain (unable to stand nor walk for more than 10 minutes without intense pain) after having done a week or so of heavy lifting. Pain/discomfort started slow and became progressive over the course of a few days. I had an MRI - Grade 1 spondylolisthesis (vertebra slip) of L4-L5 ... and I am sure heavy labor in my younger years contributed to my current "degenerated spine."
I meet with a back doctor on Wednesday to go over the MRI. Yesterday, I started barefoot walking and today I was able to go 25 minutes of brisk barefoot "cat walking" with no pain. I have no idea of a recovery time line, but I do know that barefoot running has taught me how to move gently/lightly and has gotten me going again. I have some leg muscle tightness, but it is hard to distinguish from the "normal" pain/discomfort as I have been transitioning to bare footing.
Yes, I would greatly appreciate ANY input for a 42 year old marathoner! I want to be smart & long term with my thinking. I am open to what is safest for my overall health.
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MRI REPORT:
~ The MRI shows a Grade 1 spondylolisthesis of L4-L5 with a decrease of the ring in the T2 sequence and reduction of the liquid.
~ The L5-S1 also shows a decrease of the ring.
~ The bilateral image also shows a spondylolysis of the L4 vertebra with a slight widening of the L4 – L5 ring and a slight protrusion of minimal character of the L5-S1.
~ The images do not show any significant anomalies of the “sponginess” of the vertebrae body.
Conclusion:
~ Spondylolisthesis of a Grade 1, L4-L5 with associated dislocation & spondylolysis bilateral L4.
~ Slight protrusion of L5-S1 disc ring.
I meet with a back doctor on Wednesday to go over the MRI. Yesterday, I started barefoot walking and today I was able to go 25 minutes of brisk barefoot "cat walking" with no pain. I have no idea of a recovery time line, but I do know that barefoot running has taught me how to move gently/lightly and has gotten me going again. I have some leg muscle tightness, but it is hard to distinguish from the "normal" pain/discomfort as I have been transitioning to bare footing.
Yes, I would greatly appreciate ANY input for a 42 year old marathoner! I want to be smart & long term with my thinking. I am open to what is safest for my overall health.
---
MRI REPORT:
~ The MRI shows a Grade 1 spondylolisthesis of L4-L5 with a decrease of the ring in the T2 sequence and reduction of the liquid.
~ The L5-S1 also shows a decrease of the ring.
~ The bilateral image also shows a spondylolysis of the L4 vertebra with a slight widening of the L4 – L5 ring and a slight protrusion of minimal character of the L5-S1.
~ The images do not show any significant anomalies of the “sponginess” of the vertebrae body.
Conclusion:
~ Spondylolisthesis of a Grade 1, L4-L5 with associated dislocation & spondylolysis bilateral L4.
~ Slight protrusion of L5-S1 disc ring.