Not sure if I should stop taking this or not

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posted by weidy

Hello guys and girls. My first post. I wasn't sure where to post this so sorry if it's in the wrong place. I just got on this forum because I'm about to start working out for health reasons. I've recently had pain going down my leg from my back. I have a slight back problem. My physical therapist has encouraged me to start strengthening all my muscles and has given me the OK to start a workout program. He thinks what i've come up with will definately help support my back better. I know proper nutrition is key so i've done searches on eating healthier. Here are my questions: I'm currently taking Percocet at night to help with the pain. Should I stop taking this before I start my work out program? Will it impede muscle growth if I just take it at night? Should I just deal with some pain until the muscles can grow? I'm not convinced that I've found all the answers from my physical therapist or doctor on this issue. Thanks for the help in advance :thumbs:

Brian

posted by stnspn_44

I feel your pain. I've dealt with lower back issues for 5 years now. I have found a few things to be very helpful in this area.
First and foremost....when you are about to start working out, warm up your lower back properly. This should include body weight only hyperextensions. Another good exercise would be good mournings. Do this with little to no weight.
Make sure you have someone teach you VERY strict form when it comes to working your back and legs, since both involve your lower back consideralby.
Percocet, from what I have read, should have any noticable adverse effects on muscle growth. Maybe by 1-2% if you took large amounts daily for a considerable time. But never take it right before you train. This could diminish mental acuity, which could spell disaster in a gym. You have to keep focused as a beginner with your form. You don't want your back to get worse from not paying attention to what you are doing in the gym.
Good luck and welcome to the forum!

posted by cwshorns

what's a slight back problem? is it a disc? I'm only asking to learn a little more about your situation first...

posted by stnspn_44

Also, it sounds like you might have a disc or two out of place. Has your doc done x-rays?

posted by cwshorns

x-rays aren't going to show the disc, if it's indeed a disc he needs an MRI, but that's why i was asking for a little more info...

posted by stnspn_44

No, I didn't say it would....just like you....was trying to find out what has been done.

posted by rcd

i ruptured a disc in my lower back and had lost most of the feeling in my leg, be sure of what is wrong before you get to carried away and if you do go with the workout follow the above advice as to learning very strict and proper ways of doing things, i had to have the surgery on mine a few years back but i am now back inthe gym stonger than ever with proper diet and still being very strict with form. use caution when trying to fix these things remember if there is pain down your leg there is something pressing on the nerves.

posted by weidy

They have done x-rays and they said that it is probably a disc. They don't want to do an MRI yet. I see that coming though if i can't heal quickly enough. Hyperextension stretches is what i'm doing now. I have little space between two of my vertabrae (L4 and L5, it's probably from my job). It's not nearly bad enough to do surgery yet. I guess it's a little bit of arthritis which is significant since i'm only 26 years old. It is pressing on the nerve which is why i want to strengthen as much muscles down there as I can. From the above posts it looks like form is everything. I'm not going to start out killing myself as i'm trying to help myself out here. Thanks for the responses. I only take the pills before i go to bed so it looks like it won't be too much of an issue.

posted by AMERFOOTBALL

bump these guys. i would use light weights and maintain the best form. you'll benefit more from form than lift heavy weights.

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