Slipped a disc in my back... Increased DCS risk?

[kierentec]

After the years of abuse I've put my back through, it finally happened. Aside from being a monster PITA for the next week or so, what are your opinions on the increased risk of a spinal hit after this type of back injury? Any recommendations as far as a waiting period before making any deco dives, or just whenever the doc says I'm good to go?

 

[TSandM]

There is a theoretical risk of DCS in scar tissue, proposed because of the reduced blood supply to the area. To my knowledge, there are no studies confirming that this actually occurs, and there are many of us who have had injuries or operations who are not experiencing DCS symptoms in the areas that are scarred.

Discs are a little more troublesome, because the symptoms of disc herniation can be quite similar to the symptoms of spinal cord DCS -- numbness, tingling, and weakness. So a history of a significant disc herniation could confound the diagnosis of DCS, should it occur. Just something to be aware of.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

If there's impingement on the spinal cord or surrounding vessels, you could be at increased risk for spinal DCS. We treated a diver a few weeks back who'd had a cervical fusion but still had significant residual issues, and though there's no way to know for sure, we think his DCS was at least partly related to obstruction of the blood supply to the spinal cord in the area of his surgery.

 

[kierentec]

Thanks for the info. Didn't go for a MRI, but the PT told me we got it straightened out early enough that she doesn't think it should be a chronic problem, as long as I keep up with the exercises she gave me. Still a pain, had a 300ft dive planned for this weekend

Do you suggest going in for a MRI when it's healed to be sure there is no residual damage? Also, what is your opinion of acupuncture/accupressure treatment?

 

[LiteHedded]

If there's impingement on the spinal cord or surrounding vessels, you could be at increased risk for spinal DCS. We treated a diver a few weeks back who'd had a cervical fusion but still had significant residual issues, and though there's no way to know for sure, we think his DCS was at least partly related to obstruction of the blood supply to the spinal cord in the area of his surgery.

this is relevant to my interests.

I didn't even think about that...

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Thanks for the info. Didn't go for a MRI, but the PT told me we got it straightened out early enough that she doesn't think it should be a chronic problem, as long as I keep up with the exercises she gave me. Still a pain, had a 300ft dive planned for this weekend

Do you suggest going in for a MRI when it's healed to be sure there is no residual damage? Also, what is your opinion of acupuncture/accupressure treatment?

Concur with your PT. Your recovery and post-injury activity tolerance are going to depend on how severe the herniation is and how well you follow the physical therapy regimen. Just be mindful of the injury, it's the type of thing that can come back to bite you later on if you're not careful. No more twisting your torso while holding a set of doubles.

Re MRI: of course the ultimate decision is up to you and your neuro/ortho doc, but I agree with your PT in that if you recover completely and you don't have any residual pain or other neurological symptoms, you can probably spare yourself the expense. The diver I was talking about had more severe cervical stenosis. Re acupuncture: it can be a bit pricey, but if it works, go for it.