What I thought was just a sciatic nerve acting up turned out to be a much bigger problem.
ACTUAL MRI IMAGE FROM MY INJURY
🏋️♂️ **Who I Reached Out To**:
I spoke to loads of folks to gain some insight on dealing with the injury from pro wrestlers I knew to family, friends and fans. I also asked Chace LaChance (a masseuse), Jaxton Wheeler (who’s dealt with loads of injuries), and Guido Genatto (who’s suffered from severe sciatic nerve issues). Unfortunately, their advice didn’t help, and I had already committed to some upcoming pro wrestling matches.
🤼♂️ **Wrestling at the State Fair**:
I wrestled two days in a row at the local state fair. The first night was painful, but manageable. For the past few months, I’d been sticking to tag team matches with minimal crazy bumps, thinking I’d stay safe. But on Day 2, things went south.
🚗 **The Painful Drive Home**:
After the match, I hobbled to my car for the 45-minute drive home. Within minutes, I couldn’t find a comfortable position and had to pull myself up by the car's roof handle to relieve the pressure on my sciatic nerve. Pure agony. I even had to cancel a side trip to visit a friend’s new place.
🛏️ **A Rough Weekend**:
I spent the weekend sleeping in short bursts—on the floor, stairs, couch—anywhere I could find even a hint of comfort. Finally, I saw a chiropractor, who said my lower back was too swollen to treat. He recommended I call my doctor in Florida for some prednisone. After just one dose, I felt a bit better and thought I was on the road to recovery.
🌿 **Optimism Crushed**:
Feeling optimistic, I decided to mow my lawn—a task I actually enjoy. My buddy from Florida was coming up, and I wanted to show him what a real lawn looks like. But that optimism didn’t last.
🏥 **The Diagnosis**:
I ended up spending three days off and on in the ER and two more visiting doctors. The verdict? A herniated disc at L5/S1.
💊 **Current Routine**:
Now, I’m spending 23.5 hours a day lying horizontally—on my back or stomach. I’m on Gabapentin, a muscle relaxer, and tons of ibuprofen. I got an epidural shot that was intense but seems to be helping. Feeling is slowly coming back in my big toe, and the cramping in my calf is easing up. I’ll start decompression therapy soon and might even try warm acupuncture. If you’ve got any advice, let me know. It’s overwhelming trying to find the right answer to get back to 100% and it seems unlikely that I'll ever get back to normal.
🎯 **Silver Lining**:
The good news? I’ve had time to watch the Olympics. I’m really into archery, swimming, soccer, basketball, and wrestling. The track & field events have been a fun distraction too. I even spent three hours watching a 273 km bike race through France, which made me miss being in Europe. 🌍
With that being said, I'm going to be horizontal and lame for the next 3 to 9 weeks at the very least. I'm going to let the steroid injection do it's thing for the next two weeks in hopes that'll relieve the issue a bunch then lots of rest I guess. Hoping by September I'm able to walk for extended periods, maybe I'll be able to do some traveling or at least get out of the house. I'm really unsure. Not even sure how to end this blog...
22 comments
Al
It’s been a while, Cam. How are you doing?
Al
Dr. L
I had a herniated disc (L-4, I believe) that pinched the sciatic nerve. The effects were the same as yours: hideous pain, lack of mobility, and an inability to lie down. Physical therapy was my salvation. Lots of painful stretches. Be patient but disciplined about the stretching exercises. They get easier, but it takes time. Hang in there, and don’t rush into any activities.
Aaron
Stretching, chiropractic, cryotherapy, walking and hot tubs will help ease the pain. I have issues with my sciatic nerves and there are many stretches you can do to relieve the pain. I do the stretches every morning when I wake up (even when I’m not having issues).
Kevin
I am so sorry to hear of your back problems. I never realized how bad back problems are until I experienced it myself. I had a collapsed disk that they wanted to do surgery on. I had a chiropractor recommended to me. He was amazing and got me back to being able to do all I had done before the injurie. I hope and pray you are as lucky. Get better my friend.
Jim
We’ve all been wanting to get you on your back but if you insist on getting up, yeah I recommend a neurosurgeon. In any event, hope you get on the road to recovery.
Liam McMillan
Cam, I suffered the exact same injury as you. It resulted from a fall of about 3.5 feet, landing on my back. I suffered with it for 5 years, using treatments of any kind I could find. Finally I relented and had surgery to repair the disc. Hemilaminectomy was the surgery. I was told it would only last 7-10 years. I’m now almost 30 years post-op and have never had a single pain from it again. At least check it out with your doc as a possible option.
Michael
Sorry to hear this Cameron. My back used to be bad
although I didn’t have a herniated disc. Swimming
and weights in the gym (correct form) helped a lot.
jwest1111
If you’re out of bed and able to get around, you need to schedule an appointment with a Neurosurgeon for an elective surgery.
jwest1111
If you’re still on your back and can’t take care of yourself, you need to go back to the ER. I believe you said you’re in Portland, Maine. It should be big enough to have a Neurosurgeon. You need to have surgery on your herniated disc(s) as soon as possible if you’re ever going to be able to take care of yourself and enjoy life again. You’re just wasting time lying in bed.
Jim Zaharia
I had the same problem; what worked for me was acupuncture, massage, & inversion; find a real Chinese Acupuncturist; not a chiropractor who took a 2-week course in Cincinnati; one who also does massage. The guy who saved me was in Nashville at the time; now he’s in Brooklyn, NY- he’s the best in the world!! His name is Dr. Heng Liu; his # is (718)885-5566 . He’s inexpensive, & will fix you quicker than you can imagine- not weeks or months! & unlike chiropractors, he won’t keep you coming back repeatedly- you won’t need to! He changed my life- & he can change yours too! (Sounds like a commercial, huh?) 😉
I also bought a used inversion table off Craigslist; it helps relieve pressure when I feel something comin’ on …
Hope you’re better soon, Luke-
guess this explains why we haven’t had our double-or-nothing grudge match … 😁
Good luck & God bless- I’ll say a rosary for ya!
George
I’ll add an emphatic second to the suggestion that you see a good neurosurgeon to help direct your future care. If there aren’t any nearby, go to Boston.
Seeing a neurosurgeon doesn’t mean you need surgery. Good neurosurgeons are hesitant to recommend surgery and most prefer to use more conservative methods, similar to the ones you are following. There certainly are neurosurgeons in Boston who specialize in back problems and Maine probably has some as well.
Call and make an appointment with a neurosurgeon Monday; until then stay in bed. Seek advice from physicians who have extensive experience dealing with herniated discs.
I’m just sorry this happened and hope you bounce back soon.
Steve Gardner
Cameron, Go see this man – Dr. Dominick D’Anna https://besimplywell.com/about Do whatever he says. He will take care of you. It’s worth it. Even if he’s 2 hours away. I deal with this type of injury all the time. I know D’Anna from seminars we’ve done together. He’s very good at what he does. Take care of yourself, my friend.
MJ
Just to say v sorry you are suffering and that acupuncture worked for me when I had a near bone fracture..two sessions and I could walk so much better! Maybe watch the film the Wrestler and set up an online discussion forum: Wrestlers’ Repair acknowledging in any sport injury recovery and life post- sport is worth debating…
Andy Trevisan
I wish I could give you some advice that I knew and that was really good, but I have the same problem and only medication keeps me going. That’s why I avoid any sport that could cause future back problems.
I believe you should seek out spine specialists and follow their advice.
I wish you a speedy recovery and that you get well so you can continue offering us this work that we appreciate so much, without neglecting your well-being.
Richard
Everyone in the sport should have their cervical (neck) area examined as well. Recently, I went for MRI and CT scan X-rays for L5-S1 herniated disc follow-up (that began in 2010) and happened to bring up a long term matter (minor to me) involving tingling fingers. I had ignored this for years, did my decompression for my lower back, and continued with moderate athletic activity. Big mistake. Now they want to install rods and screws in my neck. My lower back will be fine. If I’d only addressed this tingling thing years ago I could have avoided where I am now. If you notice or have had any minor numbness or tingling in your fingers, get your neck examined ASAP.
Foti
…I don’t know who you’re getting your information from but I’m a Medical Exercise Specialist who has worked with the some of the best physical therapists in the country. You need professional guidance. No one should stay horizontal for a long period of time. You need to move in order to get blood and nutrients to the area in order for it to heal. Find a good orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist in your social circle, or among your clients and stop getting professional results from friends and fellow wrestlers. I’m older than you with several herniated discs and, with consistent corrective exercise, I am fully functional. Don’t fuck around with your health.
Dolphin/Dennis Frisch
Sorry to hear about your medical wooes. A friend went through pretty much what you are experiencing, including stay flat for several weeks. He was good at following his doctors recommendations and did slowly heal up.
You are quite right, though…never quite got back to “normal” (as it was before it all fell apart). I’m a great believer in listening to and do what my cardiologist says…and it has worked super effectively for 20 years since the five bypass heart surgery and the recent aortic valve replacement. So, stay the course and I’m sure we shall be seeing you doing some more matches for W4H…maybe even a oil match featuring you and Joey Nux.
Stay flat, relax as much as possible, enjoy tv and a bit of sex (now and then, of course!).
Bill Spence
Wow, Cameron, I am so sorry to hear about your injury. I understand what you are going through. Due to an exercise injury in the gym in mid-April, 2023, I had a moderate herniated disc at L2 – L3. Even though it was moderate, the pain was excruciating. Just to walk, I was doubled over for 3 weeks. If I stood straight up, I would experience terrible pain. After 3 weeks, things started to get better.
Take it easy; don’t over do. I hope you heal quickly. Wishing you all the best. Bill in Sarasota, FL
Jim
I’m exactly the same place!
L5&S1 as well as L4&L5.
Lumber Traction machine helps me a lot.
Aleve – Naproxen… Advil is great, but Naproxen and Tylenol together really helps.
Wish I could help more… makes me a little excited to think about you on the floor… lots of things I could think of to help distract you. 😈🥰
I personally love massage. Just to give a little relief.
Jim
Dave
Oh Dude! I’m so sorry to hear this. I HATE back pain because you can’t find any position that is comfortable. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thanks for all you do
Dave
Oh Dude! I’m so sorry to hear this. I HATE back pain because you can’t find any position that is comfortable. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thanks for all you do
C
Been there done that. I was an Olympic hopefully (diving) it’s why i made a good flyer wrestling. One day in my mid 20’s when all was well i went off the 10m and completly ate it and blew out 6 discs. Trust me….i know the PAIN. Nothing helps really…It won’t stop. I ended up having a total of 6 back surgeries. NO fusions. Like you, i was way too active and I wan only in my mid 20s. (Mine L 2, 3,4 5, S 1 and 2). It took all those surgeries and even told once 78% chance wouldn’t walk again. I could should you pictures 20 years later. I went right back. Do what they tell u.
The only real relief is going to be stretching. You can find these on line “Williams Flexatioin Excercises” Most ortho’s and neuro surgeons recommend them. I
If you haven’t had a second opinion by a neurosurgeon I’d suggest getting one. Their specialization is the spinal column and the pain you are feeling is do to a nerve root issue. The ruptured disc is rubbing on your spinal cord and compressing the flow thus restricting the flow.
From someone who’s been there and come back….would recommend REAL limitations and then work back slow. I went back as if everything was normal. Just took about a year or so.
Don’t let your muscles tighten up or then you’re going to just adding one thing on top of the other.
If you need to know anything I can tell u what i know
BTW…i am a doc