Back problems again

Forgot to publish this...

Update February 2018

So, about 6 months ago Nick began to feel pain in his lower back and a little sciatic pain in his right leg. He took some time off his tennis but it didn’t improve so he went back to see his consultant. He also had a new MRI.

Initially it was felt that it was just a flair up. He started seeing his physio again and also started Pilates. His back started to improve.

Last month he saw his consultant who agreed that he could start playing tennis again. Unfortunately, that aggravated his back and by about a fortnight ago he couldn’t sit for longer than a few minutes. We felt that something needed to be done however we didn’t know what.

Back to his physio who referred him to a physio who specialises in backs and tennis. After emailing the new physio he called and suggested that Nick should see a spinal surgeon.

We were extremely lucky that Nick could see the spinal surgeon today. He thoroughly reviewed Nick's MRIs. Key conclusions were...

• Nick has very weak core and glutes 
• One vertebrae has slipped relative to the one below (I believe the correct term is retrolisthesis) at L5/S1
• The L5/S1 disc is pressing on the nerve

There are two ways forward, however the first is a back fusion which would mean that he couldn’t continue tennis. The second option is that Nick strengthens his core muscles with a really good strength and conditioning programme.

So, I am feeling relieved that we understand more about the issues going on in Nick's back. I also feel that we have a potential way forward. Now we just need to sort out a good physio to help with new strength and conditioning programme....