Fix / Heal bulging or herniated disc injury - Jillian Michaels 

100 percent spot on. Only those of us who have experienced this really appreciate the advice

You know her story is so damn true when it resonates with you as you lived exactly the same situation. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story, and, as a Kickboxer who had an L4 L5 disk extrusion that completely destroyed me, I can say it's possible to heal without surgery! To all of you guys who're struggling right now, it's possible to heal, have faith!

This is my exact story dude. This validated me right and left!!! I’m in the supplementation, visualization, wim hof, prayer stage. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

I am no where near as fit as you, but I also recovered from a bulging or herniated disc injury. It required not only physical commitment and changes but yes, a deep letting go of stress that I kept trying to push through, a non-sensical situation that had no resolution - until I left. It was powerful, and im thankful for the experience, and I am also thankful that I found a way to change things I thought were impossible to change and to heal. I had the help of professionals, but had to advocate for intervention that was NOT surgical and NOT pain medicine. I was pushed by physicians to get surgery and get on pain meds, but really had to advocate to be allowed to try with a competent physical therapist and incorporating my training in therapeutic yoga and movement practices. Luckily, I did not have to resort to spinal fusion or pain meds. With diligent work and incremental steps and a lot of letting go, I am in a much better place.

Jillian, I've been teaching Zumba and fitness classes for the past 13 years and am crying. The past 18 months I've had 3 herniated discs in my neck causing nerve pain down my right arm, and whole upper quadrant. It has been so debilitating. I felt like I have processed through so much trauma in the meantime because what can you do but sit there? It makes sense because the spinal cord is literally the brain, it is not separate. I finally stopped doing everything 7 months ago & forced myself to stop trying to go out and socialize, stop having FOMO, just rest. I've tried all the conservative things, PT, massages, acupuncture, needling, supplements, meditations, cold exposure, infrared, you name it. I really can relate to that feeling of being in control. It is a free fall, one that feels like it may never end. I'm still having flare ups from simple things. I thought I would be one of the lucky ones and am still not sure if I will. The most I do is go for a 10-15 min walk, hang on the monkey bars on a playground, & some light PT exercises. I did 3 loads of laundry this weekend and flared up. If I don't have a Tylenol or Naproxin in me, I'll have that chemical inflammation go through my arm and it gets shaky. I also think there is a difference between acute injury herniations and degenerative ones. Not quite sure how long my 3 boo boos have been there but I definitely think the wear and tear of exercise took its course. An MD said 1 of the boo boos is new, the other 2 are older. As a fitness instructor, I am grappling hard and am not really not sure if my body will clean the herniations up on its own. I caved and ended up scheduling an endoscopic laser surgery next month to remove the herniated pieces that keep on causing inflammation. It's got a 95% success rate with 1% re-herniation but I'll have to take it easy for 6 months to a year. I guess it would be no different than what I would be doing. This procedure is minimally invasive and apparently people become pain free after a couple days. The surgeon who performs it said that for people who self-heal, the herniations never actually go away, which is why people continue to flare up. The annular tear in the disc may still be there for those who have degenerative issues. For acute injury, the annular tear has a better chance of healing and resorbing. So I do wonder if you continue to get flare ups since yours was an acute injury. I went through a divorce this past year and got stranded in my homestate due to the pain, had to coordinate people moving my stuff for me from California because I couldn't go back and do it myself, got my mom a car, all while going through this awful pain. It has been one hell of an emotional ride. I've spent probably $20K on conservative treatments alone and now have extreme anxiety at the thought of going to another doctor. The pain likes to sit around a 1-3, but it goes up quite easily if I'm not careful. Now my fitness and Zumba community is raising money for me so that I can afford this procedure because it's all out-of-pocket ($46K, can you imagine!?) I'm lucky I have a remote job, but I have to work in my bed so I don't have those awful symptoms from sitting upright. I'm ready to max out my credit cards just to move on with my life and work comfortably again. I cannot fathom having a traditional surgery with failure rates out the window. My mom says I should wait at least 1 year of "resting" and I'm only on 7 months officially. Crying in hysterics from the fear and anxiety has at least gone down from every day, to maybe 1x / week. I was in the best shape of my life, and now am down to level -50 it feels. Your story encourages me and makes me think, perhaps I can pull through this. That little voice in the back of my mind tells me it's not going to work, why bother. And I'm 39. There are days when I have very little pain, but I'm also doing very little. So that little voice says it's unlikely you're better. Thanks for reading and being there for people going through this.

Exactly this! I'm 34, fit and healthy and badly herniated my L5/S1 almost a year ago. It was severely compressing my spinal nerve, causing extreme pain down my entire leg. Every minute of every day was agony! Made worse by the misdiagnosis and a doctor unwilling to provide pain medication. It was 7 months before I could see a specialist. By then I was physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted. Unfortunately disk was in such a sad state I required surgery. I'm at week 12 post op now and finally getting back into the gym and work. Knowing what you yourself have been through and how well you've removed gives me hope. Thankyou for sharing

I'm laying here in pain with a herniated disc. I have been to a physio therapist. Thankyou for posting this just listening to your issues are giving me Comfort and hope. This has been ongoing for 6 years but hasn't happened in the last 2 years and I thought I was out of it but here Iam. The lesson I'm learning with this is that it's time for me to listen and start strengthening my body and also listen to my body. The signs were there that I ignored. My husband is an amazing person who has been doing absolutely everything. I do feel like a burden though when this happens. Time to heal and keep positive..I will get better and improve my health 🙏

I feel ya pain. I herniated 2 disc in my low back. When you said u couldn’t get off the floor.. that was me…I’m 5 weeks into my recovery. Pool therapy 6 days a week for 2 hours has helped a ton!!!!!!

Wow, I needed this, couldn’t have explained this situation im in better…thank you for being a voice for my situation and a beacon of hope. I’m a 36 year-old fit, healthy person and I was overworking myself in my job to the point of exhaustion and one day I tried to get up out of bed to get ready for work and just hit the ground in excruciating pain. It’s been months now and like you mentioned DOCTORs just don’t really give me a straight answer as to what’s wrong. It took me months to get an MRI to find out- I have two herniated discs in my lumbar spine, my L4 and L5. Hospital visits were quick to give me muscle relaxers painkillers, but nothing has helped. I had an epidural in my spine after a week-there was still no relief. They want me to do a second. I am now trying to get in contact with an orthopedic surgeon to help me to better Plan my recovery but it’s honestly just been so difficult to function or be hopeful.

I love this share. Thank you, Jillian. The Body Keeps the Score - it's true. A routine in the app with exercises for people with back injuries would be incredible!

Being with disc bulge for the last two years this is the first time I came across some one who is sharing her success story.I had completely lost hope but you seems a beacon of light.God bless

This is the very best video I have ever seen for back injury!!! I had a fractured L3 and 3 herniated discs 😢 it’s horrendous. Had Chiropractor stretch me and manipulate me before I was smart enough to see a neurosurgeon and get imaging. I KNOW the chiropractor made my injury worse. I needed surgery to fix things.

Thank you for sharing this! I couldn't relate to this more if I tried as I sit crying, wearing adult diapers at 31yo. I live alone and literally crawl into the bottom of the bathtub to clean myself off. Normally I work as a Paramedic and injured my back 3x at work. The first I was whipped across the back of the ambulance while treating a patient and we hit the ditch. The second time was pulled down a flight of stairs by a patient. And this last time I twisted wrong. I've been off work in excruciating pain for the last 3 months and can't get in to be properly evaluated... You're definitely correct when saying there is an emotional component to it as well. I've struggled with CPTSD for many years and it is literally breaking me in half.

OMG Jillian!! This is why I love you, literally had an MRI 2 days ago, and feeling hopeless lost and stuck! Resulted in herniated disc, extruding disc, and horrible sciatica pain! Lost 100lbs on my own through working out and eating right, and now I am terrified at life without working out! Need definite help and assistance on what to do and how to do it moving forward!! I was about to google it all until you saved me from doing so!! Thank you for this video!!! You are a godsend!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️ much love😭🥰

Im 38, been a personal trainer most my life. Idk how or what happened to me but im in the thick of it. Im just always in pain down my leg. And I swear people love seeing you break, because it justifies their negative thoughts. But I will get through this..idk how but I wont give up. Dont do anything to bother it and find what eases the pain. For me no more weights which is so hard for me. But im swimmimg and doing bodyweight everything. And stretching, stretching feels good so I do it. Until my doctor can tell me something better to do. But were all gonna make it! Don't give up! Stay strong 💪 You're not alone

Thank you for sharing your story. I went through similar tribulations. It is so helpful to hear someone who truly understands what back pain can be. I'm happy that you have recovered. Stay awesome!

I am crying! I have hope. I was terrified that my quality of life was over. I feel understand and motivated again. From the bottom of my heart... THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO

Thank you for this video! I had chronic pain in my hip, sciatica that turned my life upside down and kept working out, yoga, Pilates and finally got an MRI and turns out I have a herniated disc in my lumbar spine and I watched this and decided to wait for an expert! Saw my spine doc and he told me NO gym! Nothing nothing I need PT and cortisone shots but really Thank you!! I am hopeful to get back to working out, to adapting ❤️

Jillian I’m glued to this video. I’ve had really bad chronic lower back pain for just over 2 years now. I’ve spent hours & hours googling what to do. I’ve had an MRI, worked with physical therapists and it didn’t help. I’ve worked with chiropractors and it’s helped a bit. I learned what NOT to do when it comes to my own body movements in life and at the gym. It’s gotten a little better over the past few months but it’s still bad. I won’t give up because I deserve to live pain free. I’ve learned a lot thru this journey….similar to what you’re learning. I’m so happy that you are a success story. I hope I can be one too.

Thank you for this video. I live in South africa.. which has limited back specialist. I finally found Mcgills books. Now going through the process of recovery. Pain has slowed down alot with his spine hygene principles.. The pain was relentless. Slow progress and positivity...

This resonated with me a lot. From the injury to the potential emotional contribution to the injury

I have surgery for mine as all professionals fobbed me off saying I needed to relax & learn to breathe as my pain/headaches/muscle soreness was stress & tension 😠 well no my disc had herniated & my spinal chord was damaged. Surgery was my only option. You are an inspiration Jillian as the shape you are in is phenomenal to say you’ve struggled with this pain/damage. The pain is unbearable!

Bless your heart Jillian. You get it. I was in a semi accident and messed my back up just like you did. People were telling me to “ just suck it up and exercise.” They thought I was being lazy and didn’t want to exercise. I know my body and you are totally right in saying you need to seek professional help. I can say today my back is much better and I can exercise once again. I modified some exercises so I could build back up strength. It was a slow process but I took every day one day at a time. I have a positive attitude and just keep plugging along. Thank you for this video!

Jillian I just want to say thank you so much for this. I truly deeply feel so humbled by knowing i can get through this. Knowing that at least one person in this world has felt this kind of pain and they could barely walk and made it gives me courage and faith to truly surrender and have faith. I truly thank you for each and every word you said it saved me. I could have made it so much worse and hearing you was so moving that it truly moved me to find the deeper meaning, ti truly release all the things that no longer serve me and my healing and to obly focus on a Doctors advice that I fully trust. Your words of wisdom have truly shifted the trajectory of my healing life. You are a blessing. May your life be blessed and full of love. Radiating love and light, Andrea and Dimitris (my living partner)

I watched this twice, just because it spoke so much to me. Not just because of back injury, it speaks to more than that. The advice is applicable to how to go about day to day and life challenges. Thanks Jillian.

Thank you! You gave me hope! 3 1/2 months in and almost back 100. It’s been scary… hopefully soon I will be back to normal

I had a herniated disc and I went to a chiropractor that had over 100 5 star ratings on Google. He put me on a decompression table and I was worse after the first treatment, I had terrible pain and muscle spasms the next day and for the next several weeks. She is right about being cautious with your approach to treatment.

So nice to hear someone understand the pain and the feeling like your life is over. I so get it!! It's so scary. Will I ever be able to do things I love again? I'm active and social and laying around the house makes me feel like my life is over. Love your tips. I was in pain, my back and shooting down my leg. I took well meant advice from a friend who was a PT (without being properly evaluated first), did some back stretches to unpinch the nerve and help my leg, and my pain blew up! It was the worst thing I could have done. Totally should have waited till I knew what was going on in my case. Love the tip to find meaning. That is huge. Things happen for a reason and when I learn what I need to, the problem gets resolved. Such a good insight. Way to deliver that tip in such an understandable way.

Literally spot on in the moment for a friend going through the same thing that thought she may never run again due to the pain. She just got her assessment and the Doctor is getting her a therapy plan and she will and can run again. Thanks again for sharing #MakingADifference

I just herniated a disc yesterday doing a PR back squat and it’s been devastating. I’m basically an invalid w/ horrific pain. So glad I found this video

Thank you for posting this. I’ve had a herniated disk for about three years. Just this morning I sneezed pretty hard and it triggered my disc bulb again. To this day I still have not been able to see a specialist and I’m not sure when I’ll see one. Something you said in this video reminded me of why I believe this happened to me. It was the stress and it manifested physically. I feel like what just happened this morning is that stress again. I really hope I can let go of this weight that’s breaking my back again. I just feel a sort of comfort knowing that someone understands how I feel. Thank you

VERY Good information & advice....I can tell your being totally honest & not just trying to sale a pipe dream....thank you for your compassion & integrity...God bless you for this. MOGUL...... 🙏

I just had a partial knee replacement surgery at HSS. They’re #1 for a reason. Best docs, best facilities, best nurses.

I resonate with this so deeply. I’m 2 months in with extreme sciatica pain. Large disc herniation sitting directly on my sciatic nerve and it’s some WILD pain. I’m lucky to get proper treatment here in Italy. I hope everyone gets better..it’s not easy!

I can't tell you how much your videos on herniated disc/back pain are resonating with me. thank you for talking about this and sharing your story.

THANK YOU for doing this. I have degenerative disk disease/arthritis that causes all kinds of issues, chronic pain, nerve leg pain, hard to exercise, etc. It does feel helpless, affects my quality of life so much. Ugh!!!!

You right 100% just got through all this, Finally got my surgery done and my life back 🙏🏻Glory to God!

Im glad you say you are out of pain. Im a huge Jillian fan! I have 3 bulging disc L3, L4 and L5. I have been to 2 back surgeons, MRI's, injections...etc.... last July I couldn't stand or walk. Im under doctors care and doing a lot better. Back pain is the worst. If anyone out there has issues get to the doc and get fixed. No more Russian twists for me either :) But I can still run and cycle.

Thanks for sharing...💞.....I am a fitness Trainer and dancer and that's exactly my journey at the moment.... seeing U saying these things gave me hope that I will go back doing all the things I love.... Thanks again beautiful soul....wish love and light ❤️

I absolutely love listening to your epic knowledge ! I can’t believe you couldn’t get an appointment that easy if Jillian Michaels needed something from me I’d be right there ✌️!! Hope your recovery is 110% and you look amazing as usual !!

Thank you so much for your story! I’m going through a severe lumbar herniation and this made me feel so understood and inspired that I can get through, honestly the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced. Thank you thank you! ❤

Oh my gosh. This is my favourite video of yours ever. You spoke so much truth and are so relatable. I thank you for this strong yet vulnerable and truthful video spoken with such clarity!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love this so much! I had a similar injury and used all McGill exercises. Controlled what I could control… diet, consistency with McGill exercises, and walking when I was able to. I am completely better… and smarter from the experience, although I would never wish it on anyone.

Dr. McGill is amazing! My chiropractor introduced me to his work a few years ago. You are in good hands. All the best from Canada.

This has to SOMEHOW be moved to the TOP of the list when searching "severe herniated disc pain"!! This was really so amazing to actually see someone else acknowledge the, not "just pain", but the incredible amount of SEVER PAIN! I'm a healthy guy but had to submit to a friend comming to assisit me repeatedly with eating and everything for the first two weeks until some of the pain meds started helping. It's as if they didn't understand, or belive the degree, when we would call for help. I was given an MRI, finally, just last night! (1/05/24), But, it shouldn't be that difficult or have taken THREE FULL WEEKS to this step! I've watched so many videos over the past 3 weeks, and although they do mean well, you're absolutely correct! They just don't know what YOU need! Some of them are even careful to say, "Now, don't stretch this way, you want to go only this way!" But still, how can they know without any any type of exam? Thank YOU so much for taking the time to do this!! It's so appreciated.

In the middle of it at the moment. Great advice. So used to healing so fast but this has been 6 months.

I am so sorry you had to go through such pain. It is not obnoxious at all, it is reality. Thank you so much for sharing.

I absolutely agree. Stop doing outlandish moves. Professional help is the BEST. My orthopedic surgeon introduced me to biofeedback. Ever since then, my pain is completely gone. Had I not gone to the PCP, then referred to the specialist, I would’ve followed RU-vid advice. Due to that experience, I went to school for Biofeedback. Awesome information. Thanks for sharing your story!!! Helps so many people!

I have never felt anything like this pain …. I have herniated discs … and sciatica … I’ve had five children and this pain trumped all the childbirth pains !!! I am so glad you came across my feed … I’ve always liked watching you throughout the years … besides the pain I am also in emotional turmoil…. Need to get help

Jillian, thanks for sharing your story. I'm an athlete and have suffered from debilitating back pain on and off since 1998 due to trauma. Recently had acute back pain and it's so scary. Thank you for the positive words.

Thank you, Jillian. I suffer from horrible bulging disc issues, degenerative disc disease, and knee issues. Have been to one expert, seeing a second for another opinion.

Thank you. 😢. Reinjured my back after finally being able to function normally. Its not as bad but again PATIENCE is top priority. That's so hard when you're a parent of 4. I feel useless. So thank you so much for your encouragement 💓

I had a birth injury after having 2 babies back to back... after i had my last baby, i was 4 wks postpartum, and my back collapsed , i mean, that's how it felt. I was unable to walk for 2 weeks, with two babies under 2! Between postpartum depression and the depression the pain brought, it really took me to a dark place. I did find a chiropractor who helped me to at least get to walking! However, 2 years later, i am still dealing w daily pain. My hips feel broken, and every day it hurts all day.... still trying to find a solution. Thanks for making this because sometimes ppl dont believe the pain that is described by an injured person. I did get an MRI, n i was told it was a bulge disc. 😔😔😔

Dang Jillian! I’m so sorry to hear your story! Thanks for sharing. I hope this helps people.

I am in this situation and your video is the only one that makes total sense. Thank you!

So sorry to hear your story but thank you for sharing it. I have 3 herniated discs across my spine, getting worse over the years. Recently had a bad collapse in the shower as my spine "lost its function" or muscles went to spasms.. One or both. In agony, felt like someone was cutting me with a knife for hours. Fit and healthy otherwise. But the pain kills me at times. I watched your interview with this doctor you mentioned, Dr Stuart...? and I would love to be seen by someone like him! All I have been told... "it's one of those things" and "pain is in my head as my body learnt it and now has no pain threshold". I refuse it, no one takes a proper look at me. I'm so fed up and frustrated. I have been told to be doing the same exercise past 7 years now.. It kills my soul

I concur with all of your advice (other than the site that I have not heard of). If anything, I would add that you should not wait too long to get it diagnosed. If the pain is a daily part of your life, then get it checked out. Anything you can do early on to avoid getting to the worst agony of your life part, do it. It’s worth it. Not only will you suffer less, but also heal faster. This coming from someone with two herniated disks, almost seven months in since the start of the really bad part, and just recently was able to walk without crutches.

This video could not have come out at a more perfect time. Due to frustration with not being able to go to the gym for a good while due to covid, I thought screw it and went absolutely ham at home. Problem was, my form was terrible, I was emotional and didn't pay attention to my body. After a day or two, the worst back pain of my life came out of nowhere. Lo and behold, pretty sure I have either a torn tendon, pinched nerve, or a slipped disc in my lower back. Now I've been stuck in bed for the past week trying to let it heal and it's gotten better but wow I could certainly stand to have it get better sooner! Edit: And 100% on the money about the severity of the pain. I barely ever cry due to physical pain, but this was something else...

I'm going through it right now. Im in so much pain. Thank u .

Hard to see a really good back pain specialist--they are tough to find. Agree about the epiderals. Impossible to get appointments with the good orth guys. Love dr. MCGILL you are spot on with back care mechanic, his videos help so much , but need a good MRI, and agree need to see a good neurosurgeon evaluation.

Thank you Jillian. This pops up as I’m about to do a cobra pose and traction for bulging disk. Due to cost I’ve had to wait for an mri for this year. I had unfortunately tried Nueromed system last year and it caused major nerve issues and who knows, possibly the bulging disk.

Love you more than I already did :) I am so sorry you went through this but it is amazing it helped you grow. Grateful you are doing ok

Going through pain right now, not fully know if nerve pinched or irrated or periforim or SI join, :(, thank you for your testimony it give me hope for sure,

Thanks for sharing your story. I somehow injured my back several weeks ago and it's been a nightmare. I'm not even sure what I did, but after working in the yard and cleaning the garage, It hit later that afternoon. The pain became so severe that I could get up off the couch or out of the bed. I ended up in ER with only temporary relief while I was there,then to two clinics the next couple of days. Couldn't sleep, could barely sit and was totally miserable. The doctors are so afraid to prescribe medication for pain now and I'm not looking for a fix, but when you are in this situation you need a little help! I saw an orthopedic surgeon and he said surgery was the only fix. I'm not looking forward to it but anything would be better than the way I feel now!

Just watched Jillian’s conversation with Dr. McGill, it was awesome! So here I am absorbing as much information as possible. Jillian you are wonderful for sharing this info and such vital info that should be available to everyone!!! By the way you look amazing! ❤ and I really hope you heal completely and be well!

Thank you for this story. This was very helpful and transparent on your part. May you continue to heal. Continued wisdom and strength to you. You continually inspire me and so many. Sending love

All of a sudden, I'm much more confident about my injury. You inspired me years ago to lose weight. I was 300 lbs at 17, I lost it, I busted my ass and made it happen. I'm 40 years old, and have maintained 165-170 lbs since then. Now I injured 2 discs at work, l4-l5 herniation, l5-s1 protrusion. I was terrified, but I feel much more confident that I can bounce back after watching this. I wish you a complete recovery, and thank you for your inspiration yet again.

Thank you soooo much for this! I got injured at work in April 2021, I am the only one in my household. I went from walking 8miles a day at work to hardly being able to walk at all and not beingabletowork. My work is bullying me in hopes I give up. I finally won my court case but they have yet to approve treatment or send the money I am owed. Tomorrow I move under a roof no address with no water... because I am being evicted. I can't exercise so I currently look like Jabba the hut... what you say about the pain is real. I'm usually up at 2am because it hurts so much. Hopefully I will get epidural injections soon

Jillian, you are 💯% right. I went thru this for WAAAYYY too long and given so much bad advice (by doctors too) ended up having 4 cages, a plate and 2 rods put in my back. I'm still dealing with serious nerve pain, but almost 3 months into recovery after surgery. BRUTAL.

Jillian I understand what you had gone through and happy you are do well now. A year and a half ago I had brain surgery to remove a brain tumor on the left side of my head. I went from a wheelchair to a walker to walking freely I started to feel better and was less dizzy and wasn’t banging into anything anymore. All of a sudden I started to feel tremendous pain in my neck I couldn’t figure out what was going on. After tremendous pain in my neck and dizziness coming back and banging into walls again I went to the back and neck center and found out I had two herniated discs in my neck I was devastated as it was pressing on nerves and protruding on blood flow to my brain. I have yet to get in for a procedure for my neck. I have an appointment in three weeks. After having brain surgery I thought if I could get through this I can get through anything. The pain is tremendous I struggle every day to stay positive. What’s really funny is I’m worried about the muscle mass I’ve lost due to the surgery and now my neck pain preventing me from exercising however I do walk as much as I can no matter how much pain I’m in. I can’t even drive a car because of the dizziness and balance. Your video gives me some hope thanks for sharing your story

Omg I needed this. I live in Flordia as well and I understand! I got my spine injury from my chiropractor. I was training for the Chicago Marathon. It was 5 years ago and I have not ran since. I gave up. Watching this has inspired me to figure out this back issue.

A wonderful video and I will add this, years ago I had sciatic pain on my left side for about a year and a half. Then I did something stupid felt pain like I never felt in my life and over the course of the week my leg started to go to sleep and though surgery is not the norm for disc issues, in my case it had to be done because a piece of disk material, in fact half of it was laying in my nerve, I couldn’t even raise up on my toes or walk on heel. This could’ve caused permanent damage and I still have a little bit of a tight calf issue if I jump rope. The surgeon at the time left the other half at L5 S1 and said he didn’t think it needed fusion and would just soon not do that thank God.. recently I had an issue with another herniated disc affecting my right side and it’s been three weeks and I’m slowly starting to come around but she is right. Please do not watch these videos on RU-vid and then start believing they’re all correct because most of them are not and each person has a specific condition to themselves, and I will add that there are a lot of unnecessary back surgeries and resulting fusions, which many times cause more problems down the road with the upper and lower levels due to specific areas not able to bend anymore, causing stress on the balance of the spine. I can’t imagine three herniations at once oh my God and I also can say it does take time it can take 5 to 8 weeks to just to start coming around and many times six months or more. When they go in and start scraping this material, there can be some unfavorable consequences so it’s always best if possible, meaning no numbness to the point neurologically you are negatively affected, to seek guidance by an expert and not running off to surgery. I know several people with fusions who are still experiencing 60% back pain. One had a screw back out of their fusion and when you’re older, it’s even worse because everything‘s more brittle and you have more chance of problems. I just wanted to add my comment and am grateful that Jillian has offered some great advice.

I want to say I want to commend you for taking the time to share your story and honestly I never knew and it truly hurt me to watch this video because someone should never have to go through that much pain and I can’t stress enough how sorry I am that you had to endure that pain as kind as you are helping people like me to feel better about themselves and I said to myself why do bad things have to happen to good people such as yourself that’s not supposed to happen but I can say I’m so blessed to see that you are doing that much better and I hope form the bottom of my heart that you never have to experience anything like that again and I can honestly say you Jillian have a heart ❤️ of gold and you can stand tall to keep doing what you do best helping people grow now with that being said peace ☮️ love ❤️ and happiness to you Jillian and your fiancé and your whole family and I’ll see you on the next Jillian Michaels positive video also please be safe out there peace out

Hi Jillian! Can you please make some back friendly beginner exercise videos ❤️ love you!!

This is one of the only videos ive seen that has reasonated with me. I have had a hard time finding ones that describe just how bad the injury is. Most go on to say they herniated a disc and had surgery. Ive spent so much time in tears and on the floor. In the Emerg having meds that dont touch the pain. Not being taken seriously or being able to get proper treatment. A collab with Dr. Mcgill would be great! I would love to hear more about your journey. So many of us are where you were with the multiple herniations and uncertainty of our futures.

Thanks for sharing, Jillian

I really needed to hear this right now...after finally getting an MRI after 5 months of sciatic pain I found out I have a herniated disc that is degenerated. Everything you said is so true.....not pushing through the pain and seeking professional advice relevant to your situation is so crucial. I'm struggling with not being able to properly workout, and feeling like I'll never be able to get back to doing what I once did...crazy that actually it is your workouts that I would do at least 4 times per week for the past 8 years, and then I just found out about your injury! I'm so happy you are getting back on track and I feel inspired and much more positive about everything after listening to this video. Thank you! It would be great in the future for more videos about this kind of injury and maybe mindful workouts aimed towards those of us who have experienced this. Thanks Jillian x

Huge huge emotional component to this injury. Agreed. Sooo rough.

About 15 years ago I pinched a nerve in my lower back while awkwardly closing the hatch on a minivan before driving to work. I saw a bright white light (probably my head arching back) and the only thing my barely functioning brain could think was "I didn't hear a shot. Did someone sneak up on me and hit me in the back with an axe?" Literally that was the only thing I could conceive of. I don't know if it lasted seconds or just a moment but I managed to stay upright long enough to regain awareness. I can only describe it as being beyond pain. If I had dropped to the ground no one would have found me for some hours (rural driveway). I managed to Frankenstein walk inside only because I *had* to. The next day I had to crawl to the bathroom, across the house, in front of the in-laws (I'm a step-parent and had never met them before). You have to get over the embarrassment as well as the helplessness. For a while, everything you do is about preventing muscle spasms because spasms can cause more damage. It takes a lonnnng time to get over it and you may have nerves that scream in worry before you do things, like they have PTSD. I re-aggravated it during COVID helping my mum move around. Had to wait a few months before I could get treatment for the increasing sciatica. Ice ice baby.. that and my excellent chiro/PT. I haven't gotten a scan yet (since it was the same as the old injury and I was returning to the same chiro) but I think I might get one now, if only to judge progress. There was a lot going on before, esp before vaccinations were available, but I have more time now to take the treatment to the next level if needed. This video is prodding me to do so.

Also try your best not to sneeze or cough if possible. It's truly scary to go through. The hopelessness is very real. Having someone there to help make your meals or help you get to the bathroom is amazing. I had many days of being completely alone and not being able to move. It would take me a 30 minutes to get to the bathroom. The nerve pain is so horrendous.

Thanks for your encouragement, Jillian

Thanks for sharing. I am going through the same thing, pain on my back due to l3/l4 herniated disc. Went through so much physical & emotional stress. I made the same mistake looking up websites and RU-vid to help with the pain and nothing really works. I have since seek professional help and looking forward to see what’s next for me.

i cried. going through something similar. finding my why, and this video helped. much love jillian...from julian

Wow I am so sorry you went through all of that!! I hope your back totally heals and doesn't cause you any problems or pain in the future!!

Thank you so much for this video it really made my day. I am 20 years old and 3 month ago I herniated 2 disks. I was in so much pain and I was depressed to the point that I wished to die. it was awful. But now the pain has gotten a little better and the pain in right side of my back is gone somehow but there is still pain in my left side. I can walk for 30 minutes but the pain just increases. I still can't sit. I get depressed once in a week and think I might never be back to normal again but these videos help a lot. Thank you so much

Thank you for talking about this. I JUST had a gallbladder surgery that did not go well at all. I’m going nuts thinking all the work that I put in over the last 9 months is slipping away. As I’ve been healing this last week Ive had to learn to listen to my body. I was told that I could start walking again after a week, and even 25 min of the slowest of walking caused pain. So easy does it, is my motto. Cause at 40, nothing else is going to work.

In the middle of a back injury right now. Great advice. RU-vid advice can make you worse.

I also wanted to put my 2 cents in, please talk about the things that one should get rifle off in their life as in toxic relationships, one sided friendships, unbalanced burdens and responsibilities that are literally and metaphysically weighing people down. It’s no wonder the sacral chakra speaks about being overburdened by unnecessary stresses.

I herniated my L5 disc on Dec 2021 2nd time since 2019. I rehabbed the one in 19 got back to 100 percent in 6 months. I just injured again 2weeks ago doing forward bends in yoga. I have not worked out in 2 weeks. Today I feel excruciating pain including sciatica right thru my calf. I am scheduled Monday for an epidural. This pain is no joke… it is insane!! I keep playing this video it gives me hope. I know I will get better but this pain is tough to deal with!

Thank you for your honesty and directness. I am so sorry you had to go through all of this. I am amazed: how on earth did you go through all of this 'under the radar' while still doing all the media you do. You mentioned not doing Russian twists. I wonder how/if/when this will play out, perhaps, in the app? Any workouts for reduced back stress?

This is excellent advice. Thank you... having a microdiscectomy soon and I made the mistake of going to the Chiropractor before the MD. I also wished I would have known not to continue doing the activity if I feel pain. I tried to power through it thinking I could positive-think my way out of a severely herniated disc. Huge mistake!

I agree with this. So many of the exercises like mckinsey are heralded as the way to cure back pain but it made it worse for me. It’s all about working out what triggers your back pain and removing it over time and being relentlessly disciplined. I think the only advice that everyone agrees on is that short walks help and keeping in a neutral position for the spine as much as possible

Girl in the hospital now but your so right

Wow she said everything I was feeling don’t feel alone.this sucks just had a baby three months old and I got my bulging disc while delivering her, I feel like man why do I have to be in this situation,and you can’t do anything about it

Wow I needed to hear this today...8 weeks post injury and slowly getting there but not fast enough in my opinion! Hearing your experiences and advice has made me realise that I need to give myself time to heal and listen to my body (along with things I CAN control right now). I've kind of accepted that I won't run again but I'm keen to find alternatives.Thank you 😊

Such a wonderful video and much appreciated. Would love a video on exercises to do and more guidance. Thank you. ❤️

You are so inspiring 🙏🏻❤️ thank you

I m glad I watched this.

Thank you for your honesty and guidance.. Week 1 of a severe L4/L5 herniated disc...on crutches..keeping daily track of progress ... ibuprofen 200 mg x 5 a day ..epsom bath daily ...rest Nutrition- load up on Vitamin D3 5000-1000 iu . I will report in a month 😸

Thank You so much for this video. People like me look up to you that have similar injuries like myself😊😊😊