Hi, I have a herniated disk (lower back and buttock pain) from lifting heavy weights without proper technique/form. I've tried PT, chiropractor, surgery, becoming an alcoholic, before finally just saying, "What the @$##" and throwing myself back in the gym.

I take Tramadol 200 mg every night after lifting, but it's more for the mental pain than the physical pain (it does nothing to help the physical pain) ... sssshhh, don't tell my doctor !

These days, of course, I pay complete attention to my posture even when not in the gym ... I squat to brush my teeth, or to pick up a gallon from the fridge, instead of bending my back, and I engage my abdominals, my lats, and my glutes, to offload the stress.

It still hurts like hell when I sneeze or cough, when I get in n out of my car, when I put socks on, perform squats or any action resembling a deadlift (bending down to pick up a piece of paper).

Can anyone relate ? If so, how do you keep it under control ? What meds do you take, if any ? Extra points if you do deadlifts despite your disk ... tell me how ... I want to !!!