Posted by Cris (24.66.94.141) on December 02, 2003 at 19:38:46:
In Reply to: Unusual test result posted by Kevin on December 01, 2003 at 15:31:02:
If a physician has suggested that there may be a lumbar disc bulge, then this is a cause for alarm, and the subject must see a specialist to rule out anything sinister. An MRI I believe will be recommended.
These results will probably not have anything to do with a lactate test protocol or Vo2, or lactate tolerance, or aerobic conditioning. The subject requires immediate evaluation from most likely an orthopedic surgeon. This does not mean surgery, it only means a diagnostic procedure will happen. If you are doing lower extremity weight bearing exercises with this subject, it is import to stop, being that a physician has postulated, but not confirmed or ruled out an actual disk or sciatic nerve problem (actually I don’t know if anything has been confirmed, but in such a case is best to act conservatively).
Numbness suggests a nerve problem, and the pattern suggests sciatic nerve. This correlates with the physicians speculation of a lumbar disk problem, but it may also be piriformis syndrome, which presents similarly.
There may be trigger points in the glute minimus and quadratus lumborum, as well as quad muscles. But probably this common grouping of trigger point effected muscles for the pattern you report: piriformis, quadratus lumborum, glute minimus, biceps femoris, lateral gastroc.
If there are trigger points (which is most likely the case) then the trigger points require assessment and treatment before continuing with weight training.
The source of the right side numbness and muscular dysfunction/ weakness must be discovered and treated. Further lactate analysis/ aerobic fitness analysis will not reveal your answer.
Because something is transient in nature does not necessarily make working the differential any more challenging. Go with what you have observed, and work the differential associated with those symptoms, don’t allow your self to be lead down the wrong path because symptoms are transient.
I’m interested in hearing the outcome.
Cris If you are not completely familiar with trigger points, study Travel and Simons, or go to the link I have provided for a reasonable quick overview.
Cris