Question
After months of leg numbness and pain, I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, 5 bulging disks, and degenerative joint disease.Two weeks ago,I underwent one epidural to have relief for only 5 days. The numbness and pain returned. I am scheduled to have another today. Is this the proper treatment for my condition? I am losing a lot of time from work, due to this. I am a laborer in a fast paced environment, with heavy lifting, bending and pushing involved.

Answer
Hi, Colleen,

In my view, the proposed treatment misses the mark -- evident by the return of symptoms.

I've written on back pain, so rather than duplicate the information here, I refer you to my writings.

Please see these pages.

http://somatics.com/back_pain_terms.htm
http://somatics.com/back_pain.htm
http://somatics.com/wordpress/chronic-back-pain/

Bulging discs and "degenerative joint disease" arise from excessively tight back muscles, as a mechanical consequence.  Numbness indicates nerve entrapment; same cause.

I will provide information on effective treatment, upon request.