Question
Hi, my brother was run over by a car some years ago, causing fractures to c4/5 and lumbar fractures. Time in spinal traction and a plaster cast meant he was up and about. The problem ever since is pain, which after 14 years is worsening. He has been to a specialist, but does not understand what he was told. I shall try to type what he has told me and any clear explanation would be greatly appreciated.
He had a CT scan which said there was at C4/5, right paracentral and foraminal disc which narrows the right foramen severlely. This being associated with uncovertebral joint changes. The Doctor said he may have to shave the disc.
Can you please try to explain and is shaving of the disc a safe practice?
Thank you for your help

Answer

Hanna Somatic Educatio Hello, Stuart.

What doctors almost always miss in this kind of situation is the muscular contractions triggered by the injury around the site of injury.  Such muscular contractions commonly persist indefinitely and worsen with accumulated stress periods in life (including stress caused by pain).

Such muscular contractions cause muscular pain, disc compression (leading to bulging and, consequently, nerve impingement (also a cause of pain).

Shaving a disc is a radical procedure that weakens the disc.  Better, first to deal with the neuromuscular condition.  Then, if pain persists, other measure can be considered.

Please see my write-ups on

completing recovery from injury
http://somatics.com/recovery_from_injury.htm

and

whiplash (neck) injuries (relevant to the neuromuscular consequences)
http://somatics.com/whiplash.htm

For lumbar pain, see
http://somatics.com/back_pain.htm


The method used is a new one, called "somatic education".  It's non-invasive, but fast acting, very effective and long-lasting.  As it is not a "medical" procedure but a "training" procedure, few doctors are acquainted with it, though some physical therapists are familiar.

regard,
Lawrence Gold