Question
xrays showed: grade 1 L3/4 retrolisthesis of 6 mm. Also mild sclerosis of the apophyseal joints at L5/S1.  Doctor ordered physical therapy w/o doing an MRI.  I am worried that I have a herniated disc and this may do harm.  What do you suggest?  Thanks, Lynn

Answer
Hi, Lynn,

That's a significant displacement.  With regard to a possibly herniated disc, bring that question to your doctor's attention; it deserves consideration.

The thing about most PT is that it emphasizes strengthening and stretching, whereas displacements like that are usually due to overcontracted muscles that don't need strengthening can can't be stretched free because they are held tight by conditioned postural reflexes.

Conditioned postural reflexes can't be stretched away; they must be retrained.

You may read my articles on stretching and on back pain at somatics.com/page4b.htm for more information and direction.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold