Question
I have a fairly large paracentral lumbar disk herniation, right, at L-4 L-5 level.  My symptoms (for about 6 weeks) are right leg sciatica and back pain, which is very intense when standing and walking, usually within a minute of being verticle, but almost non-existant when sitting or lying down.  I had a double laminectomy, L4-L5, L5-S1 about 15 years ago.  I have scheduled a discectomy on Oct 30th with a well known ortho surgeon. I asked the surgeon if it was possible that I have some narrowing of the right foramin, with pinching on the nerve root.  I have noticed some slight movement of my vertibra, especially when having sex. The surgeon dismissed my question rather abruptly.  Based on what he said, he will remove the herniation, but will not be able to check the width of the foramine, or whether there is some other possible source of my symptoms.  I am worried that there might be some other source of my symptoms besides the herniation.  Am I being too cautious?  Please reply as soon as possible.  Thank you very much.  - VV

Answer
I don't know what to say Mike,

I'll let the evidence speak for itself, Google your procedure and you'll find over 90% of them totally unnecessary. This is because for 30+ years flexion/distraction has decompressed herniated discs of all shapes and sizes with a clinical efficacy rate approaching over 90%.

The MRI will show any IVF encroachment or stenosis, if the surgeon wasn't receptive to your concern or question, how will he be after the surgery?

Do yourself a favor a check out these sites.

http://www.coxtechnic.com/


http://www.chiropub.com/issues/articles/2007-03_03.asp

All I do is disc herniation, 18 years and thousands of patients later, all recovered without cutting. Once you have the surgery, you can NEVER reverse it.

This procedure is proven, FDA certified, safe, highest efficacy rate 5X that of surgery, inexpensive, fast and painless. Find a DC with the table and post-pond the surgery!

Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin