Question
I just came back from a pain management Dr regarding the problem of severe degenerative disc disease and sciatica, but all he could offer is a steroid nerve block which would raise my blood sugar extremely high (type 1 diabetic). I'm going to have P.T. (intermittent traction) for my neck and wondered if that could help with the pinched nerve also? Thank you

Answer
Dear Margie,

Yes I do think that the intermittent traction in the low back could help with your sciatica problems...the theory and application is by tractioning the vertebra in an axial manner which is in direct opposition to the gravitational stress, this will alleviate pressure on the disk and associated spinal nerves.  I have seen this work well in some patients, and not in others, but it is worth a try.

I would also recommend that you see a chiropractic physician.  We are often better at eliminating pain from sciatica then any other treatment because of the neurological connections and receptors that are stimulated when a spinal adjustment is preformed.  I have treated hundreds of sciatica patients in my office with very good success utilizing spinal adjustments, flexion/distraction tables, traction and/or physioball exercises.  you will also need to be educated on some lifestyle modification and ergonomic considerations to keep from exacerbating the problems in the future.

Good Luck Margie!

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net