Question
In June 2006 I my left foot felt weak and numb and tingling. My arms even felt different but my right leg felt fine. At the end of Sept. it went away after 2 episodes of horrible muscle pain in my legs. Then my lower back and right hip and right buttock started hurting. This went on for 4 months. It would really only bother me if I did something...went to town and walked or sat too long at computer and so on.There were times I was laid up on the couch for 2 and 3 days at a time. I had an MRI and the Doctor said it just showed a small protruding disc and nothing on that MRI would cause me any kind of pain whatsoever. Well back pain got better after 4 months (but still have some episodes not as severe.) and now leg pain has come back even worse than before. I have involuntary muscle tighting, muscle twitching,tingling and numbness and muscle weakness and horrible pain from the bend of my thighs down to my top of foot. I can't stand for too long my back goes to hurting, I can't sit for very long my legs go to hurting, and now I can't walk for very long my legs to to hurting so I don't know what to do. Is there anyway that MRI could have missed something? My back was not hurting at the time. I have one neurologist that suggested I was hyperventilating and causing all of these symptoms. Does hyperventilation cause muscle weakness?  I tried 5mg. of valium that didn't work for leg pain I also have been on Requip for Restless Leg Syndrome and that does not work either. She also tested me for M.S. but brain scan came back normal. Where do I need to go for help? thanks, S.H.

Answer
Hi Stephanie,


"I had an MRI and the Doctor said it just showed a small protruding disc and nothing on that MRI would cause me any kind of pain whatsoever".


This is a false statement, a bulging disc which is highly sensitive to stretching WILL CAUSE SEVERE PAIN.

Reading your question shows that you might entertain finding new doctors. I can't believe in this day and age doctors are so incompetent.

Your problem is simple sciatica, relieved with a few treatments of flexion/distraction (F/D).

Flexion-Distraction Therapy - What is it?

Flexion-Distraction, (F/D) is a gentle, chiropractic treatment procedure utilized for back and neck pain. Flexion-Distraction is a safe alternative to back surgery for those 95% of patients whose conditions do not demand surgical intervention. The doctor is in control of the treatment movements at all times.

Flexion-Distraction is utilized for many conditions such as:

Failed Back surgical Syndromes
Disc Herniation/Ruptured Disc / Bulging Disc / Herniated Disc
Sciatica / Leg pain
"Whiplash" injuries
Stenosis
Arm Pain
Neck Pain
Failed course of Steroid Injections
Chemical Radiculitis
Spondylolisthesis
Headache
Transitional segment
Many more conditions?
How does Flexion-Distraction Work?

For Disc related conditions:

Increases the intervertebral disc height to remove annular tension on the annular fibers and nerve by making more room and improving circulation.
Allows the nucleus pulposus, the center of the disc, to assume its central position within the annular fibers and relieves irritation of the spinal nerve.
Restores vertebral joints to their physiological relationships of motion.
Improves posture and locomotion while relieving pain, improving body functions, and creating a state of well-being.
For Non-Disc related conditions:

Patients with other conditions causing back pain (facet syndrome, spondylolisthesis, sprain/strain, scoliosis, transitional vertebra, sacroiliac restrictions and misalignment, certain types of spinal stenosis), Flexion/Distraction provides all of the above benefits plus the ability to place the spinal joints into normal, painless movements so as to restore spinal motion without pain:

The posterior disc space increases in height.
F/D decreases disc protrusion and reduces stenosis.
Flexion stretches the ligamentum flavum to reduce stenosis.
Flexion opens the vertebral canal by 2 mm (16%) or 3.5 to 6mm more than extension.
Flexion increases metabolite transport into the disc.
Flexion opens the apophyseal joints and reduces posterior disc stress
The nucleus pulposus does not move on flexion. Intradiscal pressure drops under distraction to below 100mm Hg. On extension the nucleus or annulus is seen to protrude posterior into the vertebral canal.
Intervertebral foraminal openings enlarge giving patency to the nerve.

Reference: Cox JM, Feller JA, Cox-Cid JA: Topics in clinical Chiropractic 1996; 3(3):45-59

Please find a competent D.C. in your area that does this procedure, you won't look back!

If you need help finding one, I will be happy to assist.
Good Luck and avoid surgery at all costs since it is unnecessary, dangerous and unsuccessful with possible debilitating and deadly consequences.

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com