Question
I am a CNA and injured my back almost 6 months ago. The MRI showed L3L4 and L4L5 as protruding discs with small annular tears. I have tried Physical Therapy (three weeks) but stopped after the therapist twisted me and sent me back to pain level 10. I have tried Chiropractic which after traction left me in pain and barely able to walk. I have pain sitting, twisting, lifting and sometimes standing. I have pain (burning pain) that comes from the front of my hips, down the front of my legs to the knee and then around to the calves and feet. So far water therapy has given me some relief. I have had two sessions of the steroid injections and now they want to inject my discs where the annular tears are. Is this safe? For some reason I am scared to have this done. Is it necessary? Will it help???? Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. Sincerely, Jo

Answer
Jo:

Thanks for writing!

First of all, I would make sure you are drinking enough water. There is a great book out there called "How to deal with back pain and rheumatoid Joint pain" by Dr. Batmanghelidj. Get that and follow the directions.

There is also a devise on the market designed to restore the disc. It is called a Posture Pump. Search for that and see if you can get one for home use.

Traction is an accepted treatment for this, but it does not work for everyone. I suggest you go to www.sorsi.com, www.icak.com and www.soto-usa.com and look for another chiropractor near you. The chiros on those websites are trained to get to the root of the problem and correct it.

Does this answer your question?

Dr. Rozeboom