Question

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Followup To

Question -
I am a single 73 yr old female with a ruptured disk which pinched the sciatic nerve with gel loss.  I have had two nerve blocks in the past 6 weeks.  I am taking no pain medication as of the last 4 weeks. .  I will have an EMG/NCV on Oct 26th.
I have no insurance other than medicare and no drug coverage.  The surgeon does not want to do surgery.  Neither do I.  I am an avid fan of "Dr. Batman".  However, only found his book this summer and a little too late.  But I have been on the water regime ever since.

I am the sole care taker of my 90 yr old mother.

What is your opinion of my condition?



Answer -
Betty,

It is my understanding that surgery for a ruptured disc involves aspirating (sucking out) the extruded disc material.

I have also been told that certain postures involving bending of the spine can induce uptake of the extruded disc material into the disc body, however I am not an expert on that point.

The most germane question I can address is, What conditions prevailed that caused the disc rupture.  Most of the time, high muscular tension in the area of the rupture is involved.    In that case, it would be necessary to retrain your muscular tension to permit full recovery from the surgery and to prevent future problems, something that a surgery can't do.

Please see the articles on back pain at somatics.com/page4.htm for more explanation and options.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold

Dear Lawrence,
I failed to mention the doctors said I had degenerative spinal disease with cyst involvement.
Also, I have arthristis which was news to me.  
Please clarify if I am to do bending exercises or refrain from bending.  I have already read Dr Batman's book on on back exercises and tried to do them before I ended up in the ER with the ruptured disk.  Should I try them now?

Thank you,
Betty

Answer
Dr. Basmajian's exercises are harmless and can help with lower back pain.  You should not refrain from bending, but do movements slowly and with attention to the sensations.  If your pain increases, stop.

However, I think you need a bit more sophisticated instruction to get the changes I think you need.

Please see the articles I have recommended at somatics.com/page4.htm.  Also, get the book, Somatics, by Thomas Hanna, available at Amazon.com.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold