Question
My son (25 years old) has just been diagnosed with "major posterior disc protrusion L4/L5.

His recent history ( last 12 months) is a couple of episodes of back pain lasting approx. 5-days. The latest episode over 2 weeks has rendered him very weak,in a lot of pain and unable to work. His current job ( last 18 months)has been furniture deliveries involving heavy lfting and carrying.
This is his first visit to the Doctor or any othr practioner. We have been referred to Neuro surgeon with possible surgery on the table.
My questions:
Is his condition related to his work?

Is there an alternative to surgery?

Any ideas on pain relief.

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Ingrid:

Thanks for writing!

I am saddened to hear of your son's condition. But there is hope!

First, get a book by Dr. Batmanghelidy, "How to deal with Back Pain and Rheumatoid Joint Pain" In that book there are positioning exercises one can do at home which are actually curative. They correct the problem and will relieve the pain.

Second, make sure that your son is getting enough water. For example, if he weighs 200 lbs. he should drink 100 ounces of water day and night, other liquids do not count, use bottled water, Penta is the best, DeJa Blue is good also. The disc are very dependent on water intake, since they are part of the cartilage system of the body and have a very poor blood supply.

Third, go to www.sorsi.com, www.icak.com or www.soto-usa.com and look for a good chiropractor near you. These doctors are specially trained to get the the root of the problem and fix it. Not all chiropractors are so trained.

Very likely, this is a work related injury.

The alternatives to surgery and pain relief are listed above.

Does this answer your question?

Dr. Rozeboom

PS: With that spelling of your name, we must be related. My family comes from Holland, Michigan. Do you have any kin in that area?