Question
What is your oppinion about getting the cortizon shot?  I scheduled it for this coming monday because the orthopedic doctor told me too!
-Lori
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
According to the MRI, I have a Herniated Disc at L5 S1.  My (workman's comp) doctor suggests a shot of cortizon.  I would rather not go to that extreme (and definitly don't want surgery!).  Is there another way to try to treat this and using the cortizon as a last resort?  I've been taking 600mg a day of Ibuprofen, and have been on sedentary duty at work. I was hoping for some type of exercise or stretches, PT, something! I went for a walk last night (about 3 blocks) and my whole right leg and foot were numb!
I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!
Lorene
Answer -
Lorene:

Thanks for writing!


This is indeed a dramatic case! When the whole leg goes numb, something has got to be done soon.

The funny thing about this is people who have no symptoms will frequently show a bulging disc on an MRI. The Herniated stage is a bit more advanced but determining herniation from bulging on an MRI involves a bit of guessing.

You are correct to avoid drugs or surgery if at all possible. The success rate on the L5-S1 surgeries is something you should look up. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't!

The reason for the above is this: The condition of the L5-S1 disc is important only when one looks at the overall condition of the entire spinal cord. In other words, if the entire spinal cord is moving and doing as it should, the disc might bulge and not cause pain. And if the entire spinal cord is not moving and doing as it should, surgery on the disc oftentimes does not provide relief.

Before doing any thing further I would go to www.sorsi.com and www.icak.com and look for a good chiropractor near you. These doctors are specially trained in treating the entire spinal cord and will take specific measures to get to the root of your problem and solve it. The methods they use are safe and do not cause pain while they are being done.

One can always go to surgery in a case like this. You make a very wise choice in looking for alternatives which are much safer and more effective.

Does this answer your question?

Dr. Rozeboom

Answer
Lorene:

Thanks for writing!

A cortisone shot is designed to stop things. The problem is it tends to stop the whole body, not just the area where it is injected. And usually the body will go on doing what it was doing eventually, so the shots are temporary. In addition, they will stop the growth of new bone and give one osteoporosis if they are repeated too often.

Go to www.sorsi.com and www.icak.com and see if you can find a good chiropractor to help you.

Dr. Rozeboom