Question

MRI 1/2012  

MRI 1/2012   I have been having back pain since 2006.  At that time the spine center I went to gave a series of back injections.  In Oct. 2007 they told me I should get an IDET procedure and I did, I also did rehab as part of the procedure.  My back seemed better for a while but I was never pain free. Late 2009, early 2010 I started having severe pain which radiated through my hip and down my right leg. I researched this on the Internet and most of the articles said it would probably go away, it got worse. I went to a back doctor late March, had a MRI and was told I needed surgery right away because I had a huge herniation of the L4-L5. The doctor performed a Laminectomy in 4/10. This helped but I still had paid. I finally went to a doctor again 1/12 then had another MRI. I am now told I need surgery and unfortunately my insurance will not cover that until March 2013, mean while I am in a lot of pain and don't know what to do. I am attaching the report of my MRI. Would you be able to explain what the report means? Like, what is Modic changes?? The report is difficult to understand for the normal person.

Medical issues: I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I am Bipolar (completely under control with meds and therapy).

I don't know what to do while I am waiting for the surgery.  A friend said I should go to a Chiropractor but I am afraid that could do more damage.  I do have pain pills, I take Percocet very sparingly because I worry about medicines interacting.  I send a lot of time on a heating pad on these wedges I bought.  This is not a way to live.

Answer
You are in a tough spot. First ; a laminectomy is a fairly serious surgery and causes a lot of instability in the spine. This may be why you have the new disc herniation.  Getting another surgery is your last resort.
I don't understand why you would be afraid to see a chiropractor, but are willing to pop pain pills and get surgery. You should be more afraid of those things over seeing a chiropractor. You must have been given some bad information by someone that just doesn't know what they are talking about. chiropractic is extremely safe and gentle. Make sure you find a chiropractor that uses one of these techniques (activator or Thompson technique) it is soft and gentle. You also should seek out a chiropractor that utilizes cold laser therapy with chiropractic care. This is your best bet before going to surgery. You must follow the doctors plan and try it for 6-12 weeks to see results.
Good luck!