Question
QUESTION: I just received my CT Scan written results - I won't see the orhto surgeon til 3/17.  Please clarify the findings:
L1-L2 - Small and focal left paracentral disc protrusion with associated calcification of the annulus. The AP diameter of the thecal sac is 14 mm.

L2-L3 - No significant disc bulging or protrusion. The AP diameter of the thecal sac is 14 mm.

L3-L4 - Small left neural foraminal disc protrusion. the AP diameter of the thecal sac is 11 mm.

L4-L5 - Mid diffuse bulging disc, slightly greater to the left. The AP diameter of the thecal sac is 11 mm. Mild facet arthropathy.

L5-S1 - Postoperative changes, anterior plate and crew fixation devices are in place. Alignment at the operative site appear anatomic. The vertebral bodies are normal in height. There is mild curvature of the upper lumbar spine to the left. Mild atherosclerotic changes are in the abdominal aorta and at the origin of the left renal artery.

The CT Scan was done with cross sections to see more closely what is going on with my back - more so the ortho surgeon (did not do my ALF L5-S1 surgery) wants to see if my fusion took (neuro surgeon stated I had fused 100% by my 6th week post op!)

Also, I had an MRI done in Sept '09 and it did not show anything except that the plate, screws, cage were present and the rest of my back was unremarkable.

Please let me know what you think.  Thanks

ANSWER: if they found nothing in sept 09, then know you have 3 small disc protrusions. all your protrusions are to the left and your spine curves to the left. this why they are protruding to that side. if i were you i would go know where near a surgeon. there is some new technology called cold laser or low level laser therapy. many chiropractors (but not all) use it in their office. if you tell me what city you are in i could recommend someone possibly for you. check my website under our services then under chiropractic you will see a drop down menu for cold laser (there is an explanation of how and why it works.) its non invasive , safe to use with metal plates and screws and no side effects.I use it on all my post operative patients with great results. make sure you go everyday in a row for at leat 10 days and follow it through and be consistent. i think you will be very pleased with the results.
my site www.SynergyWellnessNy.com


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QUESTION: I would like to check this out with my insurance to see if approved and if available in our area.  Belton, MO 64012

Thanks much!

ANSWER: its not fda approved for herniated discs so it probably will NOT (not surprising) be covered by insurance. we charge $ 25 a treatment and it usually takes between 10-15 treatments with our laser. well worth the money. good luck!

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QUESTION: Thanks for the info - however there is no way I would be able to have a treatment done @ $25 each where it has not been approved by the FDA nor would I have a chiropractor do any type of treatments on my back.  Sorry but that's how I feel.

Answer
it is fda approved , just not for your condition. don't let that fool you. the insurance industry is not in a rush to cover a new treatment modality because they just flat out don't want to pay for anything. Does that surprise you? it shouldn't. as far as seeing a chirpractor, i have several pateints that have had surgery and have hardware in the spine , and they all do very well with cold laser treatments. if you have no intention on seeing a chiropractor then why would you ask for my opinion????