Question
I have just had an emg and a mri and the results were, nerve damage to my right leg, and the results from the mri was that I had protruding disc's L3 and L4 and my family dr already wants me to go and see a neroligist, but since the accident I have been getting better on some days and on other days I am real bad.  Every night I come home and sit on ice to try and  bring the swelling down.  Do you think that a chropractor can help or do I have to go and get surgery?

Answer
Dear Walter,

ABSOLUTELY chiropractic can help.  Concerning the nerve damage in the leg, if you had a needle EMG which found specific nerve damage in the leg, chiropractic will probably not help that, but if the disks are producing the nerve damage, yes chiropractic can help that.

Bulging disks can be some of the easiest cases, or some of the hardest cases to treat. This all depends on the severity of the disk problem.  If there are just disk bulges, they usually respond favorably to lumbar spine adjustments.  If the disks have fragments, then you are most likely a neuro-surgical candidate.  You need to find a local chiropractor immediately to have them review the MRI findings, take x-rays if you don't already have them, and get an exam.  Many times people with bulging disks get relief after the first treatment.

In the mean time, you are doing the right thing by applying ice for pain and inflammation, but sitting increases the pressure on the disk significantly.  The best thing you can do is remain standing, or lie down to take the pressure off the disk, also keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids.  In addition if you can find a chiropractor that does disk decompression or lumbar axial traction, this will be better than just getting adjusted alone.  Regardless, ask your friends and co-workers for a referral to a good chiropractor, you will most likely find many willing to send you to their chiropractor!  Consevative care usually works on disk bulges to alleviate pain, discomfort, and improve function in the first two weeks.  Good Luck.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman