QuestionQUESTION: Findings: At the L5-S1 level, again noted is a broad-based disc protrusion is more prominent on the right side and extending out laterally on the right as well causing narrowing of the right lateral recess for which an mass effect upon the right S1 nerve root cannot be excluded What does this mean and what are some treatments for this condition??? I have gone threw Drug therapys and Facets blocks with no relief.
ANSWER: Pete,
Disc protrusions usually occur when attached muscles remain highly contracted for a long period. The protruding aspects of discs sometimes compress nearby nerve roots.
The treatment I recommend for such conditions is somatic training to free the involved muscles from their state of contraction, which allows discs to resume their normal shape.
For more information, you may read related articles on back pain at somatics.com/page4b.htm.
with regard,
Lawrence Gold
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I have a appointment with the Veterans Hospital In Palo Alto, they are going to preform a Nerve Block, do you suggest this????What can I bring to help them assess my back issue?????
AnswerPete,
Nerve block is a last resort.
The more conservative approach is first to deal with the underlying causes of the conditions you described in your first inquiry.
Credibility is the issue; you can bring reprints of the articles I suggested, but perhaps a copy of Dr. Hanna's book, Somatics, would get more credibility, endorsed as it is by various pain specialists. The library may have it. Go on line to the Lane (Stanford) library card catalog and that of the Palo Alto library to locate it.
Nerve block is irreversible.
Meanwhile, you can possibly arrange sessions of clinical somatic education with someone within drivable distance. List: www.hannasomatics.com/practitioners -- or start a self-help program (see somatics.com/page7.htm). Clinical sessions are faster, and therefore, preferable. You might get relief long before the date of the nerve block procedure.
with regard,
Lawrence Gold
