Question
Hi Dr.Steven,
Following is my M.R.I report.
At L4/5 disc is degenerative with loss of T2 signal. There is central and left sided disc extrusion which is causing posterior displacement of the left L5 nerve in its lateral recess and the L5 nerve is slightly thickened as a result of this compression in the lateral recess region.

At L5/S1 there is a posterior third annular tear with minor central disc protrusion. the foramen and lateral recess regions however are un remarkable with no obvious neural compression.

I don't know what to do. I have been resting for the past six weeks with slight improvement. i am terrified of surgery on my spine.
I have been taking mogic daily, glucosamine, fish oil, panadiene forte(codiene) 1 and 1 normal paracetamol.

Could Flexion Distraction therapy help or cure. Spinal traction or decompression. Please give me some advice. I am only 35 years of age. I trying to avoid surgery if I can. Can this problem heal conservatively. I don't mind if you share this information with colleagues or Doctors.

Thank you for your time and help.
Cindy Penn

Answer
I have worked with countless numbers of patients with similar MRI findings and most have received excellent results with Cox flexion distraction and spinal decompression. Surgery should be your last resort after you have exhausted all non-surgical methods.
The Spinal decompression protocol calls for around 20 visit over a 6 week period, what I like about this treatment is that it safe. I use the DRX 9000 table in conjunction with the Cox flexion distraction table. The treatment is comfortable but some patients experience soreness after treatments.