Question
i had disk replacement surgery in january of 07 and i am still in very much pain when i do pyshical work my doctor released me with restrictions of forty two and a half pound weight limit but that i am not able to do machinist work ever again. the company i worked for fired me am i still entitled to workmans comp until my settlement is done and what can i do about the pain and numbness how can i find out if it is damaged permanently please reply i need answers

Answer
Hi Ed,

If I had a nickle everytime someone had the same concerns and issues following spinal surgery, I would be retired. Surgery rarely if ever works, once it is done, scar tissue proliferation needs to be contained. This is accomplished with therapeutic ultrasound. If they left any metal in you, then you need to get cold laser to minimize fibrosis (scar tissue) growth.

Get another neurosurgeon, preferably far away, to look you over. Make sure they don't know each other, they tend to stick together like glue, they need too, they get sued a lot. Your options are not exhausted however, there is a well researched procedure known as flexion/distraction that can be tremendously important in maintaining spinal canal diameter.

Here is a link that explains it and has qualified physicians listed. not all doctors that utilize F/D are on the list, I have a directory that does. If you need a referral I will be happy to help.


http://www.coxtechnic.com/homepage.asp


Flexion-Distraction Therapy - What is it?


Flexion-Distraction, (F/D) is a gentle, chiropractic treatment procedure utilized for back and neck pain. Flexion-Distraction is a safe alternative to back surgery for those 95% of patients whose conditions do not demand surgical intervention. The doctor is in control of the treatment movements at all times.

Flexion-Distraction is utilized for many conditions such as:

Failed Back surgical Syndromes
Disc Herniation/Ruptured Disc / Bulging Disc / Herniated Disc
Sciatica / Leg pain
"Whiplash" injuries
Stenosis
Arm Pain
Neck Pain
Failed course of Steroid Injections
Chemical Radiculitis
Spondylolisthesis
Headache
Transitional segment
Many more conditions?
How does Flexion-Distraction Work?

For Disc related conditions:

Increases the intervertebral disc height to remove annular tension on the annular fibers and nerve by making more room and improving circulation.
Allows the nucleus pulposus, the center of the disc, to assume its central position within the annular fibers and relieves irritation of the spinal nerve.
Restores vertebral joints to their physiological relationships of motion.
Improves posture and locomotion while relieving pain, improving body functions, and creating a state of well-being.
For Non-Disc related conditions:

Patients with other conditions causing back pain (facet syndrome, spondylolisthesis, sprain/strain, scoliosis, transitional vertebra, sacroiliac restrictions and misalignment, certain types of spinal stenosis), Flexion/Distraction provides all of the above benefits plus the ability to place the spinal joints into normal, painless movements so as to restore spinal motion without pain:

The posterior disc space increases in height.
F/D decreases disc protrusion and reduces stenosis.
Flexion stretches the ligamentum flavum to reduce stenosis.
Flexion opens the vertebral canal by 2 mm (16%) or 3.5 to 6mm more than extension.
Flexion increases metabolite transport into the disc.
Flexion opens the apophyseal joints and reduces posterior disc stress
The nucleus pulposus does not move on flexion. Intradiscal pressure drops under distraction to below 100mm Hg. On extension the nucleus or annulus is seen to protrude posterior into the vertebral canal.
Intervertebral foraminal openings enlarge giving patency to the nerve.

Reference: Cox JM, Feller JA, Cox-Cid JA: Topics in clinical Chiropractic 1996; 3(3):45-59

Massage won't hurt but it won't solve the problem either.


Thank you for your question Ed and good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com