Question
QUESTION: I had surgery and its been almost five months and still having major pains in my lower back only on the right side and down into my leg( not sharp) just ache in my leg and foot. is it fiseble for me to go back to work full time as a flooring installer? ( I do carpet, vinyl, ceramic & hard woods. So Im always down on my knees bent over to work.

ANSWER: I don't think so Shell, it won't take long until another one herniates or they recommend another surgery. The discs do this from progressive weakening and lacking good structure. If you tke glucosamine sulfate 3000mg/day with MSM you will prevent further disc issues. Google the research and you will see. I hope they only did parial discetomy?

I recommend you see a DC for flexion/distraction and ultrasound therapy to minimize inevitable scar tissue proliferation and further disc degredation.

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

You can call around the local area and ask if the DC has F/D tables. These are usually reduced in a few weeks. No way surgery is another option, besides, scar tissue grows rapidly after surgery necessitating more surgeries. They usually fail anyway, get the F/D! It is fantastic even after surgery.

Epigurals, PT and Massage won't solve the problem either.


Thank you for your question Shell and good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: they did a diskectomy. they found 11 pieces of bone fragments and removed them.
ANSWER: Hi Shell,

That helps a lot, no metal implants which means you are a candidate for ultrasound therapy and F/D, both of which will make a huge difference. Let me know how it turns out in a couple weeks!

Dr. Tim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dr. Tim,
     I injured my back in October and started having drop foot in my left foot the could this have been the start to the herniated disk? I also would like to know if this in you're opinion is from the type of work I do?
ANSWER: Hi Shell,

The answer to both questions is yes. Definitely work related and foot drop is severe cord impingement from the L5/S1 disc pushing against the thecal sac that surrounds that part of the cord or nerve root as it exits the spine. After surgery, this should have been resolved, the dull ache you now have can be attributed to either re-herniation or scar tissue proliferation. A new post-op MRI will be conclusive on this. Either way, my above recommendations still stand, your best option to minimize further suffering is with F/D.

Your feedback helps me refine my expertise and helps to guide future questioners.

Thank you Shell and good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dr. Tim,
   I'm in Hutchinson KS. do you know any chiropractors in this area that would agree with you because the neurosurgeon changed his mind right after the surgery was done and I'm of course trying to get workmans comp for this. I have done this job for ten years and never in my life have been hurt bad enough till now to file. I need some help before October 4, 2007 is when I go to court. can you help me? The surgeon is going to release me in September should I see someone before then to get some help?     thank you so very much for all you're help!!!!! shell
ANSWER: Hi Shell,

My fridge just went out, I'll have to get back to you tomorrow with that info.


Thanks!


I looked in my national directory and to my complete surprise, not one of them have F/D tables that would fix your foot drop in short order. If you give me some other surrounding areas I can find one that would cooperate and fix the problem.

Let me Know!

Dr Tim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dr.Tim,
 How about in wichita, ks.

Answer
Hi Shell,

Slim pickin's but I found one that should be exactly what you need. I spoke with Debbie (front desk girl) and let her know you'll be calling and went over your case. Dr. Lemon will be gone but Dr. Malone does the same thing and is as well trained. Let me know how it goes!

Dr. John Lemon or Dr. Malone
455 S. Ridge Rd
316-721-2222