Question
Hi Dr. Durnin,

I'm sorry to bother you again, I wrote you a letter at your office. If we are only permitted to ask one question, I would like to ask if you think I can avoid surgery with my foraminal stenosis at left of L5,S1 (copy of MRI enclosed with letter).

However, if we are permitted to ask two questions, I want to find out if acupuncture might help my foraminal stenosis.  Or anything else.  

After reading your comments about flexion/distraction, I asked my neighbor what you meant (she just graduated as a PT) she showed me some flexing exercises, which I have been doing.

I also have started doing the exercises in a 94 degree therapy pool again. But, I still have a lot of pain in my legs and I'm willing to do anything to get well.

A friend told me that a lady could barely walk when she went in for acupunture and came out a lot better.  And, some websites claim that acupuncture helps foraminal stenosis (I think by making the blood flow better in your back - I'm not sure why that helps).

I'm fairly young, 43, and the pain in my legs is getting really wearing and walking with a walker is so slow. But, I don't want to surrender to surgery without a fight.

I know you are really busy - but, I only have one body to carry me around.  I'm willing to try anything and everything that you can think of that might help stop my legs from aching and allow me to walk again.  

PS - I thought if you suggested some things that might help others too, perhaps you could count this as an anonymous question, rather than a second question from me -if that's permitted of course.

Thank you so much,

Deanna - PS(If my questions aren't worthy of publishing, you could e-mail me a time to call you and you could just tell me your advice - if you want.)

Answer
Hi Deanna,

Some experts only allow one question/day, I have no such restrictions for follow ups.

I read your letter, it came minutes ago, I definitely feel F/D will help you.

The procedure works by creating a vacuum drawing in interstitial fluid expanding the diameter of the intervertebral foramena therefore freeing up the stenotic space the dorsal root passes through.

Here is a link that describes the procedure in detail; the site also has an "active" certified doctor list that is categorized state by state. You will be able to find a competent physician specifically trained in this technique that will afford you results.

http://www.coxtechnic.com/FlashOpen2.swf

The beauty of this alternative is that it is nearly 100% safe, no risk, so trying it before surgery is the most logical approach.
If you have any further questions demanding one on one consult, you can always reach me by phone on my website, call the emergency number and you will get my cell.



Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com