Question
I am having constant pain in my low back that radiates into my legs which is also causing some numbness. it seems to be worse when i bend or pick up medium heavy items, or after sitting for a little bit,when i get up i have weakness in my legs. i hurt my back at work picking up an item weighing 300+ pounds. my surgeon recommended surgery but the workmans comp says it is no necessary. any insight would be appreciated. thank you.
The MRI results are as follows:
There is broadly based symmetric disc herniation at L4-L5 and a smaller broadly based disc
protrusion/herniation at L5-S 1. The remainder of the discs appear well maintained Vertebral bodies
appear normal in height and configuration throughout. The cauda equina and meniriges appear
unremarkable with no evidence of space occupying lesion or other signal abnormality and the
paravertebral soft tissues appear unremarkable.



1. Mild scoliosis.
2.   Mild diffuse posterior facet disease.
3, Disc herniation at L4-L5 with smaller protrusion/herniation at L5-S1.  

Answer
 Hi Adam,
For once, W/C is correct, no way surgery is even remotely an option. These problems have been effectively cured with flexion/distraction for decades. Go to this site and find a doctor near you.


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


If you live in Illinois, you could actually sue the neurosurgeon for negligence, giving you surgery as an only option is criminal. Many people believe what they are told by surgeons. They make their living by doing surgery, if you go to a surgeon, chances are you'll get surgery, needed or not. I am ashamed that this still prevails, the AHA (American Hospital Association) has put their foot down on these abuses. The only reason for lumbar surgery from mechanical issues is incontinence. Unless you have bowel and/or bladder control loss, surgery is unnecessary.

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 should be completely repaired in 6-8 weeks of treatment. You should have a 50% reduction in symptoms in a week or two, this is going 3X/week. The treatment lasts approximately 10-15 minutes, longer if it is augmented with electrical stim and/or ultrasound to speed healing and reduce pain.

Follow up with oral supplements that contain glucosamine sulfate and MSM. This is proven to stop and even reverse osteoarthritis in 70% of patients in a large multi-million dollar trial.
The reason I advise this supplement is simple, the disc matrix is held together with GS, so it is needed to prevent further issues, not to mention it's fantastic for joint support and no adverse side effects. Coupled with the fact it is inexpensive, you can't lose.

Good Luck!
If you need additional help locating a competent provider, let me know and I will personally find you one.

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com