Question
Hello,
I had scoliosis surgery when I was 12.  I have a Harrington Rod with fusion to L4.  I have been having problems with herniated discs since the birth of my second child, 4 years ago.  The first herniated disc went away on its' own but the second one has lasted now for about 2 years.  I have been told not to see a chiropractor because of the Harrington Rod.  I have tried epidural steroid injections but they have only helped for only short periods of time.  My back doctor (Brett Quigley - Maryland) is considering surgery for the herniated disc and is also recommending that I have the rest of my lumbar spine fused.  I should also add that I am currently 14 weeks pregnant with my third child and am experiencing more and more pain the heavier I get and am unable to take the Naproxen prescribed to me by my back doctor during the pregnancy.   Do you have any recommendations for me - I'm desperate.  Thanks,
Thea

Answer
Hi Thea,

The problem is that many doctors are uneducated in what we do. "Don't see a Chiropractor" is absurd.

I have several patients with Harrington Rods and Herniated discs, we simply treat them with Flexion/Distraction.

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

There is no contraindication with this procedure as long as the rods are tight. Surgery will always make a herniated disc worse after the months go by secondary to scar tissue proliferation.

Try the F/D first, it has a 90% success rate, many D.C.'s have the tables. Just call around and find out who. If you have trouble, I can help.

Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com