Question
Hi I am 27 yrs old I fell about 8 feet off a platform offshore on 11-15-06
underwent a right laminectomy and discscotomy. I felt good early weeks after
surgery then about 7 weeks post op I started to have savere pain down my
left  and right leg I was given a midro dose pack, that did not help I just had
another mri  that says l3-4, l4-5 Concentric disc displacments with mild facet
arthrpathy results in mild biframinal narrowning without nerve root
compresion. at L5-S1 mild decreased disc hight and desiccation. Satus ppost
right laminectomy with postcontrast enhancing sterile reactive bon endplate
changes currettage defect, posterior annulus and operative tract. Enhancing
granulation tissue ecases the descending right S2 nerve root. No recurrent
right herniation. A shallow left paracentral protrusion gently abuts the
descending left S1 nerve root. Endplates spindylisis mildly narrows the neural
foramina bilaterally, without exiting l5 nerve root compression  No
arachnoiditis. Mild facet arthropathy is seen bilaterally, right greater the left,
with capsulosynovitis. the conlustion is Degenerative disc disease
L5-S1 where the patient is status post right laniectomy without recurrent rigt
paracental disc herniation. Opposite the site of clinical interest is a sallow left
paracentral protusion which gently abust the descending left S1 nerv root.
So I would like to know what does all this mean please. will I need to have
sugery again, cause my pain level is high and I need to do somthing

Thank you
Theo

Answer
Hi Theo,

Very bad to hear you had another unnecessary surgery that went bad.

They all do for the simple fact that scar tissue proliferation takes hold soon after surgery.

Since they never work, entertaining the thought of another one is asking for a wheelchair.

You have what's commonly referred to as post-laminectomy syndrome. There is even a special diagnostic code we use for it. These procedures have been outlawed in my state and should be everywhere else, they never work and always make the patient worse in a year.

For two decades, Chiropractors have been able to fix herniated discs without surgery, I don't understand why people would rather get cut on than try proven non-invasive techniques.

Since you have facet arthrosis and disc dehydration,(desiccation), with a very inflamed facet joint, (capsulosynovitis), and a couple added bulging and herniated discs, you need Flexion/Distraction (F/D) or spinal decompression therapy.
It is a little more difficult finding a D.C. (Chiropractor) to do this is as you may have metal screws and plates in your spine, but I do as well as several of my colleagues.

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

I would call all the Chiropractors within a 10-20 mile radius of you to find one that is certified to do this.

The arthritic change can be stopped and in some cases reversed with Glucosamine Sulfate with MSM.

Take 3 500mg tabs in the A.M. and 3 in the P.M./day for life.
It's OTC so you don't need a prescription.

Goggle it to read about the research, it's very impressive.

Good Luck!
Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com