Question
I am 53 years old, and diagnosed, by more than one specialist, with spinal
stenosis, confirmed by an MRI.  Doctors are telling me I will need surgery
"when I can't stand the pain any  more."  A year ago, I was an avid runner and
hiker.  With this onset of stenosis, I can't run anymore.  My right foot goes
numb after about 10 minutes of running.  Also, I begin to feel discomfort
after about an hour of walking.  So, the stenosis has affected my quality of
life, as I can't do things I once enjoyed.  If I avoid long walks and if I stop
running, I am not in great pain, and I can manage the pain I do have with
minimal use of Ibuprofen.  But, I would love to get back to my previous level
of activity.
My question is about surgery.  If surgery will restore my ability to run and
hike, I am tempted to have it.  However, much that I have read advises to
avoid surgery as long as possible.  Will surgery make me better or worse?
Would you advise for me to be content as I am, able to manage the pain by
reducing my activity, or to get the surgery and (hopefully) return to running
and hiking?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Dan,
Surgery should always be your last option, I have two words for you..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

Problem solved!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com

P.S. You do have to call around and find a D.C. that has the table and is certified to do it.