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Question
My son is a 16 year old football player who has "...mild posterior disc bulges at the C3-C4 and C4-C5. These cause a slight effacement of the CSF ventral to the cervical cord, but there is CSF space remaining between the cord and each disc." I have been told by his doctor, there is no way to treat/fix a bulging disc and has recommended he not play football. Can bulging discs be treated/fixed?
Charles,
A 16 year old has the potential for the bulging disc to "resorb" to a certain degree, since the discs in a young person is more pliable, hydrated, and resiliant. Also, mild posterior bulges are not uncommon in the general, non-symptomatic population. I would suggest his return to football not be based on how the doctor interprets an MRI image. Instead, it should be based on your son's objective signs and his symptoms. If he has no radiating arm pain and only has some neck symptoms, then who cares what the MRI interpretation is? Get the neck treated and bring his symptoms under control. Get any objective findings, e.g. pain to press on his neck bones, pain provocation to compress his cervical spine, or any other physical exam findings, to return to normal or negative. If he has full range of motion, return of neck and arm strength, and no provocation of pain with physical exam, then there is no reason to avoid football. My suspician is that the doctor in question is not a sports orthopedist. Maybe get a 2nd opinion by a sports chiropractor. Go to www.acbsp.com
'Hope this was helpful.
Dr. G
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you very much for the informative, timely reponse and I will consult with a local ACBSP expert. | ||
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Chiropractors
Answers by Expert:
- Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Paul Newhart
- Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C.
- Gerald Anzalone, D.C.
- David Kulla, DC
- Robert A. Arnone, DC
- Keith E. Biggs, DC
- John Quackenbush DC
- Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
- Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac.
- Timothy A. Peck, DC
- J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C.
- Dr. Nekessa Remy
Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
Expertise
21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.
Experience
Experience:
- 21 years in practice;
- Pan American Games, 2011: Official Medical Staff for the Pan Am Games.
- Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: World Olympians Associan and International Sports Chiropractic Association Healthcare Team;
- International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma;
- Official Provider: Jamaican Track and Field team for Penn Relays (2009-2011)
- Experience with USA Gymnastics Healthcare team and International Powerlifting Association Medical Staff;
- 300 hour chiropractic sports medicine diplomate degree (DACBSP); International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma (ICSSD)
- Healthcare Consultant: Century, Ty-Wood Corp. Holliston, MA (2005-2007)
- Team Chiropractor: Boston Bulldogs USL D-3 & Boston Renegades USL W-1 League (1999-2004)
- Independent Examiner: Scope Medical and The Physician's Network
- Professional/Clinical Monitor: Affiliated Monitors, Inc.
- Board of Directors: MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (Massachusetts)2000-2006
- "The Impact of Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy on Chronic Recurrent Lateral Ankle Sprain Syndrome in Two Young Athletes" J. of Chiro Med , Fall 2004
- "Work Related Injury;" The Hanover Report, June, 1993
- "Long Lasting Analgesic Effect of Oxymorphonazine in Rats;" Agonists and Antagonists III, n.7675, 1985
- BS Biology, Doctor of Chiropractic: Northwestern College of Chiropractic,
- Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Chiropractic Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
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