Chiropractors/Disc Herniation

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 6/14/2008


Question
I have had back pain for the last few weeks. I saw an orthopedic surgeon, got X-rays. and got my MRI done.
At first, he suggested microdisectomy (a surgery), then after looking at the MRI, he decided against the surgery. He has asked me to wear the lumbosacral belt and start physiotherapy. I start therapy on Monday. I'm just at my wit's end with this pain.
Here is the conclusion of the MRI:
Small central disc herniations are seen at L4 - L5 and L5 - S1 indenting the thecal sac and effacing the anterior epidural fat respectively. There is no evidence of neural impingement.

Diffuse marrow signal alteration deserves BMD/hematological correlation.

How do I get relief from the pain? It seems like it will never go away!

Answer
Dear Sharmin,

The obvious question here is to ask, Have you tried chiropractic?  If not then why?  I see these cases in my office all the time, and most never need surgical correction.

Often acute disk injury/bulges are pretty easy to treat.  You calm the local inflammation down with electrical stimulation and ice, and then adjust the spine manually, with a drop table, or a cox flexion table, and some mild stretching techniques, the pain reduces in just a few visits.  I often have people who couldn't walk without being bent over, almost pain free in as little as 2-3 weeks.  And if they are a more stubborn case, I might have them placed on an intervertebral disk decompression machine.  Obviously these patients need physical rehab as well to work on spinal stability, but that comes after we get the initial pain reduction.

I would suggest that you seek out the advice and care of a local chiropractic physician.  Ask around for a referral from your friends/family/co-workers, then schedule a free consultation so that you can be sure you are comfortable with the doctor.  Oh and get some blood tests to follow up on the hematological correlation of the bone marrow signal...rule out anything else.

Good Luck.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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