Chiropractors/mri report

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 7/30/2008


Question
hi i had mri on 2-28-08 i went to doc. he told me i had bad disk but not that bad he did not want to do any thing i want 2 opion becouse pain always thier will not go away some time i think it in my head.l1-2 minimal broadbased disc bulge tiny superimposed herniation of the extrusion type into the midline l4-5 focal disc herniation of the extrusion type in the central .the neural foramen are widely patent.l5-s1 disc herniation of the extrusion type at this level in the central zone extending into the left subarticular zone..impression multilevel focal disc herniations largest of these are located at the l4-5 withinthe central zone and the l5-s1 level in the central and left subarticular zones no significant central canal stenosis is appreciated.commentnormal alignment of the lumbar spine with maintenance of vertebral body hieghts.there is loss of intervertebral disc space hieght at the l5-s1 level.the conus medullans terminates to the l1-2 intervertebral disc space . any thing you can answer for me i would app.it

Answer
Dear Gwen,

The MRI results are not too bad, however disc bulges can be enough to cause significant pain even when they are not pressing into the spinal cord or the associated nerve roots.  Often doctors fail to realize the referred pain aspects of soft tissue injuries such as minor disk bulges/herniations and disc degeneration.

A treatment method I think you should try is called Cox flexion-distraction.  It utilizes a special table to gently distract the spine and can be specific of the lower disks that are the most problematic according to the MRI report.  Chiropractic physicians are the only doctors trained to perform Cox Flexion-distraction technique, but not all of the have the table or training.  I would call around to some local offices and specifically ask if the doctor performs Cox Flexion.  You will need to take the MRI results with you for the doctor to read.

Good Luck Gwen.

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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