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Question
Hello and thanks for your help.
An MRI shows: I have a C6/7 right posterolateral disk protrusion extending into the foramen. It measures 5 mm AP x 10 mm and is impinging on the right C7 nerve root. All other C spine levels are unremarkable. The cervical cord appears normal. I am having symptoms consistent with the MRI findings.
I am interested in knowing what my nonsurgical options might be and information on the success rate for nonsurgical treatments of conditions similar to mine.
Mike
Mike,
Simple: If you have a lot of arm/hand pain, loss of reflex and muscle weakness, then you should have a surgical consultation. If you have good reflexes and muscle strength, then you could try chiropractic care. In my opinion, it is safe to employ manual neck traction, graded mobilization, and carefully applied high-velocity manipulation. If, while trying these methods, you have more arm pain and worsening of objective signs (e.g. reflex or strength), then manual therapy is not for you. My patients that have undergone microdiscectomy have all done very well. Again, much depends on how much pain you are in, if your pain is subsiding with time or worsening with time, and what you have for objective findings on physical examination.
'Hope this helps.
Dr. G
p.s. sorry for the delay in response, but somehow I didn't get this email until today 1-10 because it ended up in my spam folder.
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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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