Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 3/27/2009

Question
I have had lower back pain that has become pretty consistent. I had an MRI done in 2007. I was told I had two protruding disk and one slightly torn disk. I am currently in the Army Guard and it has caused me major problems since IRAQ I am not able to do the 2 mile run any more and I want to stay in but they said I would need a permanent profile,then I would qualify for the walk alternate. Would this condition be considered permanent if I've had it for over three years.

Answer
Hello Steve,

Thank you for your service in defending our country.  I am sorry to hear of your pain, dysfunction and condition.

Lower back pain is a very common condition, even among young 'fit' people.  Herniated, protruding, extruding, slipped discs are also very common.  Disc tears, disc degeneration, disc deterioration are also very common.  The effect of these problems upon people is very varied.  Some people cannot walk, let alone run.  Yet others are able to run marathons.

Over the last 2- 3 years what treatment have you received?  Have you had a regimen of Chiropractic care?  Have you even been allowed any Physical Therapy?  What are your goals?- do you wish to return to active duty/ active status?

Protruding discs, torn discs, herniated discs; conditions shown on Xray, MRI, CT scan are important physically AND also legally.  Some people with an MRI that shows a herniated disc are PERMANENTLY retired from their jobs at full benefits,,,, yet they run marathons ! ?   But-- Legally they are 'disabled' because of the finding.  Unfortunately, the reverse is also true-- some people have
'normal' MRIs  yet can hardly get out of bed-- these people are forced to crawl to work because there is no 'proof' of their complaint.

You state you have had major problems, you cannot run, your MRI is 2 years old;  You have a problem, you have proof of the problem, it has been with you 2- 3 years,,,, regardless of your job, branch of service, I would assume 2- 3 years of dysfunction with a (+) MRI would be enough to get  a 'disability' rating (or a 'permanent profile'-- I am not familiar with that term).

For your health's sake, I would look for a Doctor of Chiropractic for an evaluation, and perhaps treatment if appropriate in your case.

My Staten Island Low BAck Pain patients get informational handouts from me-- perhaps this will be of help to you:




Disk   Herniation  

Low  Back  Pain  can be caused by many different things.  

Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause low back pain (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing).  

Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause LBP (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral).  

Bad things, like  - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic.   

Sometimes LBP is caused by a Herniated disc: Herniated  disk  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.   However,  the course of the condition is highly variable.   Some patients with a herniated disk literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar MRI findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.   Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Although the course is highly variable, there are certain steps that are always helpful to follow:  Ice the area when painful-  10/ 15minutes on, 30/ 45 minutes off;  avoid certain postures and movements;  bend the knees when coughing or sneezing;  bend the knees when lifting anything;  do not extend legs straight out when sitting, laying down, lifting, or driving.   Avoiding certain movements and postures will prevent aggravation of the condition.   Practicing good postures and movement patterns will help the condition heal and be less painful. Disk  Herniation  is often caused by, or often  concurrent with the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.


         Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.


Subluxation  is  a  serious  condition  identified  by  its  five  parts:

    Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.

    Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.

    Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.

    Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.

    Pathophysiology:
         The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration.  Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.



The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.   
          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.     Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular-   mechanical-   problem  requires  a   mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine
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Q.)  "Would this condition be considered permanent if I've had it for over three years."  
A.)  Yes, given what you have told me, yes.  


Thank you fro your question.

Thank you for your service.

If you need further information, do not hesitate to re-contact me here at AllExperts.com

Dr. Vic Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com    Email newsletter