Chiropractors/Disc prolapse
Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 9/15/2009
QuestionHi
I've got two prolapsed discs, one hitting my sciatic nerve, which is slowly improving, a bit like a rollarcoaster though!
I am a surfer and dying to get back to it.. What would be the best footwear for me in your opinion, and any other tips you can give me.
Kind regards
Duncan
AnswerHello Duncan,
I am sorry to hear of your disc problems and sciatica.
You do not mention your treatment plan, and I hope it includes your local Doctor of Chiropractic(DC). This is the type of problem that chiropractic doctors handle all day, every day.
What would the best footwear to use????--- are you asking me about footwear during surfing?, or footwear for everyday- walk about use?
If you are looking for surfing footwear- I know nothing of surfing, I would ask a surfer expert about best footwear for less slipping, best way to stay on the board. If you are looking to surf while your back is 'hot', acting up, inflamed,,, I would recommend watching surfing on television, not doing surfing!!!
Walking about?- I would recommend am ORTHOTIC evaluation at your local Doctor of Chiropractic.
I would NOT wear 'flip- flops'. I would wear sneakers, loafers, simple secure footwear- with an arch support, perhaps with an orthotic. Many chiropractors utilize "footlevelers" orthotics- you can visit
http://www.footlevelers.com/ .
You ask: "....What would be the best footwear for me in your opinion....", my answer- footwear with orthotics- flexible (non-rigid) orthotics= see footlevelers above.
You ask: "....and any other tips you can give me....", NOW you are in trouble. I only have a longwinded answer. I have answered similar questions in the past here at www.AllExperts.com -
you asked for tips, well here is info I pass on to my Staten Island Herniated Disc patients
(HNP , herniated disc, prolapsed disc, 'slipped disc'), and my Staten Island Sciatica patients:
PAIN
Pain is a ‘red light on the dashboard’.
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain, pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for
OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach
bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending
medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first
choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA
statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other
NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage
destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people
take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make
the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain,
and cause the problem to worsen.
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( ‘VSC’ , ‘subluxation’ )
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of
Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to
other specialties, and also look for ‘Subluxation’. Other disciplines
look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in
the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL
health disciplines learn this). VSC- ‘Subluxation’ – can be the cause
of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as
well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally
cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run
marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms
related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some
people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer
for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending
upon severity of the condition.
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.
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
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Your Doctor of Chiropractic could easily elaborate on that above pain
medication information.
Information that I discuss with my Staten Island Herniated Disc patients
includes the following:
Disk Herniation
Neck Pain/ Low Back Pain can be caused by many different things. Big, BAD,
catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause 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 Back or neck pain (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 Back or neck pain 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. Sleep on your back or side, arms
down. Sleep with a chiropractic cervical support pillow. 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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The HNP (herniated disc) or VSC (vertebral subluxation complex) results in the
irritation of a nerve (pinched nerve); this may be helpful:
SCIATICA:
“Pinched Sciatic Nerve”
( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
“pinched nerve” – is only ½ a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the
‘pinch’? Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make
sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors,
cancers, severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral
Subluxation Complex.
Sometimes we can wake up with a ‘pinched nerve’, or a muscle
spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle
accident can cause a ‘pinched nerve’. Very often - the true c a u s e
of the pinched nerve, painor numbness in the: neck and/ or shoulder
and/ or arm and/ or hand; pain in the back and/ or buttock/ hip/ leg/
knee/ foot - is a misalignment, a ‘kink’ in the neck or back - more
properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
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.
This 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.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol,
emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause
the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
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. For good health-
Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
“Pinched Nerve” ( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia,
brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
“pinched nerve” – is only ½ a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the
‘pinch’? – That “pinch” has to be taken care of FIRST!
As the “pinch” – the MECHANICAL component of the problem, the CAUSE of
the problem is being taken care of through Chiropractic treatment, perhaps
additional help would speed your return to health:
Nerve Health Support:
-----B complex containing thiamine, folic acid, B-12 and niacin is highly
suggested for nerve support. High dose
B-vitamins should only be taken at the advice of a licensed healthcare
professional.
-----B-6 is lower in patients with neuropathy. Vitamin B-6 reduces the
glycosylation that can cause nerve damage. Amounts greater than 200mg/day can
cause neuropathy symptoms.
-----Calcium and magnesium are important for nerve conduction and as muscle
relaxants.
-----A multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is suggested for comprehensive
support.
-----Essential fatty acids are necessary for nerve health. Essential fatty
acids include omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flax oil) and omega-6 fatty acids
(black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil).
-----Proteolytic enzymes may be beneficial in neuritis for the inflammation.
-----Lecithin aids in nerve support.
-----Natural herbal remedies including passion flower, valerian, chamomile,
scullcap and white willow bark may be helpful.
-----Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that stimulate the nervous system such
as caffeine, chocolate, refined sugars, soda pop and cigarettes.
-----Drink plenty of filtered water.
-----Chiropractic care is imperative to remove nerve irritation.
Joint Support:
-----Glucosamine sulfate helps strengthen joint integrity. Glucosamine is
effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine's pain-relieving effects may be due to its cartilage-rebuilding
properties. These disease-modifying effects are not seen with simple
analgesics and are of particular benefit.
-----MSM is known for its pain-relieving properties in such conditions as
fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain and muscle
soreness. Not many clinical trials have been done using MSM, but clinical
observations support the theory that MSM is beneficial in pain managment.
-----White willow is an antiinflammatory and analgesic agent. White willow
was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce pain and fevers. The
salicylates found in the white willow bark are responsible for the
anti-inflammatory and anti-fever effects. Acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise
known as aspirin, is chemically similar to the salicylates.
-----Boswellia and turmeric (curcumin) are potent antiinflammatory herbs.
Curcumin may have similar action to aspirin.
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
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You may want to look at this webpage- pick the chiropractic SPECIALTY that is
best suited to you:
http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf
Just as medical doctors have their specialties, so do chiropractic
doctors.
More handout info:
Tratment regimen:
Why so many treatment visits ?, Why so many different therapies ??
Many people do not come to the Doctor of Chiropractic first. Many people take
an over the counter medication (OTC) (covers up the pain, does not treat the
cause of the pain), see a medical doctor for a prescription medication
(covers up the pain, does not treat the cause of the pain, stronger then OTC
drugs, increased possibility of side effects and complications), or just wait
and hope the pain goes away.
Then, after the pain continues, FINALLY they go to the
Doctor of Chiropractic. Studies show that while Chiropractic is often the
last Doctor people will go see, they expect immediate results- i.e.; a couple
of weeks of treatments are expected to cure the problem. It is a paradox that
people WAIT to go to the Doctor of Chiropractic, but expect immediate results,
on conditions that have been building for months or years; yet when they go to
a medical doctor- they accept invasive surgeries and/ or a long treatment
protocol of physical therapy- weeks, often months.
Spinal pain, like many other conditions, often builds
for years and years until the pain becomes strong enough to send someone for
treatment. It is well known that heart conditions build for years and years,
yet in 40% of cases, the first pain someone feels with their heart,,,, is
the last pain someone feels with their heart (a fatal heart attack in
‘asymptomatic’ patients). Sad that they waited for pain to be a gauge of
health. Pain is the LAST thing that comes in a problem, and often the FIRST
symptom to go away. If there is a problem, isn’t it better to treat BEFORE
the pain, or if pain has started, isn’t it better to take care of the
problem, prevent future pain and progression of the condition?
Why so many treatment visits to start?, Well the
problem, the condition, has momentum on it’s side. Irritation, inflammation
and damage has taken place and then the pain comes. Pain is the last thing
that comes in the condition, and Pain is the first thing that disappears
during treatment; but the underlying irritation, inflammation and damage has
to be repaired. Initial treatment schedules, depending upon the severity of
the complaint could be as often as twice per day, or once per day for two-
three weeks, followed by a gradual reduction in treatment visits. This is
similar to surgery! When a patient has an invasive surgery, often there is
followup rehab treatment of daily, then every other day, then weekly visits
for a prolonged period (i.e.; shoulders- up to a year of treatment AFTER
invasive surgery).
Chiropractic works with your body. Chiropractic
helps your body to heal itself. Chiropractic restores Homeostasis, balance in
the body. Chiropractic corrects the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. You
cannot be ‘healthy’ if you have a Subluxation. You MAY feel it, with a
pain, stiffness, or a ‘kink’ in your neck/ back. You may NOT even feel
it- just as people often do not feel the cavity growing in their tooth,,,,
until it hits the nerve; or you may not feel it at all, like people do not
feel high blood pressure or diabetes until AFTER damage has been done!! The
vertebral subluxation complex can be 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. This (Subluxation) is a serious condition identified by its five
parts: Spinal Kinesiopathology, Neuropathophysiology, Myopathology,
Histopathology, Pathophysiology. Chiropractic corrects this ‘silent’
condition, works WITH your body, and like other health approaches requires a
certain treatment regimen and a period of TIME.
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
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You mention that you are an athlete = SURFER - as such, once you get back to good
health, perhaps this would be of interest to you---
Improving your performance, NATURALLY!
Athletic Performance Improvement, Accelerated Recovery
Chiropractic is well known to improve athletic performance, prevent sport
injury, and accelerate recovery from injury or hard training. With Doctors of
Chiropractic serving on almost every nation’s Olympic Team, with
Chiropractic holding official status with the USOC and serving almost every US
Olympic Athlete: the results of chiropractic cannot be denied. Coaches
and athletes are aware of terms such as
enhanced performance, performance improvement,
.
accelerated recovery, restoration and regeneration.
.
Many coaching conferences discuss strategies on these aspects of
exercise, competition, sports and athleticism.
An interesting study was performed and published way back in 1991. The
January 1991 issue of the Journal of Chiropractic Research and
Clinical Investigation published findings that demonstrate significant
increases in athletic performance after a twelve week program of
Chiropractic treatment.
Athletic Ability Research:
Male and female athletes between the ages of 18 and 42, representing a variety
of sports backgrounds, were recruited to participate in this study. None had
ever before been under chiropractic care. Each of these participants
underwent eleven separate tests, each test designed to measure a specific
aspect of athletic performance. Then, half the participants were evaluated
through chiropractic analysis and placed on a twelve week program of
chiropractic treatment ( consistent regimen of chiropractic, similar to a
consistent regimen of physical athletic training/ exercise ). ( measured
aspects: side step test, dodging run, right boomerang run, modified bass tests
of dynamic balance, vertical power jump, standing broad jump, distance
perception jump, horizontal linear space test, nelson hand reaction test,
nelson speed of movement test, nelson choice of response-movement test )
All subjects continued to train and practice as usual in their sports. At
the half-way point of six weeks, they were all reevaluated and changes in
scores for each group were compared. All increases in performances by each
group were measured by the average percent of change in all eleven tests
combined.
The control group, those not receiving chiropractic care, showed slight
improvement in eight of eleven tests ( this group had been training ‘as
usual’ for the time period ). By combining the average percentages of
change on each test it was found that the control group showed an overall
improvement of 4.5%.
Those receiving chiropractic treatment (along with their ‘usual
training’), the test group, had dramatically different results. They
showed improvement on all eleven tests for a total 10.7% average increase
after six weeks. And when retested again after the second six week
period of care this test group demonstrated a remarkable 16.7%
average increase in athletic ability.
( consider that one/ onehundredth of a second ( 1/100th ) is the
difference between win – lose,,, 16.7% is HUGE )
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Chiropractors analyze the structure of the body, looking for misalignments,
primarily in the spine, and also the extremities. Spinal misalignments,
termed vertebral subluxations, irritate the nerves which in
turn inhibits the body’s ability to function optimally. Like a high
performance automobile, the human structure must be balanced and in alignment
to be at it’s best. A Ferrari with pistons that don’t fire in sequence,
wheels that are out of balance or alignment, and high performance
specifications that are improperly set will not only have it’s
performance compromised but will also have dramatically increased
potential for parts to wear out and breakdown. The human body, far
more delicate and complicated than even the most advanced automobile is
similar. If the framework, particularly the spine, isn’t properly
aligned and balanced- the body cannot perform to it’s potential and is
more susceptible to illness and injury, with slower recovery when injury
does occur.
What Do Vertebral Subluxations Do?
Vertebral subluxations cause nerve conduction interference. This inhibits
millions of messages from the brain from flowing smoothly along the nerves and
in this in turn interferes with the coordination of the actions of the body.
The only health care provider trained to diagnose and correct vertebral
subluxations is the Doctor of Chiropractic. Like a properly tuned Ferrari,
the chiropractic patient athlete, when properly aligned, functions at a level
of peak performance.
Famous Athletes Utilize Chiropractics.
Many athletes have discovered the relationship between proper spinal
alignment and their own level of achievement. San Francisco Forty-Niner Greats
Joe Montana and Roger Craig as well as heavy weight champion Evander Holyfield
are examples of professional and world-class athletes who realize(d) the
value of proper structural alignment and balance in their bodies. They have
learned through their own experiences what research has shown; that
through chiropractic care - one can demonstrate faster reaction time,
better balance, improved coordination, increased muscular power; and when
injured- accelerated recovery and regeneration.
The Competitive Edge.
Emphasis on athletic excellence continues to escalate in this country in terms
of both dollars and extremes in personal sacrifice. Though the dangers of
taking anabolic steroids have been widely publicized for years, the number of
athletes who suffer serious health problems caused steroids continues to grow.
Now, however, the athlete looking for the competitive edge need not look
beyond the framework of his(her) own body. Increased public awareness is
leading many to realize that a natural method is available in
achieving performance enhancement. The method is Chiropractic!
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
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I know I have given a lot of information.
I hope this all helps.
If you need further information, do not hesitate to RE-contact me here at
AllExperts.com
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Thank you for your question,
I wish you luck in returning to good health and SURFING!,
go to your Chiropractor-- GET AN ORTHOTICS EVALUATION
your Staten Island Chiropractor expert,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
Email newsletter: . . . . .
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com