Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 9/24/2009

Question
3 years ago I fell and broke my tailbone and recovered quite well. I was doing okay until 6 months ago when my right foot kept becoming numb and I started falling. I went and had an MRI which showed :grade 1 anterolisthesis of L5 on S1 with broad based disk protrusion which extends from the neurol foremen to neural foramen producing  mild stenosis of the left neurol foremen and a moderate to severe stenosis of the right neural foreman. I can live with the back pain, I had so far. But my right foot is getting weaker and the numbness last longer and longer. I am only 42 yrs old and I used to be an avid runner until 6 months ago. What are my options? PT has not helped at all. Thank You

Answer
I would suggest you find a practitioner of the McKenzie method.  This method uses a series of tests and stretches to help bring the disc back in, to a point.  Another option is to find a chiropractor that utilizes decompression therapy.  This utilizes gentle traction to help create a vacuum to bring the disc material back to within limits