Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 1/24/2010

Question
Dear Dr.
I have a diagnosis "herniated disc" as of 3 dec.09 I was in lot of pain, bed ridden, in a hospital for 5 days drugged with pain medication which did not help. My disc (L5-S1) went out 0.9cm and was causing terrible pain in the left leg. I had 3 cortisone shots with maybe 30% improvements, physical therapist but nothing really helped.
I went to a well known chiropractor, he put the disc back in its place, and I had to go see him two more times, the last one was yesterday because of a pinched nerve at the same location. My problem is I still have pain in the left leg, numbness and swollen feet after a long day. I was told that is normal, and I had to adjust to whole new way of life, but how long does it last that numbness and swelling? I still feel pain in the left leg, it is like muscle stretching, is that normal too?
Sorry for being to detailed. Thanks :)

Answer
Mima,

There is no such thing as putting a disc back in place by manual manipulation.   Sorry.  With a significant disc protrusion causing numbness and pain, it can take a while to feel better with treatmnt.  It is very important to have your neurologic status monitored.  This means checking your reflexes, testing the strength of your ankle/foot/toe muscles, and testing your skin sensation with a pinwheel.   Also, the chiropractor must determine if you have any instability.  If so, you need to do core stability/strengthening exercises (Google: prone plank, bird dog exercise, side plank).   Age is a factor.   If you are in your 40's, your prognosis is better than if you are in your 70s.   The sciatic symtoms you feel are typical.  I hope your chiropractor can determine if you have spine instability. Also, I hope you are receiving a combination of methods, including use of a flexion-distraction table, McKenzie-style assessment of "directional preference" (your DC will know what this is; at least I would hope so), neuromobilization or "nerve flossing," and soft tissue methods of active myofascial release and Graston Technique.  Again, run this by your chiropractor.   Google some of these terms if you want more detailed descriptions, e.g. nerve flossing.  The sciatic nerve courses through your buttock muscles, behind your hip, and the DC must be able asses for nerve adhesions.  If your chiropractor is totally unfamiliar with the items I described above, then you need a new chiropractor.  

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G