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Question
I have just had an emg and a mri and the results were, nerve damage to my right leg, and the results from the mri was that I had protruding disc's L3 and L4 and my family dr already wants me to go and see a neroligist, but since the accident I have been getting better on some days and on other days I am real bad. Every night I come home and sit on ice to try and bring the swelling down. Do you think that a chropractor can help or do I have to go and get surgery?
Dear Walter,
ABSOLUTELY chiropractic can help. Concerning the nerve damage in the leg, if you had a needle EMG which found specific nerve damage in the leg, chiropractic will probably not help that, but if the disks are producing the nerve damage, yes chiropractic can help that.
Bulging disks can be some of the easiest cases, or some of the hardest cases to treat. This all depends on the severity of the disk problem. If there are just disk bulges, they usually respond favorably to lumbar spine adjustments. If the disks have fragments, then you are most likely a neuro-surgical candidate. You need to find a local chiropractor immediately to have them review the MRI findings, take x-rays if you don't already have them, and get an exam. Many times people with bulging disks get relief after the first treatment.
In the mean time, you are doing the right thing by applying ice for pain and inflammation, but sitting increases the pressure on the disk significantly. The best thing you can do is remain standing, or lie down to take the pressure off the disk, also keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids. In addition if you can find a chiropractor that does disk decompression or lumbar axial traction, this will be better than just getting adjusted alone. Regardless, ask your friends and co-workers for a referral to a good chiropractor, you will most likely find many willing to send you to their chiropractor! Consevative care usually works on disk bulges to alleviate pain, discomfort, and improve function in the first two weeks. Good Luck.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
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