AboutDr. John H. Park, D.C., C.S.C.S. Expertise Dr. Park is the founder and clinic director of Progressive Spinal and Sports Rehabilitation in Rockville, MD. As an athlete and former competitor in Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Dr. Park has extensive knowledge in treating sports-related injuries. He has been featured in Men's Fitness Magazine and has lectured on topics related to ergonomics, exercise, health, and fitness. With his knowledge as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA, he has helped professional athletes including players in the NFL and NBA, professionals on the PGA tour, and several of the nation's best Mixed Martial Arts and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) competitors. He has also worked with some of the top NCAA athletes in the Midwest rehabilitate injuries and return them to competition. Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you can be sure Dr. Park and his staff will get you back to doing the things you enjoy the most. For more info visit www.ProSpineRehab.com or www.yourMMAdoctor.com
Experience Nine years of clinical experience in private practice and group practice along with post-graduate training in orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sports injuries. Dr. Park has lectured and written on various topics in health, exercise, ergonomics, and fitness and has treated amateur and professional athletes throughout the country.
Organizations ACA
MCA
NSCA
Publications http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1608/is_5_20/ai_n6011840 Elbow Pain: Anatomy of an Armbar Injury (August 2008 FIGHT! magazine) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/sports/othersports/31ears.html Back Pain in MMA (April 2008 FIGHT! magazine)
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Shoulder_Pain_and_Mixed_Martial_Arts_10_30_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/The_ART_of_Pain_Relief_11_07_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/When_Its_More_Than_Just_a_Pain_in_the_Neck_11_30_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Knee_Injuries__Part_1_12_12_2007.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Knee_Injuries__Part_2_01_10_2008.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Back_Pain_in_MMA_01_29_2008.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Elbow_Injuries_Part_1_03_06_2008.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Elbow_Injuries_Part_2_04_01_2008.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Prolotherapy_Injections_to_Build_Healthy_Tissue_05_06_2008.html
http://www.onthemat.com/articles/Supplements_for_MMA_Athletes_07_02_2008.html
Education/Credentials Doctor of Chiropractic, National University of Health Sciences
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist(CSCS) through NSCA
Bachelor of Science Human Biology, National University of Health Sci.
Bacehlor of Science Biology, University of MD
Certified Active Release Techniques (ART) provider
Postgraduate trainging in the Diplomate American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists
Question MRI report-Minimal disc protrusion w/small underlying diffuse disco-osteophytic bulge, asymmetrically prominent in the rt foraminal and far lateral region, along with rt facet hypertrophy, results in mild rt foraminal stenosis. Small central & minimally rt paracentral disc protrusion, L4-L5, resulting in minimal central canal stenosis, w/o focal neurocompression.
What does this mean and is surgery necessary?
Answer In short, the disc is like a jelly doughnut. The disc can degenerate, bulge, or herniate. Degeneration is when the doughnut dries out. A bulge is when the jelly pushes out on the dough and can pinch a nerve. A herniation/protrusion is when the jelly leaks out of the dough and can press or irritate a sensitive nerve root causing back pain and burning pain or shooting pain down the leg.
This doesn't necessarily mean you need surgery. I would suggest you try physical therapy and chiropractic care before opting for more invasive procedures. Some patients have found benefit with the use of oral corticosteroids and epidural steroid injections.
In any case, talk with a spine specialist or orthopedic surgeon to discuss other options besides surgery.
