AboutJ. Shawn Leatherman, DC, CCST, CCSP 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, 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 1000 hours of post-doctoral training including; Certifications in Spinal Trauma/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego and 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 proceedures 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. I treat accident victims in my clinic on a daily basis, and constantly stay abreast of the current research. Please visit my website for more information: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, 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, The Better Business Bureau Of Northwest Florida
Education/Credentials B.A. (Psychology) from The University of Cincinnati, B.S. (Human Biology)& D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) from Cleveland Chiropractic College, C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma) from The International Chiropractic Association, C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician) from The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
Question Heres what my mri said could you please give me your opinion of what I should do: extruded disc to the right at L4-5 encroaches right l4 nerve superimposed osseous degenerative changes: facet arthrosis and hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum. Disc disscation throughout all lumber disc spaces. perinerual root sleeve dilation/tarlov cyst in several invertebral foraminal areas
Answer Dear Tersea,
Unfortunately, with these results, I would suggest that you get a neurosurgical consult/opinion.
The reason is that not only do you have disc pathology (bulge) pressing on the nerve root, you have spinal pathology (degenerative spurring) as well in the same area. Conservative care such as chiropractic works really well with disc bulges, but with the additional spinal degeneration in the same area, effectiveness will be less, and it may not help at all at this point. On top of the, the ligamentum flavum is a ligament which is located inside the spinal canal next to the spinal cord..when it is hypertophied (larger usually due to scar tissue) it creates less room for the spinal cord inside the spinal canal which further exacerbates these issues.
Furthermore, the cysts are also in the exact locations where the spinal nerve roots exit the vertebral column and they will place pressure or cause irritation to the nerve roots, and chiropractic or physical therapy is not likely to have any effect on those cysts.
Bottom line, conservative care is not likely to be effective in this case, and you need to get a few opinions before you decide on the next step.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
