Posted by cliff in SD on Friday, July 19, 2002 at 2:10AM :
In Reply to: off topic posted by Clint Dixon on Thursday, July 18, 2002 at 8:23PM :
Clint:
I am an internist as well as an osteopath, and have a lot of experience with this kind of thing.Not all herniated disks need to be operated on. It depends on how big the herniation, how long you've had it, the amount of disability you have, your current age and health,and also your non-surgical success. If you've had it this long it isn't going the spontaneously resolve. Have you done the "epidural injections"? This is usually done up to 3 times before failure is called.Avoid the "pain pill" routine. It always turns around and gets you.If it is just a "simple" herniation, the surgery is often outpatient as relief is immediate! It will take longer to regain your strength the longer you wait. The flip side is if you are a kindly ol' grandpa with heart disease, cancer,and a stroke.......
It is very true that exercise can help,but if the "nucleus puplosa" (soft chewy center)is pressing on your spinal cord, strengthening probably won't help much. Some times the "NP" will strangulate and whither away in time. Some times it will "suck back in". but 3 years is a long time.
It has been my experience that "orthopedists" really aren't the herniated disc pros. They may go back to school and "fellow in backs", but for my money(and health)I'll see a neurosurgeon.That stringy cord down the middle of that spine isn't all that forgiving, and it's more inportant than your wiring harness. If you have Q's..matushin1@hotmail.com Hope this helps.
Cliff Matushin Aberdeen, SD