Re: Does anyone know anyone w/a herniated disk in their back?

I don't want to make the quote chain longer

But I definitely agree Ophelia, if herniated discs are the problem, then you NEED to see a specialist and not JUST a chiropractor.

Re: Does anyone know anyone w/a herniated disk in their back?

Posted by Ophelia

there is a huge difference bet. a chiro and an Ortho that specializes in the spine.

we can go back and forth for days as a matter of preference...my point is, as a starting point, before considering treatment, a diagnosis should be made by a medical doctor in that speciality, b/c any medical person without that extra experience could suggest treatment that is not necessarily the right treatment. even a neurologist is not necessarily a spine specialist.

and I hear you on the bottom half....I don't even think the passing grade of 70 is high enough! who wants anyone only right 70% of the time!!!!!!!

Re: Does anyone know anyone w/a herniated disk in their back?

I've been to orthopedists for my neck problems and I have been to chiropractors. Many chiropractors are trained to be an adjunct to treatment from an MD. I have told the orthopedists that I got little to no relief from physical therapy but that spinal manipulation works for me. I have some significant medical findings in my neck, too. At this point, the orthopedists are going to give me pills, while the chiropractor is going to work on me physically to make me more comfortable. I need both at times. It would be a lot worse if I just left my neck in spasm all the time. In my line of work, I have seen it all in terms of people who have been helped by any of the forms of treatment and people who got worse. I believe in chiropractic despite the fact that chiropractic evidence is frowned upon in disability claims.

Re: Does anyone know anyone w/a herniated disk in their back?

I had one and ended up having surgery in April. FM me if you need more information. I did try other options first before surgery.

Re: Does anyone know anyone w/a herniated disk in their back?

Re: Does anyone know anyone w/a herniated disk in their back?

DH has 2 and has no problems. He did it while surfing a few years ago, was in a lot of pain, it got better, and only bothers him from time to time. My SIL on the other hand, has a bunch, and has had 3 surgeries and nothing has helped her.

Most people have them and do not even know it. You can just move the wrong way and herniate a disc. It's very common.

Re: Does anyone know anyone w/a herniated disk in their back?

My old boyfriend had 3 herniated discs in his back due to a car accident. He had laser surgery twice which helped him signficantly. Before the surgeries, he had trouble sitting for long periods of time. Car rides, meeting at work, etc were torture.

I'm sure it depends on the reason for herniation & the degree.

HTH

Re: Does anyone know anyone w/a herniated disk in their back?

I have one in my L5 S1. I went to the regular doctor who prescribed Ibuprofen and a muscle relaxer. I was also sent to Physical Therapy. Physical Therapy helped me walk again. It was so painful when I had pain that I could not stand for more than 2 minutes at a time.

I still have pain now, but it is much less, and the sciatica (from the herniation) has decreased, but much more manageable.

Re: Does anyone know anyone w/a herniated disk in their back?

I just got a herniated disk in my back from pregnancy. I'm looking at all my options now. I'm meeting with a neurosurgeon in a few weeks and have been seeing a chiropractor. I am trying everything to not have surgery.

Message edited 2/11/2008 4:31:27 PM.

Re: Does anyone know anyone w/a herniated disk in their back?

I have clients with herniated discs. I am always careful with it.

The first thing to do is to see the "extent" of the disc damaged (disc itself, nerve entrapment, etc). I recommend your DH get informed on the exact location of the herniation. You would be surprised how many clients have not clue which lumbar vertabrae they have the issue with.

Most likely, the best advise is REST. Especially when acting up.

He most likely will have to adapt his lifestyle. Running is high impact and not good for back problems.

Like in every profession there are good and bad people. So I would not see a chiropactor right away until you try other methods and see the extent of the damage to the disc.

Acupuncture can help with pain management. I am not personally a fan of pain medicine since it masks the symptoms and you may overdo it because you feel better. Of course, when in agony..... you need to take the drugs.

Massage can help too. I personally don't massage when it's acting up. That means it's inflammed. The last thing I want to do is make it worse.

It will be trial and errors but eventually you learn to live with it and adapt your lifestyle.

The last resort is surgery. Some people need it.