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I have a severly herniated L5 disc, cutting off a nerve down my left leg. Will Spinal Decompression work?
Question : I have a severly herniated L5 disc, cutting off a nerve down my left leg. Will Spinal Decompression work?
So I was diagnosed a few months ago with a herniated L5 disc in my lower back. I dont have time for the physical therapy, and it takes way to long. Do you think Spinal Decompression will work for me?
spinal decompression
Best answer:
Answer by Amaterasu
My husband has this. Unfortunately, all available treatment failed and it continued up his back and he is now completely disabled. If it is already cutting of the sciatic nerve, you are past the point of decompression because the disc itself needs to be able to heal. You’ll want to go see a spine specialist and a neurosurgeon that specializes in the spine. The surgeon is to see if you would benefit from a microdiscectomy or other surgery and the spine clinic is to take care of injections, pain medicine and any other treatments you want. Physical therapy is just one option (one that didn’t work for my husband either – it made him worse). They also have an electrical device that you can get in your back as an option, now. You’ll just have to bring your MRIs to the spine specialist and see what is the best option for you.
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#2 written by mistify 1 year ago
It depends on if the annular wall of the disc is still competent. If not, the “vacuum mechanism” of the disc that occurs during decompression therapy will be ineffective (and PT would most likely be ineffective as well).
No time for physical thearpy? Most patients I see for PT for this type of problem are better within 2 weeks…the more complex ones maybe 3 or 4. They typically come in for a 20 minute visit 2-3 times a week for a total of 6-8 visits. I typically know by the third visit if they can be helped by me or not. Although, I practice a specific techniqe called MDT (www.mckenziemdt.org)
Whereas, the protocol for spinal decompression is daily treatment for 30-60 minutes (depending on if other ancillary chiropractic techniques are employed) for the first two weeks, then about 3 times a week for 2-4 more weeks…usually totaling 15-20 visits.
You’ll spend more time and money on spinal decompression than you will with PT from someone who employs the MDT process.
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It depends on the symptoms. If you mainly have buttock, leg, foot pain, weakness or numbness than discectomy might be a good way to eliminate the pain. Microdiscectomy is even better. Success rate is about 95%, at least in our experience.
Discectomy may not be as effective if your back pain is more severe than your leg pain.
Conservative treatment may work, but if the pain lasts longer than 3 months, an operation might be recommended. Ask a specialist.
Hope you feel better soon!