Herniated disk now three more

by Dawn
(Cherryfield, Maine, USA)


I had a herniated disk L4 L5 causing pain in my left leg that made me lie and cry, and a neurosurgeon repaired it. Before I could walk without a limp from the surgery, less than a year, I had 3 bulging disks and pain in the opposite leg, going down to my ankle.


Now, when I lie in my bed at night, I have always lain on my left side cuddling a pillow to sleep, I cannot lie on either side because my right hip, thigh and leg will ache and pain so badly, I have to get up out of bed. I can lie on my belly or my back, neither of which is my preference. Sometimes, I must sleep in the recliner on the end of my couch with it pushed all the way back and my right leg dangling to get enough relief to go to sleep again.

I have enough nerve damage or else circulation problem that my feet always feel cold and often feel like they are on fire at night and dry enough to crack, though they really are not dry. I care for them with all kinds of creams trying to find one that works best. So they don't get a chance to become really dry.

Hello Dawn,
Sad tale, I'm afraid. The surgeon should have told you that if you don't ring in some big changes that the disks above and below the fusion would start to take strain. It's all in the medical literature, this is common, so don't feel all alone.

Is it too late to do something? No, it's not, but of course things are going to be difficult and chiropractic certainly can't promise you a bed of roses.

First up, start doing some lower back exercises every morning before getting out of bed, and every night. And during the day when you have time. You'll find some at chiropractic help but in a case like yours you really need professional guidance on which exercises. No more than two to three minutes but several times a day.

Secondly, go for a short walk every day. As far as you can manage.

Then, find a swimming pool and start lying on your back and kicking up and down the pool for fifteen minutes. At least three times a week, preferably every day.

That alone will be a significant difference within a month. Boring, but the alternative is too ghastly to contemplate.

If you're overweight, do something about it. Or suffer serious disablement. Do it.

Then look to an anti inflammatory diet. Using the search this site at chiropractic help and you'll find plenty. In short, look for omega 3, phytochemical foods, fish oil, freshly ground flax seed, chicken bones bouillon, and replace seed oils with olive oil.

None of that is impossible. But can chiropractic help any further at this late stage. Frankly I'm not sure. Right now I'm treating a lady with severe pain, after a major fusion three years ago. She was fine for one year, but like you didn't ring in the changes. She's much improved, but it's not always like that.

Go to that search function at chiropractic help again and type in find a good chiropractor.

Good luck, let us know how you get on. I hope this contributes.

Dr B

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