Prolapsed disc?

Question

I know this is a common question so here's my twopennies worth! My husband has been diagnosed by the physio with a prolapsed disc. He is all bent up like a banana. She gave him some straightening exercises to do but had a busy weekend, did too much and seems back to square 1. He's been told it's not surgical and want to believe it but have read the other questions and now I'm not so sure. He's a paramedic, will he ever get back to work?

Answer 1

I always recommend a person get a second opinion. I would recommend your husband see a chiropractor. Chiropractors specialize in spinal problems. I have seen many people have conditions reversed when all medical treatments had failed. I've enclosed a link where you can find a qualified chiropractor in your area.

Answer 2

And my two cents' is contrary to the above advice---I'd steer clear of a chiro until I'd been given a BIG green light from an orthopedist or, preferably, neurosurgeon. (I recommend neurosurgeon not because I am in favor of surgery--I believe most back stuff should remain nonsurgical. However, neurosurgeons are the group probably best equipped to give a conservative, complete assessement of the spine.) Spinal manipulation by a chiropractor can be enormously relieving---or it can be disastrous.

Am I correct in assuming that "physio" refers to a physical therapist? If so, she is not qualified to give the diagnosis of prolapsed disc. A physician needs to make this diagnosis (with the aid of a good radiologist).

If, however, I've misunderstood and the diagnosis was made by a physician, and the physio simply has worked with your husband to develop a treatment plan---that's a different story altogether.

Before allowing spinal manipulation, it's REALLY important to know exactly what you are dealing with. I've had patients with serious neuro damage wrought by chiropractic. Not all chiropractors do adequate assessment before manipulating the spine.

Before I headed to a chiro, I'd head to a pain specialist. There are many long-lasting pain treatment modalities available.

I am an RN--and have worked in a very physically-demanding specialty (ortho-neuro--LOTS of lifting) with several disc herniations. Much of the time I feel okay--not pain-free, but functional. Good body mechanics are crucial. Recognizing limitations and asking for help is also crucial.