No Back Surgery

Question:
"I have a herniated disc. I have had a micro disc surgery 7 years ago but now have sciatic nerve compression, L4 L5 S1 are involved. I don't want surgery again. What are your thoughts on traction and epidurals?"

our Health Coach Answer:

I have had great success with traction in my patients that also commit to ongoing physical therapy and "back school" - learning how to sit, walk, and exercise in ways that strengthen back muscles and improve flexibility. Epidurals will work temporarily for 30 percent of people.

The bigger concern is that each epidural contains a long-acting corticosteroid that elevates blood sugar and contributes to weight gain--the very opposite of what you are hoping to achieve. Therefore, I would avoid such a procedure, at least for now. Try traction, instead, along with "back school". If you still have pain, I recommend that you also see a physical therapist and/or chiropractor.

As for your herniated disc, a therapy known as prolotherapy can often produce seemingly miraculous results for such problems. It works by injecting a harmless solution of ingredients in and around the injured area. This creates agitation in the injected area, causing the body to initiate its repair cycle through a proliferation (hence the therapy's name) of collagen and connective tissue in damaged cartilage, ligaments and/or tendons. Prolotherapy is extremely safe and can often work where nothing else has.

To find out more, and to locate a Health Coach who performs prolotherapy, visit the following websites:

• www.prolotherapy.org
• www.getprolo.com

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