Herniated Disc plus Spinal Compression
 

Hi

my husband just got his MRI results back and they show a herniated (?bulging?) disc and spinal "compression"

Doc told him either surgery, lazer surgery, epidural.
Chiro says he feels is can be fixed with 3-4 months of specific chiropracty

any advice and sharing of experience/info would be much appreciated as this is something I know nuthin' about

Chemar,

I hope that you might feel comfortable sharing some more information about your husband's report. There isn't enough info. to offer "sound" insights. For instance, what level(s) of his spine did the MRI and its resulting report have as the focus?

When you mention "compression," do you mean spinal cord compression (as in stenosis) or nerve root compression?

Surgery should not be the first option unless there is a risk of paralysis (i.e., from cord compression and depending on whether it is mild or severe).

If it's his C-spine or levels of his cervical spine, there ain't no way I'd consent to a Chiro doing any manipulation. It could make things worse or lead to permanent (and worse) damage.

Depending on how many levels are involved, he might be a candidate for some of the lesser invasive surgical procedures, a.k.a. minimally invasive. (With any procedure, though, there are risks and those should also be thoroughly understood before giving a thumbs-up or down on something.)

Again, the info. you stated about his MRI findings are pretty non-specific. People reading would be hard-pressed to offer info. that might help; doing so could actually lead to more harm than good without knowing more. It just wouldn't be very wise.

Hi Bobbi

sorry...guess my ignorance on this subject shows by lack of detail, but I am relaying pretty much as told by hubby

he got his MRI results back yesterday and went to the doc and chiro and then came home and told me what they had said

He has been suffering severe pain in his lower left back area that radiates outward to his hip, and that is the area they xrayed and did the MRI for. After the first xray he was told there was "compression" in the area...I honestly dont know what that mean in more detail

The MRI reports states:
(I am just quoting the last section as the rest seems to be an expansion of that for each area covered)
hope that gives a bit more info and thanks so much for looking Bobbi

Chemar,

I have similar things going on with my back and have been a "spiney" patient for 7 years. Since you ask I will just say that I would try an ESI first. My husband has a large herniation in his back as well and goes periodically for an ESI and it has helped him considerably. The one ESI I had didn't help too much but my issues at that time were mainly with the facets.

Personally, I would never let a Chiro do anything at all to me in regards to my spine...anywhere! But that is because I have been told...no spinal manipulations ever. And, yes, you (as in general) can become worse. I think I would heed the advice of the spinal docs...but that's just me. :)

Please, do not go to a chiropractor. They will "Come and see me three times a week" until you're broke or in considerably worse pain. Trust your neurosurgeon and go from there.

Chemar,

There isn't a need for you to apologize, that's for sure :).

The Chiro your husband saw, is it someone he has been seeing for some time and a person he trusts? I mean, there are some very astute Chiros who have quite a background (in medicine and their skill at reading reports in conjunction with symptoms is astounding; I'd be remiss in not mentioning chirogeek.com; he's helped me greatly in understanding my MRIs, CTs, etc.).

Because the C-spine has the cord running through it and a wrong movement or slippage in manipulation can lead to such severe probs., I asked about the levels of your hubby's films and report.

It sounds like his nerves are compressed or impinged. If that were so and he were having no symptoms, I'd say, okay, no biggie. But with pain also, it is a prob. (I am thinking, if he were feeling no pain, there would be no films, so he must be having symptoms.)

I am not familiar with some of the terms; I was away for the weekend and it'd take me some time to find what the terms mean, only it might be better if you Google but leave out the precise spinal levels; you'll likely get more results that can give a fairly good overview of what the terms mean (placed in surrounding quote marks).

Before deciding on any course of actions, I'd consult with at least 3 surgeons and at least 3 PM (Pain Management) docs. If one is just a needle-jockey (inserting needles and making a staple of money from doing that), I'd find another.

If your husband is feeling bladder/bowel dysfunction, then, surgery will be a pressing concern. It's nothing to mess around with and if his "business" is/or becomes uncontrolled; make sure he gets to the ER and mention: Cauda Equina.

With injections, I've noted that people tend to have a greater success (or efficacy) with the C-spine than with the L-spine. But... that's based on anecdotals - people on various forums who can also be influenced by what others have noted from their procedures. I mean, if someone is talking about theirs and how it hurts, others come along and say, yeah it hurts and all I feel is pain. But, only a doc gets the followup results by doing an exam, etc. People can influence others, even unwittingly.

I've had good results with injections (C-spine, T-spine and L-spine). Everything I read, as I think people should do, is for informational purposes. Diagnostic injections can help assess whether your husband may benefit from more than one injection and to rule out the possibility of a placebo effect.

Whatever you two decide, just be sure to get more than one opinion and from various doctors. Ask about risks (and how the procedures are performed).

Too, don't hesitate to ask more questions. Someone will surely be able to offer some insights. And, read the fine print :).

Chemar,

I believe Escobar hit the nail on the head. Trust the spinal docs; NS, OSS, or spinal PM.

much appreciated Bobbi

yes, the chiro is my son's one for many years and is a very careful person whom we trust.he is also NUCCA certified which is a big plus for me

my hubby just started seeing him on recommendation of the PCP who has also referred him to spinal specialist for input, and further referrals will follow I am sure. the PCP knows this chiro to have a reputation for specific work re spinal probs

right now he is already feeling much pain relief from the chiro work, so I am pleased about that

we will see what is recomended by the other docs

thanks for the comments and input to all
I will post again once we have more info

Hi kathi49

sorry for delay in thanking you for your input and also needed to ask...what is ESI? is that Epidural? if so, that is what one doc today is recommending...a three injection treatment

Hi Chemar,

I just saw your post and sorry for the delay as well.

Yes, ESI = Epidural Steroid Injection. I have to say I have had only one in the lumbar area and it gave me relief for about a week or so. BUT...again, even with some bulging discs, it was the facets that were the worst. So, the facet injections with a subsequent RF helped a great deal. My husband, on the other hand, has a pretty large herniation at L4/L5. He goes for an ESI about twice a year. It is unbelievable to me that it lasts so long for him. That's not to say he is totally painfree...he still has aches and pain...but nothing that keeps him down. :)

And I apologize if I was too harsh about Chiropractic care. They probably do have their applications. What I am really trying to say is that if, as you say, your husband has a herniation, compression or any form of nerve root irritation, PLEASE be careful!

thanks Kathi :)

yes, it seems he will likely need to have some form of injections as part of a co-operative treatment plan.

I didnt find your chiro comments harsh at all...I value all input as this is an area that is totally new territory to us and so I am eager to be as fully informed as possible by others' experiences, both pro and con, on all available treatments. That, coupled with being able to then ask these questions of the doctors, is helping my hubby understand more as well. (he is reading the updates here too, so thanks from him too)

Chemar,

I hope the injections work for your husband. :) When they work (and sometimes they haven't...I have had various types), it does relieve the inflammation long enough to try other conservative measures. And I don't blame you at all for wanting to try other things. But I would let the doc guide you as to what he thinks is best. :) I have been down this road for 7 years now and what I have found above all else is that my spinal PM is the one I can really trust as well as my NS. Let us know how it all turns out for your husband.