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What Does my Diagnons mean: Focal Disc Herniation L5/ S1

Here is a look at what we see every day. From the initial complaint from the patient, to the MRI, and how they are treated and the outcome of the treatment protocol, we track every patient's progress, and constantly review it for the best possible results.

We recently had a patient complaining of pain and discomfort which was constant. The patient described a sharp pain that simply did not change, it just hurt all the time. Pain that emanated from the lower back (lumbar region) and radiated down the leg, resulting in sciatica, which can interfere with the function of the leg, and in severe cases it can even cause the foot to drop and render the patient unable to flex the foot back up. At worst the pain would become almost unbearable along with causing problems with mobility. It affected his life to a point that he's was constantly preoccupied with seeking relief. It had gotten so bad that if he did not lay down and take morphine it would keep him from going about their daily tasks, sometimes requiring help from friends and family to come help take care of him.

After a visit to the ER, like for most people, did not result in any reduction of pain the patient came in to see us at Living Well Medical. This particular patient has had these symptoms in the past and had even sought chiropractic care before. The desire for the commencement of daily activities and a recovery that would even allow for an increase in physical activity was the goal.

The MRI findings went as follows:
Small focal disc herniation at L5-S1 spanning to the right central to right lateral recess locations with potential nerve impingement of the S1 nerve root.  

A focal disc herniation is a herniation towards the back, and to the right of the disc. Just because the herniation is small doesn't meant that it is of little concern. A small focal herniation can impinge the sacral nerve that exits the spinal column and affect motor control of the leg, and can cause a lot of pain.

L5/ S1 simply means that the disc is located between the last spinal vertebrae in the lumbar region of the spine and the first vertebrae in the sacrum. There are 5 vertebrae in the lumbar spine and usually 5, sometimes 4, in the sacral spine.

Course of Treatment:
Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments were employed to keep proper alignment of the spinal vertebrae and help mobilize soft tissue.
Spinal Decompression
Using the DRX 9000 the patient was put through a series of decompression sessions. The DRX 9000 is a highly specialized machine that used  exact weights and measurements to produce a series of pulls followed by periods of relaxation. This form of linear traction helps "decompress" the intervertebral disc, allowing for pressure to be released and for the the herniated disc material to recede back in to the disc.
Active Release Technique
ART is known by professional athletes all over the word as a method of treatment for sports related pain and injuries that helps them get back on the field fast and also promotes faster recovery between games. IT is an advanced soft tissue treatment method based on massage/ mobility techniques that can help treat almost any musculoskeletal injury.
Cox Technique
One of the most researched and evidence backed treatment methods available today for treating back pain. The Cox technique uses a specially designed table to help treat back pain. The technique allows for the ability to gently increase the space between vertebraes to allow for increased blood flow and speed healing.

Living Well Medical has many more treatment techniques, in addition to the aforementioned methods, that are integrated in to a specialized, individualized treatment program that helps produce unparalleled results.

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