Re: lumbago or sciatica?

zwalanga_at_yahoo.com
Date: 03/03/05 

Date: 3 Mar 2005 15:33:42 -0800

Robert A. Fink, M. D. wrote:
> On 2 Mar 2005 17:48:14 -0800, zwalanga@yahoo.com wrote:
>
> >Dr. Fink has given you good advice.
> >
> >And...
> >
> >See a physical therapist. You will be examined and if nothing
warrants
> >sending you to Dr. Fink you will be treated and taught a program of
> >core strengthening exercises to help prevent future similar
> >occurrences.
> >
> >Bending awkwardly or twisting to one side with load may have tweaked
> >one of your sacroiliac "joints". This could cause your symptoms;
among
> >other possibilities.
> >
> >Core muscle strengthening and stretching...
> >
> >Zee
> >(been there)
>
>
> Generally speaking, I think that it is better to see a neurosurgeon
or
> spinal orthopedist before going to the physical therapist,

I respectfully disagree. Surgeons want to do surgery. Surgical
intervention is what they think of when they think of how they can help
the patient in front of them. Physical therapists seem to know the
difference: this is something I can treat; this is something a surgeon
must treat. {Now a chiropractor is a different kettle of fish. I
wouldn't let one near me.}

Here, few physios are certified to do manipulations. And among those,
it is judiciously used and would follow complete examination
accompanied by physician's report. And the physio reports back, too,
although a referral is no longer necessary.

Even though I have had two lower back fusions which affect my neck, my
physio (on the faculty and one of few who teaches manipulation) will
not manipulate my neck. I was taught to employ other modalities;
exercise, stretching, heat, ice, postural modification, traction
(hanging from a float belt in the pool). I can handle it.

That is what I like about this profession: they teach me to handle it.

I certainly wish I had seen physios prior to my fusions. Surgery made
me worse.

It wasn't until, post op by a year after a failed fusion and losing
control of bladder and bowel, unable to sit up or walk, that I was sent
to rehab the disastrous surgery. There I found out where medicine's
future lies. Not in pharmaceuticals or surgeries, but in rehabilitation
medicine (which may of course employ those as part of a successful
rehab, as a last resort).

I'm not opinionated ....or anything... <smile>.

I would assume the OPs general practitioner has made a diagnosis and if
not, certainly check with them. But make sure they know you want to see
a physio, next. Surgeons, and surgery as a last resort.

Better, thank you

Zee

> some cases (especially in herniated discs of significant size), the
> manipulation involved in some physical therapy can cause the
situation
> to worsen.
>
> It is always better to get a diagnosis before starting a treatment.
>
> Physical therapy, by the way, carefully chosen and administered, can
> be quite helpful in conditions of this type.
>
>
> Best,
>
> Bob
>
> Robert A. Fink, M. D.
> Neurological Surgery
> 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222
> Berkeley, CA 94704-2636 USA
> 510-849-2555
>
> **********************************
> NOTE: The material above is not "medical
> advice". Medical advice can only be
> given after an in-person contact between
> doctor and patient.
> **********************************

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Disc Herniation and no physical therapy
    ... Just as with a surgery, your taking a chance on the physical therapy. ... So before surgery, it's an absolute must, anything to stay a good distance ... And there is absolutely no law that says you aren't entitled to pain ...
    (alt.support.chronic-pain)
  • Re: Disc Herniation and no physical therapy
    ... to come out is the odds of physical therapy helping are the same as fusion ... But be it surgery or therapy, the odds of a good outcome, ... your taking a chance on the physical therapy. ... So before surgery, it's an absolute must, anything to stay a good ...
    (alt.support.chronic-pain)
  • Re: It was a fun time while it lasted - ulnar nerve entrapment - check yourselves
    ... one gets nnearly 100% again..they can aggravate it all over again byu ... Then I waited near to a year before I went and did anything about it - what I did was to go get an MRI and then some physical therapy. ... that made me a believer...I thought I was going to have to have surgery and the PT alone took care of it. ... Now I just have to moderate activity. ...
    (alt.guitar.beginner)
  • Re: It was a fun time while it lasted - ulnar nerve entrapment - check yourselves
    ... So even if I have surgery many such patients have it come back.. ... one gets nnearly 100% again..they can aggravate it all over again byu ... MRI and then some physical therapy. ... Now I just have to moderate activity. ...
    (alt.guitar.beginner)
  • Re: lumbago or sciatica?
    ... >>I am not unfamiliar with the idea that physical therapy is something ... For some years now a patient may ... see a physio themselves, first, and many do, particularly people like ... > One of the best ways to choose a surgeon is to check around with the ...
    (sci.med)