Question
it says at L4-5, & L5-S1, "there is a mild broad-based disc bulging" and below "impression: mild lumbar spondylosis at L4-5 and L5-s1 without significant central canal stenosis or neural foraminal compromise." what does all of this mean? and i go to a chiropractor 3 times a week, how long will it be before it is healed?

Answer
Dear Nick,

Lumbar spondylosis means that you have degenerative processes starting in you spine to include bony changes of vertebra which may or may not include the joints.  This also includes degeneration the last two disks in the spine.  A mild bulge indicated that the disk has been pushed outward into the spinal canal, but it is not pressing on the spinal cord or pressing on the nerve roots that exit the spine.  Although these findings are not serious such as requiring any surgical intervention, degeneration and bulging of the disks can definitely cause significant pain when inflamed.

Chiropractic care is great to relieve pressure on the affected disks, but adjustments alone will not cure or heal this problem...it is degenerative, which implies progressive, and you will have residual problems.  Adjustments will reduce pressure, improve biomechanical motion, and reduce the progression of degeneration. I would suggest that start a program of nutritional supplementation to supply the degenerated disk with the nutrients it needs to heal, and you need to be treated with spinal decompression traction, posture pump, or flexion distraction techniques in addition to manual adjustments.  Moreover, you should be taught spinal stabilization exercises to reduce further loading of the disks, and to support the spine.  Ergonomics are also a factor...all this needs to be addressed by your doctor, and you may need ongoing care for relapses and re-injury.

For a better appreciation of the disk bulges and what that entails, please visit a page on my website which will explain it in more detail with illustrations:

http://suncoasthealthcare.net/chiropracticinformation/discherniation.html

Concerning a protocol for disk health and overall nutritional demand for the reduction of inflammation, I would recommend metabolic testing for a custom comprehensive multivitamin, a joint support formula, and an antioxidant boost. I use metametrix laboratories for the metabolic testing with my patients, and it usually costs $350.00-$400.00, but if you are interested, I can get you tested for $99.00.  

Talk to your chiropractor about the various treatment applications I spoke of above, and let me know if you are interested in the metabolic testing.  We have an 85-90% success rate in eliminating pain and improving function with our disk rehab and nutritional program.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net