Question
Sir,
 I have been told by two chiropracters in the area that they would not see me because of a previous back surgery.  If I do need surgery, what type of surgery should I expect.  I especially want to know about recovery time and risk associated with having another surgery.
Thank you,
Mr. Schewanick

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Followup To
Question -
Sir,
 I just received my MRI results and am curious what exactly it means.  They say:
 There is desiccation of disk material and signal in the posterior annulus at both L4-L5 and L5-S1.  There is narrowing of the formania also bilaterally at L4-L5 and L5-S1, somewhat more prominant on the left at L4-L5 and on the right at L5-S1.
 There is very limited posterior central and right paracentral disk protrusion at L5-S1.  The patient is also Laminectomy status on the right at L5-S1.  Postcontrast images show some postop granulation tissue in the area posterolaterally and questionably along the right anterolateral aspect of the thecal sac.  However, there is residual or recurrent nonenhancing disk material at L5-S1.  The right foramina shows asymmetric narrowing al L5-S1 although the left foramen is also narrowed.  these areas are narrowed primarily due to hypertrophic facet changes at L5-S1 bilaterally.
 I am very concerned about my options.  I have have numerous epidurals.  Is surgery an option?  I teach elementary school and would need to prepare way in advance.
Thank you.
Mr. Schewanick
Answer -
Mr. Schewanick:

Ok! Thanks for writing!

This Concerns the disc and back bones at the lower end of your spine. The Disc (or disk) is like a piece of gristle with a soft, jelly like center. It is the cushion between the back bones.

This disc has worn out and is breaking up in pieces. The bones that are right next to the disc are also breaking down and are changing shape. This changed shape is not considered normal.

The effect of this is to touch or stretch or pinch the nerves and spinal cord in the area. These nerves go down the legs, so leg pain is very likely but does not absolutely have to be there.

The outer layer of the disc is the part that is breaking down. The soft jelly center has not moved yet.

Surgery may be neccessary but before you do something that is irreversible, try this. Go to www.sorsi.com or www.holistichiro.com and see if you can find a good chiropractor near you. They can very likely adjust your hips and back so that the back and legs do not hurt.

YOu must get your water intake up. If you weight 200 pounds, for exameple, you must drink 100 ounces of water a day. Filtered or spring water, not tap water.

There are also numerous nutrients and herbs which can nourish the area. Your chiropractor will be able to tell you which ones are right for you.

Does this answer your question?

Dr. Rozeboom.  

Answer
Sean:

Ok!

The exact type of surgery for you would have to be determined by a surgeon. The prognosis or recovery time varies widely, depending on you age and general health and the skill of the surgeon.

I think you talked to the wrong chiropractors. Try to find one on www.sorsi.com and see what they say.

Dr. Rozeboom.

PS:

Does this anwer your question?