Question
I have had two back surgeries, both for hearniated disk.  Since my last surgery a year ago, I have had nothing but pain.  The pain is getting worse. I have been to the surgeon again.  The MRI shows even more bulging disk and scar tissue has now engulfed the S1 nerve root. He has been prescibing tons of narcotics for over a year now.  He now thinks I should have a pain management pump transplated into my spine to deliver morphin directly into my spinal column for the relief of pain.  I have been told by another doctor to try negative pressure to decompress my spinal cord.  This is done by a computer type machine at a doctors office.  This one is non-invasive and takes 20 treatments.  I have read the materials on this.  It states that there is an 86percent success rate on this treatment.  I would like your opinion on which you think may be my best choice.  

Answer
Dear Melanie,

Of the two options, negative pressure is the better choice -- but neither is the best choice.

The best choice is to relax the muscular tensions of the spinal muscles that cause the disc compression that leads to herniation/bulging discs.  Since the muscles are controlled by your brain, an approach that improves your brain's control of those muscles is appropriate.

Please see articles at somatics.com/page4.htm for more detailed information and options.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold