eMom Wrote:
I've had a bulging disc in my lower back for years and apparently recently it got worse. I've been in and out of mild pain for the past 2 years, and I can't seem to regain the level of fitness and strength that I once enjoyed. I've tried all sorts of treatments. Recently I saw Dr. Millard at SOAR and I'm not happy with the outcome so far. I just feel that he's not really listening to me or trying to work with me. So I'm back to the drawing board. I really need a recommendation for a good spine specialist who will take the time to listen and who isn't in a hurry to do surgery or stick cortisone needles into my back (I've had that done and it made things worse). I don't "believe" in chiropractors because I think that what they do is too violent. I have tried: acupuncture, various types of PT, Egoscue exercises, painful shiatsu massage, gentle osteopathic manipulations, and reading Sarno's books (but it's hard for me to believe that my problem is not structural). Not sure what else to do or to try. I do NOT want to do surgery or anything else that is invasive. If you've had chronic lower back/disc problems and have been to someone who made your pain go away, please let me know about your treatment or your doctor. I am willing to travel if I have to, to see the right doctor.

illiterati Wrote:
I'm sorry about your pain. Like you, I'd had back problems for many years. I had tried many different options but I was never able to find a single source that would solve my issues. But I believe that I've found a solution for my problem. It took about a year, but I'm pain free, much stronger and functional than I've been in years. I know you don't believe in it, but my solution included chiropracty (Dr. Ludovico, San Mateo) and excercises. My sense is that the adjustments would temporarily relieve my structural issues and this allowed me enough functionality to perform strengthening and balance excercises. Initially, this temporary period would last perhaps a week, but as I became stronger, I needed the adjustment less and less. I started with simple Yogilates (a combination of Yoga and Pilates) which i could barely do. Once i was able to perform the more advanced excercises, I added "functional" training. I learned many of the functional training exercises from Michael Boyle's book and at Velocity Training in San Carlos. I think that my back still has some structural issues, but my current overall strength masks its weakness. That's my story. I don't know if it will apply to you. Good luck

taruma Wrote:
I have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and also back pain problems. I also do not use Chiropractors who use violent methods because it just doesn't help me; it makes it worse. I did find a wonderful Chiropractor in Los Altos (I live on the border of Redwood City) who uses gentle methods and who was able to achieve lasting relsuts in a few sessions (unlike another Chiro who would have gladly kept me coming back interminably). Her name is April Modesti at Serenity Chiropractic. I agree with the second comment about getting the disc back in place and then strengthening the muscles of the back to support the spine. This is what I have done at our fitness studio in Redwood City where we use medical grade strength training equipment and focus on functional fitness. It has changed my life from being very physically challenged to being able to hike to the Stanford Dish! It is not hopeless with the right program. Good Luck in your search for answers.

Kat Wrote:
I can completely empathize with you and can absolutely imagine your frustration. In July, I broke a bone in my back (T12) and suffered three bulging discs and one herniated disc in a wakeboarding accident. I was referred to Dr. Mark Sontag, who works with the San Jose Sharks and everyone in between. You have probably heard the dog and pony show for this, but the only thing that you can really do, short of surgery, is to ice, take anti-inflammatories and incorporate a synergistic strengthening program to build up the core muscles in your mid-section, back, and even hamstrings/gluteus areas (but of course, the caveat is that the swelling needs to subside before you start any strengthening). Like you, surgery for me is a last, if any, resort. I don't know what type of cortisone you had, but I have elected to get an epidural (my problem area is L4 - L5, so not near the spinal cord). They do this fluoroscopically, meaning that they can see, via an x-ray image, the EXACT spot where the injection will be going. This means I'll do it once, and not three times as prescribed before this pinpoint imaging. Would that be something you would consider? Here is the info for Dr. Sontag and two great Physical Therapists (I also tore my Achilles tendon and Apex was excellent). I sincerely wish the best for you and hope you can get some long-term relief, and get back to your life. Dr. Mark J. Sontag 363 Main St Ste C Redwood City, CA 94063-1729 Phone: (650) 306-9490 Diablo Physical Therapy (Lisa Riedel, MPT, MPC): 3351 El Camino Real, Suite 180 Atherton, CA 94027 Phone: (650) 365-8350 APEX Physical Therapy http://www.smalltown.com/sanmateo/card/19389

Kat attached these links:
Apex Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

Neighbor97936 Wrote:
I highly recommend Dr. Christine Zapata of Meakim and Stern 505 Beach Street, Suite 110, San Francisco CA 94133 drzapata@meakimandstern.com Phone 415-771-7071 I too suffered from lower back pain for many years and would not have believed the difference that Dr. Zapata has made in my life. She practices N.U.C.C.A. chiropractic. The adjustments are light, yet powerful. My legs are now the same length and I stand straight for the first time in many years. N.U.C.C.A. is remarkable I believe you should try this type of therapy. Michael Whatmore

cinder Wrote:
You should try Mild Hyperbaric and Essential oils from young living Contact Jason 650-654-9268

cinder attached these links:
Essential oils and healthy living
Oxygen With Attitude