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Back Pain
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Q: Aloha, just wanted to comment, as a MT, with lower and middle back muscle pain that ended in the worlds biggest Spasm...your advise to swim has brought the healing I needed within a week! I am 54, mother of 3, grandmother of 6...massage therapist, motorcycle rider etc...very busy...and am so grateful to have stumbled on your site. Mahalo, Linda
A: Hi Linda, I am so happy to hear that swimming provided relief to you. Best of all, no risks or side effects! I wish you god health in the New Year, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hi, My name is Tommy and my question involves a medical diagnosis of the lumbosacral spine of a unilateral fusion of the facets L-4 & L-5. goes back to when I was discharged from Navy bootcamp. They told me that this was probably a birth defect,and fusion could not be caused by physical drill. Later I found out that I do not have any fusion of the spine,but I have two crushed degenerated discs. My first question is can you mistake one condition for the other? Question two, because the found out I played Judo between the ages of 12-14, the claimed this was the cause of the first injury. Is that possible for a judoka of that age, with only two or so years to injury his back that bad without ever knowing it. Thank you for your help! Thomas
A: Hi Thomas, Degenerated discs at those spinal levels typically does not indicate any injury. It is normal and some people simply experience it earlier in life. When there is little disc material in place, it looks on a diagnostic imaging study (such as an x-ray) like the 2 vertebrae are touching. I do not know how they said they were fused, unless you suffered vertebral fractures at those levels which grew together during the healing process. However, this would be obvious on the films... Sure you can injure your back during judo, I have... However you would know it if you fractured the vertebrae. The disc degeneration is unlikely to be related to judo in any major way... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Dear Adam, I give you my apologies for such a long letter, but I'm hoping the details are helpful. I am a 38-year-old female teacher. In May of 2008, I used a Stepper very intensely (and without warmup) for two-minute bursts 2-5 times per evening over a period of a week. I would do this after getting up from my easy chair as I graded final exams, just to get the blood flowing and to have a little exercise. I had the stepper (from the info-mercial) for several months but had not used it as planned. With summer coming, I wanted to start doing the DVD workouts once the school year ended. However, I noticed a strange muscular-type pain between my legs. I figured that I must have pulled something and gave it time but went to doctors after it still felt strange. I did not use the stepper again.
My OB GYN and a rectal area doctor seemed to agree that the stepper was the cause--a sprain of sorts of the tissue. Both said that it could take a very long time to heal since it is hard to rest that area, as opposed to and ankle. I searched the net for people who had similar stepper problems but found none. I am still seeing a chiro, though, who feels that my lower back is out, sees that one of my legs draws up, and that the muscles/ligaments are pulling or twisting at the bottom of my "pelvic bowl" and causing the pain down there. He too, showed me how the stepping could throw off my alignment. My lower back does hurt and catch, and I do not like to stand for a long time, but I would like to know what role the back has in my problem.
The chiro does the leg-over-to-each-side-and-twist to adjust my lower back after using the table that drops my legs while I'm on my stomach. I do not feel much difference with adjustments. He did have me sit on something just slightly elevating my left buttock and had me wear a heal insert in my left shoe for a while. This was supposed to help naturally train my body to tweek me back correctly. I don't know.
It feels sore as if I have constantly been sitting on an uncomfortable bicycle seat or astride a fence--right alongside my private area and sometimes even including the sides of that. I can feel it almost as a tightening just sitting there. It also literally feels sore if I press the area. I have noticed that, although it is always there, I may feel it intensify after going up steep stairs, climbing a ladder, or stepping onto a chair.
I'm not wanting to work out intensely but just going about my job, sitting, standing, walking, etc. are not what they used to be. I still do my same basic activities. However, I can either do nothing and still feel it, or I can be on my feet all day and still feel it--sometimes a little more than others. I'm getting quite depressed that any normal activity has lost its joy or even its routine since this is always an issue on my mind.
Do you think that the chiro treatment is on track? Should I be doing any strengthening stretches? What about massage? Could this be at least partially psychosomatic? It is true that I can't believe that this is still going on after something so simple! I took living basically pain free for granted. It's hard to describe this to others since I seem normal otherwise, but it is driving me crazy.Thanks, Dory
A: Hi Dory, OK, I think you are taking this all quite well, but I also think you are far off course. In my experience, this pain seems to be related to some emotional mechanism, not any physical injury you suffered. I do not think you were doing anything unnatural or unreasonable with the way you described using the stepper... I do not think chiropractic is the answer and I am sure the doctors were grasping at whatever as an excuse, once the obvious tests for anything serious came back negative. Don't feel bad, it happens everyday. Doctors will never tell you they don't know what it is from, so if you suggest something even remotely plausible, they will typically get on board, as long as no real risk is involved... I advise knowledge therapy, as I think you can solve this issue yourself. I wish you well and please stay in touch to let me know how you are doing. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hello, I am Rajaram from India. I came across your website after searching on google after i entered "l5s1 disc bulge surgery and tingling sensation now" and isaw this website. Let me quickly tell you my past history:
I am 29 yrs old, had sudden back pain during August and consulted a doctorwho asked me to take an MRI and here is what the MRI report says (i havetyped it exactly):
Sacralisation of the L5 vertebra with rudimentary L5-S1 disc noted,suggestive of transitional L5 vertebra. Rest of the vertebral bodies andtheir posterios neural arches otherwise appear normal. Lumbar lordosis isobliterated due to paraspinal muscular spasm.
Dehydration with reduction in L4-5 disc height noted suggestive ofdegenerative changes Massive posterocentral and bilateral paracentralprotrusion to extrusion of L4-5 disc noted pointing cranially, compromisingthe spinal canal, lateral recess, neural foramina and significantlycompressiong the lower cauda equina/bilateral exiting nerve roots at L4-5disc level (right side more than the left). *Mild posterocentral annularbulge of L3-4 disc noted indenting the Thecal sac anteriorly. However noevidence of narrowing of neural foramina/compression of the exiting nerveroots seen bilaterally at L3-4 disc level.*
Visualized lower dorsal spinal cord, conus Medullaris and cauda equina nerveroots appear normal. *Mild degenerative facetal arthrosis of L4-5 Facetjoints noted bilaterally.* The paraspinal soft tissues appear normal.*
T2 weighted sagittal screening of te Whole spine reveals mild degenerativecervical spondylosis with paraspinal muscular spasm. Mild posterocentralbulge of C3-4, C4-5 C5-6 and C6-7 discs noted indenting the dura anteriorly.The cervical and dorsal spinal cord appear normal in size and signalintensity.*
*IMPRESSION:
* MILD DEGENERATIVE LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS WITH PARASPINAL MUSCULAR SPASM.* TRANSITIONAL L5 VERTEBRA (SACRALISATION).* MASSIVE POSTEROCENTRAL AND BILATERAL PARACENTRAL PROTRUSION TO EXTRUSIONOF L4-5 DISC POINTING CRANIALLY, COMPROMISING THE SPINAL CANAL, LATERALRECESS, NEURAL FORAMINA AND SIGNIFICANTLY COMPRESSING THE LOWER CAUDA EQUINA/ BILATERAL EXITING NERVE ROOTS AT L4-5 DISC LEVEL (RIGHT SIDE MORE THAN THELEFT)*
I was shocked seeing this report and doctor advised me to undergo surgeryand i had to do it on September second week. I was under rest for 10 weeksand back to work since December first week. Let me type what i see here onthe report i have after surgery:
Under Ga patient is knee chest, by a 4cm post midline incision, DLF wasincised paraspinal cobbed, L4-5 right flavectomy done, few mm of inferiorborder of L4 lamina was nibbled. There was a huge disc pushing the L5 rootwhich was removed in toto discectomy completed, wound washed and closed with80mg depometrol soaked in gelform placed in the L4-5 right inter laminarregion, wound closed.
I got the tingling sensation all over my body since 2 days and i was kindascared. Iam very much depressed doctor, i cried and then woke up from bednow and started searching if there is anything that i can do to proceed mylife.
Can you please advise me how to proceed? Thanks for your time. Ram
A: Hi Ram, I can advise you to rest and recuperate. The surgery is over and you must follow your doctor's advice and rehabilitate your body. It will take some time to fully heal. Please let me know how you are doing in a few weeks and I will continue to advise you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hi, I am a 33yr. old female EMT. In Sept.06 I hurt my lower back lifting a pt. I was sent to pain mang. then added physical therapy. It was Aug.08 before I was sent to a spine specialist. The specialist decided it was L4 that needed disc replacement after having a discogram. I had this surgery done Oct.21,2008. Since having this surgery I still am having lower back pain,left hip pain,left buttock down to my toes. Before surgery it was lower back pain, left hip, left buttock to knee pain. My doctor continues to say this is normal it means it is healing. I am having serious doubts about this. Is this normal, how long till I see improvement? I am no longer allowed to take prescription medication...AND I AM STILL IN PAIN, MORE THAN WHEN WE STARTED! Any suggestions???? Jessika
A: Hi Jessika, As I have written so many times before, I wish I had the opportunity to correspond with you prior to the surgery...Yes, you are still healing, but should have seen a marked improvement by now, if the diagnosis was correct. This is precisely why I do not advise surgical correction in 99.9% percent of patients. All you can do now is wait and hope for the best. Continue with your rehabilitation efforts and do what your doctor advises... If you do not see a drastic change by Feb 1st, I would consider knowledge therapy instead, and hope the surgery did not do permanent damage... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hello, I have had terrible foot and leg pain for almost ayear now, being told by many Dr's that it is being causedby plantar fasciitis. I've had Mri's of my back, legs, and feet. The Mri's showed no evidence of any problems. I just keep going from Dr to Dr and the pain goes on, it's making my life unbearable. Can TMS possibly be causing my pain? I have had an extreme amount of stress in the past few year also. Thank You, Nancy
A: Hi Nancy, I think you already know the answer to this question...yes, of course. Most diagnosed plantar fasciitis is TMS. I would treat it as such and expect far better results. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I have Asthma, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy - mainly hands, Fibromyalgia/ME/CFS, Stroke in 2007 plus an old one which showed up on the scans. Now I am getting a pain that literally grabs me, makes me shriek with it's severity and is an absolute misery when I make certain moves such as when getting in a car or if I have been on my feet for about 30 minutes and I try to sit down - normally am in such low back pain I absolutely MUST sit or fall down. I use crutches to get about and also a wheelchair for any distance as I am as slow as a tortoise these days. I am 52 and have had the Fibro since 1997 and the ME since '99.I saw an Ortho surgeon and he has recommended epidural injections as I have a bulging L4/5. Can you suggest any exercises I could do that might help me lower these excruciating spasmodic pains I am getting? Liz
A: Hi Liz, I do not think the answer to your pain lies in specific exercises, although any exercise you can do is valuable for your general health and mental state. Do you have an MRI report detailing the bulging disc? I am curious what the radiologist says about it. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I found your site very, very informative. In my case, following an MRI, it has been determined that I have "a bulging (L5-S1) slightly effacing on the neural foramen" as the report says.. as a result of improperly lifting an object 12 weeks ago. My actual back pain has gone but what remains are symptoms what you have described as compressed nerve(s)with cramping and contractions in the calves, upper arm, hand and numbness of the feet. Sitting makes these far worse so obviously I avoid sitting.Traditional treatments such as physio, etc. no longer seem to be helping. I am a 45 year old male in other-wise very good physical condition and health. To your knowledge, do these symptoms disappear over time with proper care and good common sense and if so, how long does it normally take? Thank you very much in advance for considering my question. Donald
A: DONALD, Your email does not work, so I hope you see this...
Hi Donald, I read your story, as well, and see the wide range of symptoms you are enduring. These are quite obviously not all (maybe none of them) from the herniation at L5/S1. Bulging discs at this spinal level are so common and might not be related to the perceived "injuries" you have suffered. There is no indication on the MRI report that the disc is compressing anything at all...and it is unlikely that it is. The pain in the upper extremities is definitely unrelated to the bulging disc in the lumbar spine. The symptoms in the inner thighs do not correspond to the proper vertebral level of supposed injury. Pain or symptoms on the right side also do not correspond to the diagnosis. All these things certainly make me doubt the diagnostic conclusion...How about you? I am inclined to see ischemia as a far more logical answer, given the large area of symptomatic expression. You might want to consider this possibility when deciding on treatment. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hi my name is Danielle and i want to know whether i should see a doctor because for the last 4yrs i have had severe back pain and it has got worse, i can't sit or stand for 4-5 minutes without me crying in back pain, i already have scoliosis and i just wanted to know what should i do plz help me. Danielle
A: Hi Danielle, Yes, I think a doctors visit is in order. If you need help after seeing your doctor, write to me again with the diagnostic information and I will do my best to advise you. Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: my wife was recently diagnosed with degenerative neck disease - she seems to be now suffering from the nocebo effect. Her symptoms are far worse and she is not sleeping.She won't do any strenuous physical activity for fear of self-harm. I know if I raise this prospect of a mental component to her pain directly with her that she will be angry and accuse me of being unsympathetic. how do I go about resolving this? paul
A: Hi Paul, This is a common problem. In my experience, many people would rather suffer than even consider the possibility that their pain may not be structural. The best you can do is get her a book ( I recommend Healing Back Pain by Dr Sarno) and don't say a word. See how she reacts to it... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I VALUE YOUR OPINION!!! I WROTE YOU BEFORE AND YOU SUGGESTED TMS I FOUND VERY FEW PEOPLE SKILLED IN THIS AREA...HERE IS MY DEAL..MY LIFE IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS HAS BEEN IN ORDER, POLICE TOTAL VIOLATION OF MYSELF AND MY GIRLFRIEND WITH A BIG DOLLAR COST TO UNDO A STUPID AND POINTLESS TRAFFIC STOP..TWO DAY IN JAIL..THEN ATTYS..COURT..THEN..FULL TIME COLLEGE CLASSES...THEN FEAR OF THE POLICE SUCH THAT I CHANGE WHERE I DO OR DO NOT DRIVE TO AVOID THE PARANOIA AND FEAR OF JAIL, POLICE AND THE 4800% HIGHER BLACK LAW INJUSTICE RATES THEN FOR NO BLACK..DURING COLLEGE CLASSES IN GYM CLASS I PULLED MY C6 C7 VERTEBRAE DOING PULL DOWNS..WENT TO MY CHIRO HIS ADJUSTMENT WAS VERY LOUD..SINCE THEN MY NECK CAN NOT LAY FACE DOWN..EITHER SIDE DOWN..FRONT AND REAR ANY WAY MY HEAD LAYS IS GRADUAL CONTINUAL PAIN..SOMA NO GOOD. ATIVAN OK BUT NOT FOR LONG..I HAVE HAD BP OF 150/120 AND BEATING ARTERY IN MY RIGHT EAR..IT IS REAL SCARY..ATIVAN CALMS IT..MY CARDIOLOGIST SAY NO PROBLEM BUT SOME OF MY BLOOD WORK IS OFF..WHY HE DID NOT RUN A CORTISOL AND FULL KIDNEY TEST????MY NEUROSURGEON SAY 2MM BULGES ON MY CERVICALS..NOT SURGERY CANDIDATE HIS IDEA GET PHYSICAL THERAPY..MY PRIMARY SAY GO TO A NEUROLOGIST..I SAID THAT THE FIRST DAY I MET HER..THE NEUROSURGEON DID NOT GO OVER MY MRI WITH ME WITH THE BIG LIGHTED BOX THAT DOCTORS USE TO REVIEW MRI DATA..DOCTOR G SAYS THE MUSCLE HYPERTONICITY..NOT THE VERTEBRAE ARE THE PROBLEM..BUT MUST PEOPLE ARE NOT MYOLOGIST THUS THEY KNOW MORE ABOUT CLAM AND SHRIMP THEN HUMAN MUSCLE....IN YOUR OPINION IF YOU WERE ME WHAT WOULD YOU THINK COULD CAUSE THE NECK TO BE TITE FOR WEEKS OF END??? TMS...PTSD...TMJ...ALCOHOL NEUROPATHY SINCE I DO DRING..CO2 OR CO LEVELS SINCE I DO SMOKE...DISC BULGE...FIBROMYALGIA...OR AS THE NEUROSURGEON SAYS CERVICAL NEURALGIA VAGUE YET IT DOES HAVE A DEFINITION...I FEEL LIKE DOCTOR HOUSE ON TV..EVERYTHING I THINK IT IS NEVER REALLY FITS AS THE CORRECT DIAGNOSIS...ARTHRITIS...INTENSE STRESS...PAST LIFE..LSD FLASH BACK SOMATIC???? EVERY ANSWER SHOW TEN MORE QUESTIONS.. I KNOW YOU ARE SMARTER!!! I VALUE YOU DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT OF MY MYSTERY...THE ONE THING THAT IS MOST TANGIBLE IS MY C7 IS STRANGE IN SHAPE SOME HOW BIGGER ODD COMPARED TO OTHER VERTEBRAE....INTO YOUR HAND I COMMENT MY DIAGNOSIS... DAVID
A: Hi David, It is difficult to process all this information, since as you say, there are many possibilities. I am going with the most likely one...TMS. You are obviously obsessed with your health (and injury) and are also obviously incredibly stressed out for a number of reasons. I highly doubt that your neck is structurally deficient. The bloodwork could be something to pursue or maybe not...it may be nothing at all. I think you need to think about giving knowledge therapy a real chance to work for you. There is nothing to lose here by trying... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
COMMENT: crushed vertabrae two thirds at l5 and the doctor said he would use a z plate. be fore surgery i asked if plate would move and he said no, almost a year later before releasing me he blurted out in anger that i had moved and was silent after that.then no doctor would touch me or admit to any wrong doing. now i live with the pain with many intervals of bed rest. Jeff
A: Hi Jeff, I am so sorry to hear of your experience. I hope you can find some relief in the future. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hello, In November, I had a problem with three bulging discs. I spent a day in the hospital and was given strong pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. I went to a chiropractor the next day and he has made me straight again,(I go three times a week and am down to two now.) but, one day a few weeks later I was trying to roll over in bed and experienced great pain in the middle of my butt cheek. This pain has stayed with me for about 5 weeks now and hurts EVERY time I roll over in bed and goes down my leg to the back of my knee. It used to only hurt at night in bed, but now reminds me that it is there all day long. My chiropractor stretches the muscle and I do stretches at home too, but it is still hanging on.My back feels 10,000 times better, but this pain is driving me nuts. I have also tried a medrol dose pak and was pain free for 1 day. I am going to have a deep tissue massage tomorrow. Is there anything else I can do? The stretches I do don't make a difference at all. Help!!! Debbie
A: Hi Debbie, This type of pain which comes on after the initial symptomatic expression gets better, often is an indicator of an ischemic pain syndrome. The fact that it began in bed is another clue to this possibility. I recommend considering treating the condition as such, instead of as a structural concern. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: gday.my name is mark. i've always been extremely athletic and strong my whole life playing everything from footy to bball, tennis, surfing, athletics,lifesaving etc etc. Unfortunately i've had strong to extreme pain for nearly 5 years now in my lower back (i am now 19 yrs old). i started getting it after overly hyper extending playing bball when i was 15, since then i've had huge downs with amazing pain, developed massive muscle imbalances (extreme lordosis: weak bum and abs)which has literally changed my body, i appear fit and athletic yet i constantly battle to even walk properly without getting pain:it seems impossible. I cant run, i cant stand, sit, lie down, i cant bloody exist without the pain. I've seen everyone from chiropractors to physio's to massage therapists, even psychological treatment, sometimes they help yet it takes only a short while of standing or sitting before the pain intensifies once more. i do so many exercises to increase only core and leg strength, i'm ten times more flexible now than i was before the pain began, yet the pain remains. i know my glutes are still to weak and my lumbar region is still jarring. Yet it just doesn't seem to get better, EVER. I wake up and crack my back(deep thudding cracks), i stand up and crack more, i concentrate on standing properly constantly, i cant sitdown, i must lie down after standing for a short while. i can't work with it, play, no more sports, i have to stay at home and stretch instead of hanging with mates etc im sure you know. I need help. I'm living the best years of my life in pain, it literally ruins everything. Any advice is very much appreciated,thank you sincerely for your time mark
A: Hi Mark, Everything you are saying is completely illogical for a physical injury and I do not think there is anything wrong with your back, especially given your age and athletic background. I strongly advise knowledge therapy for you as I think it is the only thing which can save you from this torturous pain. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Sensei, I have a question, What kind of information on mental healing is in your book? I'm interested in the physical healing but I also need the mental healing as well. Any information would be great. Cory
A: Hi Cory, I am not 100% sure how you define mental healing. My book is about understanding chronic pain, regardless of its location or symptomology, and using a unified mind/body approach to cure it. In order to accomplish this, you must address issues which reside in the mind, as well as the body. I hope this info helps to clarify the contents of the book. If you have any specific questions about the book or anything else I can help you with, feel free to ask. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hi Adam, It has been a full year that I am pain free after first discovering your site and reading your book. It is the best holiday gift I have ever received. Continuing thanks forever and Happy Holidays to you, Samuel
A: Hi Samuel, Holiday greetings to you, as well and Happy New Year. I am thrilled that you have done so well and continue to be pain free. Congratulations and keep up the good work. Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Dear Sensei, i'm 37 years old, healthy, not overweight, and pretty active. Until recently I used to run, ride horses and scuba dive a lot. Over the years ive had a mild backache, usually after prolonged periods of sitting. Pretty common, as i work on a desk and am a workaholic. I should have just let it be. I went to my family doctor and she had an x-ray made. The x-ray showed nothing, and she advised me to walk more. So I did, but it made my problems actually worse. I was to PT, but again without any improvement, and i felt it made it worse as well. So about 2 months ago I had an MRI made. The MRI again showed nothing serious, but it did show 'moderate osteoarthritis' whatever moderate means. It also showed a cyst, but it was all normal i was told. I had no possibility to talk to the person interpreting the MRI, and I cant interpret it myself of course. So the conclusion was that my pain was caused by osteoarthritis.
Now i'm probably a poster child for psychological pain, as within 2 weeks from that diagnosis, I started to develop more serious pains after I tried more walking again. The pain moved outwards from my lower spine to the top of my hips, a few inches to the side of my spine, and went from dull pain to sharp pain. I now have a hard time standing for more than 15 minutes, and walking is also quite painful. I have good days and bad days, which seem to go in a perfect sinus wave. I've noticed that my body is extremely tense and stressed. My glute muscles are constantly tense. I can let them go if I focus, but if I do i feel less secure standing. Within moments of not focusing they're tense again, fully tightened. Not only my glute muscles, but many others are tense as well. My whole back feels stiff, and my arms are always tight as well. I was told to try NSAIDs, so ive tried a few, but they seem to have literally no effect.
My mind is telling me that i'm causing most of the problems myself. But it's very hard to accept and I don't know where to go from here. I have made an appointment with an osteopath, to see if that brings relieve, but my biggest fear is that I will go from one treatment to the next, endlessly, for the next 30 years. Any advice is welcome. Cor
A: HI Cor, To me, it sounds like a classic case of ischemia and very similar to my own symptoms which have plagued me for much of my life. I highly recommend knowledge therapy for you and feel you will benefit greatly if you will take the time to really immerse yourself in the treatment. You are obviously very intuitive and should be able to cure this pain 100%. I would avoid all other treatment modalities, as these will simply add fuel to the fire in an attempt to justify the structural nature of the pain. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I had a 3 level Dynesys operation in September 2007, I am currently awaiting approval from the insurance company to have it removed. They did L3-S1 levels. I fell down stairs and herniated those 3 disks. I have not had a whole lot of help with the pain in my back, in fact my legs feel rather weak a lot of the time, which the surgeon says could be from the Dynesys system or could be the L5-S1 disk as it shows a herniation on it still. The L3-4 and L4-5 show signs of healing so I guess that is good. I would just like to be out of pain without meds... But I am starting to wonder if that is even possible.Anyhow thanks for the site, its been useful for me :)Namaste, Melanie
A: Hi Melanie, You are welcome. I hope you continue to improve and I send you my best wishes for a healthy future. Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: how did you cure your back and neck pains etc, i have the same symptoms that you described but i do not know how to overcome this problem. Many thanks Chloe
A: Hi Chloe, I used knowledge therapy. The process is well detailed on the site. If you are interested in the treatment and need help, feel free to write anytime. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: good day my name is chantelle and i had a Discectomy 6 yrs ago, i have since then never gone without pain, i went to the doctor today and had a MRI scan done and this was part of the result:
"there is a prominent signal loss in the L5 disc with high signal intensity noted in the peripheral annulus at L4/5 level""There is a broad based L4/5 disc prolapse with central canal narrowing as well as narrowing of the lateral recesses bilaterally" "There is also facet arthrosis present which also contributes to the L4/5 Stenosis" what does all of this mean?Chantelle
A: Hi Chantelle, There is no such thing as an L5 disc, so I ill skip the first part...
The second indicates a herniated disc at L4/L5 and arthritic changes creating a spinal stenosis condition. It is a common condition.... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: whenever i am active or lift something, i experience chest and back pains from the center my back around my right side to the center of my chest. why>????????? Kristina
A: Hi Kristina, There is no way for me to know why your chest and back hurt. There are far too many possibilities. I recommend going for a check up from a qualified physician. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hello there, I have stumbled across this site looking for answers about my back. I have heard about the mind creating pain and it is a very real possibility for me. I will tell a short version of everything and would appreciate any advise.I injured my back about 21/2 years ago lifting a big piece of wood improperly and could not get to a chiropractor for about 3 weeks. i just took alot of ibuprofen and kept working. After that and 8 different chiropractors my back would not stay in place longer than 2 days...usually would be out again the next morning. Rolfing treatment was next, gave up after 10. I did get an xray taken but nothing else.
I then found an excellent osteopathy doctor that managed to get my back in line and stay there. That was over a year ago. The problem is that my back still spasms alot. I have been weight training for about 7 years. Before my injury i could deadlift 325lbs so i did have some muscle. I have continued weight training because it provides relief and if i don't go to the gym, i hurt. Just recently I have started deadlifts again, of course with lighter weight and will try to build muscle again in my lower back. I eat well and am in great shape. i'm a 43 year old woman. 8 years ago I left an extremely abusive relationship of 8 years. He had drugged me and things happened that i don't remember. My question is, what can I do to stop my back from giving me grief? I even tried healing touch as well as a couple other strange things. What about hypnosis? I'm open to suggestions. Rose
A: Hi Rose, I think you are an excellent candidate for knowledge therapy and this would be my advice to you. Obviously, your back is not structurally deficient, given your athletic abilities and previous resistance to traditional medical practices. I wish you well, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: 16 years ago I came off a waterslide wrong that inverted my back in the thoracic area (T5-7). I've had two kids since then and as I've gotten older that injury has gotten slowly to the point now that I have trouble in my lower lumbar area & sciatic, down to my legs & feet - numbness & tingling, not being able to keep my balance very well. The past 2-3 yrs the pain has begun to severely affect my upper to the shoulders. I 've always had large breasts, but even they feel painful as tho I have a case of mastitis. The pain wraps around my my chest/abdomen, feeling squeezed & bruised badly, especially when I remove the bra. I had pneumonia earlier this year after an aneurysm surgery in March, had that pneumonia from March till July, was on bed rest for near two weeks. Has left my chest feeling tight & with a sort of tickling feeling down along the left side of my trachea. Anyhow, the pain has gotten so bad that having to wear a bra causes pain, the weight ya know. my ribs feel ever so bruised uo & add insult to injury I'm now getting bladder/kidney infections with yeast infections at same time - means more useless pain meds & antibiotics and get told again that I'm a Hypochondriac like they did before they finally found the aneurysm growing behind the left eye. Was told 5 yrs ago by a supposed specialist in Grand Forks that all I was nothing more than fibromyalgia - I don't care what it is but how do we fix if it. I do not want to have to stop teaching my students. Within this week I have begun to lose some bladder control regardless if I've had something to drink or not. Stomach feels rotten, hard enough to crap.It's when I get so short of breathe because the imagine band around my middle is hugging me too tight. Was told the neurosurgeon may ask me to have a breast reduction. Please share any thoughts at even if you know a super dr in MN, ND, SD, or IA, NE.. We are down near to desperate. the pills are useless. The injections worked for 3-4 months but insurance won't pay for the injections anymore. Chiro & massage therapy hurt so damn bad I lay there & cry while they do their work. It plays havoc with my depression & the stress on my family. Please do you think you may have some ideas or help, even the name of a doctor can be helpful. Thank you so much.......... blessings, Shelly
A: Hi Shelly, I am so sad to read your letter. I can feel your desperation, but do not know any doctor in your area. Given your diverse and long history of health concerns, it is difficult to advise you as to the best course of action. You have tried many things already, so I might suggest taking a new approach with knowledge therapy. You might find it useful, you might not... But, at least you have nothing to lose by trying... At least it has not risks and causes no pain. Let me know how you are doing, ok? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: i have achondroplasia and symptomatic spinal stenosis. why is it that i have my mobility but am always in pain, tingleness, etc. I have my strength but have severe spinal stenosis of cervical thoracic and lumbar. With such medical evidence, how is it that I still have my mobility and can move around as I do? Maria
A: Hi Maria, Do you have an MRI detailing your stenosis? If so, can you paraphrase the report for me? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: My husband was diagnosed with a ruptured disc in L5 at least 5 yrs ago. Cause unknown. Its actually pressing on the spinal cord. When his leg started to go numb he quit his factory job. The doctor told him he needed surgery or he will damage his spine and when he cant go to the toilet anymore he will need emergency surgery. However, I have always begged him not to have the surgery, as I have read that most result in needing the same surgery again within 2yrs. I also don't trust doctors taking risks around the spinal cord. Its now better than it was but he still has almost constant pain and numbness. His leg pain is gone at least. But now he has swelling and soreness below his stomach (around the bladder). Maybe related? He still wants surgery just to get it over with. I understand his pain and his worry but I don't want it to go wrong. Does his back pain sound serious enough to require surgery? Is there other options? Sonya
A: Hi Sonya, I typically advise people to avoid surgery, especially for disc concerns. Alternately, spinal decompression is a non-surgical option which may work well for him. I hope things work out. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hey, I was just wondering if you could tell me what could be wrong? For about a week or two I have been feeling alot of pressure in my back mostly in the middle to higher but always right by my spine. there is a long muscle or something that is as far as i can feel. it kind of feels like a long cylinder shaped muscle on both sides right along the vertebra. it is a continuous pressure type pain have but it gets a little worst every day and today it hurts so bad it gives me the chills. but do i need to go to a doctor or a chiropractor or what? I thought most people who have back problems was a little older that me I am only 20 yrs. Then i thought it was because my 17 month old little girl was sleeping in the bed with me but she has been sleeping in her bed and it is still getting worse. Kristen
A: Hi Kristen, I cannot diagnose the pain, but can advise you to seek qualified medical help to do just that. If you see a doctor and have some results of testing or a diagnosis, I will be happy to advise you with a bit more information provided. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: what is a disc protrusion at c-4 c-5 causing mild cord compression? Scott
A: Hi Scott, That is a herniated disc in the cervical spine which mildly touches the spinal cord. Often, this diagnosis is made when the disc merely contacts the thecal sac surrounding the cord and does not influence the structure or integrity of the cord itself. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Dear Sensei, I'm a 18 year old guy who was diagnosed with lumbar disc degeneration about 10 months ago in one of my lower back discs (sorry would be able to find out exactly which one but am not sure off the top of my head). I played several sports but now really struggle due to the pain and the fear of making it worse. I really want to keep going to the gym, running and just doing what i used to but the doctor i am currently seeing has told me i am not to do anything in the way of exercise beside walking in water (about the most boring thing i have ever done!) Not only that, but i have plans to travel to Australia which he says would be a bad idea! I understand your back pain got better but only at the age of 37. After reading your story i think i have a similar condition to yours. I would really appreciate it if you could give me some advice on a way forward and would do pretty much anything to get back on the sports field!! thanks alot, Guy
A: Hi Guy, I highly doubt that DDD is the cause of any of your pain, especially at 18. If you have an MRI available, I will be happy to give it a look to be sure. Your situation does sound much like mine indeed. There is no reason why you could not find relief at your age, if the reason for your pain is the same as mine, as well. Let me know about the MRI and in the meantime, I recommend learning more about DDD and integrating knowledge therapy into your treatment. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I could tell you volumes about my spine - mainly lower back and neck. Bulging discs, facet syndrome, stenosis, arthritis, spondylolisthesis, reverse curvature and more. It's been going on and off, mostly on, since I first hurt my back in a dance concert 43 years ago. At the beginning I had a back brace, injections and physical therapy. Nothing helped. AFter that I started chiropractic which helped maintain things, but I have never been able to hold the adjustments more than a few hours. 10 years ago I was hit in the back by a heavy service door and my SI joint started hurting a lot. I refused injections, took Aleve, did my own therapeutic Yoga practice and continued with chiropractic at least 3x a week. Then the chiropractor changed to an "open office" style. Instead of 1 patient at a time, there were several adjusting tables and traction units in the same room. People came and went, including family members. Two years ago my daughter playfully jumped on my legs while I was on a chiropractor's table. Since then my SI joint has not stopped hurting - not for a moment for one single day. Although some indications of the previously mentioned conditions above show on (many) x-rays and mri's, the reports don't explain the extent to which I experience pain. Only one person has read the reports in such a way that explains pain and their advice was not to do much of anything physical, except walking, A little walking is OK. More and it's very painful. Sleeping is torture. Some chiropractors have actually made things worse when do muscle testing. One chiropractor tried several techniques which actually hurt me more, including injuring neck ligaments whereby I could not hold my head erect for 6 weeks and now every time the car hits a pothole my neck goes out. I keep myself very busy so as not to think dwell on the pain. Easy going exercise and my own approach to adapting Yoga helps ( and has helped many others as well). Yet any kind of more strenuous exercise, the kind that helps maintain weight and strength hurts, usually immediately, if not soon after. I've seen so many kinds healers and have felt some relief here and there for a few hours, but one bump, a heavy door, lifting (even correctly) - and it's back again. I've taken herbs and other supplements to support ligaments and diet and having a "pitta" predominant dosha, do not tolerate them well. I am not depressed, I am not manipulating pain for attention (wouldn't work if I did) and I am very frustrated and coping with constant pain is tiring. I'm not a candidate for the decompression table, it's not in my head, and I am open physically, mentally and spiritually. Anything you can suggest would be greatly appreciated. Nina
A: Hi Nina, I do not think your concerns are physical at all. Everything you tell me indicates that most doctors can not explain the pain, nor cure it. The things you list as exacerbators do not compute at all, especially if you are able to do Yoga. I believe the condition is truly ischemic, but would be happy to look at your MRI report if you have it available. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hi, I am 26 years. About 3 months ago, I threw a party at my place, and the next day I started feeling discomfort in my back which was growing day by day. I checked with a GP who gave a muscle relaxant injection and few medication. But it wasn't of much use. By searching the net, I found your site which helped me describe my pain as coccydynia. The knowledge therapy helped a lot, but the pain was still there, and I visited a Ortho, had a x-ray taken. The doc said it was coccyx pain, and gave , me medication(pain killer, muscle relaxant.) and asked me to take hot water massages and sit on the plastic cushion. I did and i was feeling better. But once I stop the medication, I feel the pain again, though not so severe. I am unable to sit for long, and if I do work, the pain comes back. I am afraid to go back to the doc, as he had suggested steroid injection in the bone, or manipulation. I don't wanna become an addict to medication either. I am at my wit's end given that I have 2 young kids to look after too. Do u think, waiting for few more days and continuing with hot water will help, and heal by itself. Please do reply. Thank you. Farah
A: Hi Farah, I do not know the prognosis for healing, since you do not even have a diagnosis. What is there to heal? Did you hurt it? It does not seem so from your letter. 99% of coccyx pain is psychosomatic and should be treated with knowledge therapy. I am curious what you have been doing as far as knowledge therapy. Did you have any diagnostic testing done or are the doctors merely guessing? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hi Adam, I have terrible SI joint pain on the right side and hip pain, a little pain on the left and both legs and feet have pain, tingling numbness in legs and feet etc pins and needles under both feet. I have had mri scan which said facet disease, seen physios, osteopath, chiropractor, about 20 times. He said SI joint dysfunction. He also said it doesn't really go away. Ive Also seen a surgeon, He said i have a few bulging discs but they are not the problem, that facet disease is. Ive been told i can have injections. This has been since the beginning of the year. Now my mid back feels very stiff. The pain moves into left SI joint but it never leaves my right side no matter what i do,whether resting or walking. even sleeping its there all the time. I downloaded your book, and that was what made me think perhaps i've got this. I have read Dr Sarno's books, healing back pain, mind and body prescription. Ive watched his dvd as well. I live in the UK. My question Adam is because my pain is there in SI joint and hip all the time, is it still PIPS as when reading the books i understood that the pain changes and goes somewhere different, so that made me a little unsure. I would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks Rose
A: Hi Rose, There are common patterns with PIPS/TMS, but no absolutes. Some peoples pain moves often, some stays put. The point is not the symptomatic expression, it is the commitment to treating whatever symptoms occur, through purely emotional means. Remember that using knowledge therapy is not an over night cure and many patients take weeks or even months to see resolution of psychosomatic pain conditions. It takes work. If you need help in the process, please stay in touch and let me know how and what you are doing. I recommend journaling and introspection daily, as per my book and definitely losing the idea of a structural causation. You have nothing to lose by trying. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Dear Sir, I want to be brief but this is my story. I have had intermittent back pain for 3 years. I was diagnosed with a herniated disc. It has since subsided but it comes back in various forms. It is strange how it moves around. Moreover, I have developed fasiculations in my lower legs. A neurologists has dismissed them as they are now ongoing for 2 years. I have recently, for the past 2 months, been suffering now with pain in both my trapezoids. At first I thought maybe it was from the lipitor I was recently prescribed but now I am thinking there is something else going on. I am certainly anxious and the truth is I know now more than ever that my problems must be from oxygen deprivation. But here is my question: Is is possible that oxygen deprivation can be the cause of the fasiculations in my legs? Thank you, Ed
A: Hi Ed, It is not only possible, it is almost certain. Think about a Charlie horse... This is when a leg muscle does not get enough oxygen due to overexertion or supine positioning... Definitely sounds like ischemia to me. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I'm wondering if u can give me any information a friend, Jason, referred me to you, My symptoms are neck pain c-6/7 slight disc bulge t-4/5 disc herniation L-4 mild scoliosis. I was told before it is the result of psychosomatic, however i was hit on the top of the head with a hatch on a tank. I have exhausted all non-surgical options possible. I was told that i can have complications if i have surgery....I was wondering if you can give me any insight on the idea the doctors said I have a 60% chance that the symptoms could go away. Just basically is there any means to work this out and do you think i should get the Surgery. Andrew
A: Hi Andrew, Do you have an MRI available? What are your symptoms exactly? What type of surgery is recommended? These details will help me to advise you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hi Adam, I recovered from my sciatica by putting myself into traction as i have done on other occasions & along with 3 months gym/pool therapy have been working on building up my core muscles. So far so good. Both my Specialist & my Osteopath were supportive of my use of 'Home Traction'. It really is an undervalued help for pinched nerves.If you wish to know more on how i do my own traction just ask. I'd be happy to share it with you. cheers, Rod
A: Hi Rod, I am happy to hear you have enjoyed such success from a simple and holistic practice. I wish you continued good health and a happy holiday season. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hey I appreciate all you are doing and your site is great, and I know you said knowledge therapy would be best but I have another question I hope im not bothering you. My physical therapist everytime I go all the muscles in my back and right buttock are tight and might be causing problems in the back she was telling me and the hip and back pain are not changing...I was wondering what you think about an exploratory surgery of the hip and lower back if i should request it. Jason
A: Hi Jason, I can not recommend surgery for you. I would actually advise doing everything possible to avoid it. It seems that you are enveloped in the idea of a structural cause, so you will have to do what is best for you. Just be careful... Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hi, I really like your site and find it very good for information. In India, healthcare is not easy to find and some information is old and not useful. Thank you, Gorbal
A: Hi Gorbal, Your are welcome. I am happy the site is useful to you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: hello my name is Anthony. i have severe lower back pain that highest pain meds wont work other than make you a drug addict which i hate!!!!!!!!!!!!! please advise whether we are on same page. thanks
A: Hi Anthony, I agree that pain meds are not a good long term solution to virtually any painful complaint and do demonstrate a very real risk for addiction. There are typically better treatment options. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: My mum slipped on the ice the and fell flat on her back, she could not move and she had to be taken to hospital by ambulance she was discharged but every time she moves her middle back or lat muscles go into spasm and she is in a great deal of pain can any one suggest anything that may help Alex
A: Hi Alex, I recommend she follow up with her general practitioner, as was probably advised by the hospital. An injury like this might take some time to heal, but if the pain continues past a few weeks, medical care might be advised. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Comment: Hi Sensei, Just wanted to wish you a happy holiday season. I am still pain free and recommend your site and book to all I meet. Thanks for everything! Teddy
A: Thanks for the kind words Teddy. I wish you a happy holiday as well and I am so happy to hear that your pain is gone. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I have a chronic, dull irritating ache just under my front right rib cage (abdomen) with the ache radiating to the back for approximately a year with the ache getting m ore severe after drinking excessive red wine. When I lay off the red wine the ache seems to subside somewhat. Often when the ache is more severe it is exacerbated by movement, it feels like an internal organ is rubbing the inside of my rib cage? I have made an appoint with a General GI at Hopkins and that isn't until February? My primary care has completed a sonogram which produced negative results. Your thoughts? Daniel
A: Hi Daniel, It could be a world of different possibilities. Far too many to speculate on blindly. I doubt it is linked directly to your back, however. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hello. I just submitted my story. I'm a 22 year old who was injured playing D1 lacrosse in undergrad. I have been diagnosed with bilateral facet joint syndrome from L2-L3 to L5-SI (confirmed by steroid and novocain injections). I have consistent stabbing pain in my lower back and cannot sit for more than 45 minutes, walk for more than 30 minutes, or stand still for more than 15 minutes without feeling severe pain and needed to lay down. I consider myself to have a pretty high tolerance for pain and was always very active. I have had radio frequency ablation on both sides (at separate times). This procedure worked on the left side (first side done) almost completely (slight tenderness at one of the lower joints), but not on the right at all. The doctors seemed stumped as this has "never happened to them before." I was wondering if you have ever heard of this happening to anyone? Laura
A: Hi Laura, My opinion is completely different than your doctors after reading your story. I doubt your facet joints are to blame at all and this is why the treatments have been only partially successful (and most likely due to placebo effect.) I believe the pain to be ischemic and should be treated with knowledge therapy. I am sure you never considered this possibility, but I urge you to, since you are headed for a long read of treatments at such as young age... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I have had back pain lower and upper for about a year now. I have had steroid shots in both shoulders for years and have been told that I need surgery on both shoulders. The pain in my back has gotten worse and my ribs feel like it hurts to breath at times. Just recently my tail bone has been hurting and is tender to the touch. I hate going to the doctor because I feel like because of all of the addiction to pain medication that they don't take me seriously. I think I can handle the pain but I'm concerned that it may be a more serious condition. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Paige
A: Hi Paige, Why do the doctors think you need surgery. What is the diagnosis? Obviously, whatever is troubling your shoulders has nothing anatomical to do with your lower back. Did you ever have an MRI? What were the results? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Comment: I am a former college soccer player and still an athlete. I do many different types of athletic activities and because of that my back always has general soreness. My doctor told me ice and heat would be the best way to deal with it. I bought a heating pad and also a big ice pack. It was such a pain to take care of the injury because I had to take an hour out of my day to lay down and do twenty on twenty off. My friend referred me to a product. It is a product that Michael Jordan used when he played for the bulls. It is a hot and cold therapy product that you can wear over your cloths and be mobile with. The product has really changed my life and I just wanted to share that with you guys. I was wondering if you guys have used it and if you did what do you think. It has really made my life easier so I wanted to share my story with everyone. Josh
A: Hi Josh, Thanks for sending in your story. I will check out the site. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: i am at the end of my tether. 3 years ago i suffered my first bout of muscle spasm/contraction in my middle/lower back near spine. i coped with that,then i fell and pulled my right shoulder and had trapped nerve which also gave me a headache from neck over head into left eye. osteopathy helped but i have been experiencing agony in middle/lower muscle near spine and grizzle like lumps by left shoulder blade 4 times and am becoming scared of the pain, i cannot take oral painkillers as they effect my stomach but this time was given amitryptilline 25mg which i stupidly took 4 and lost a day just to get rid of the pain i tried ice packs,tens machines just about everything.the osteopath has told me he can no longer treat me as it needs further investigation and i now have an appointment to see my gp on monday so he can assess me and refer to a specialist. i have always had a high threshold for pain but i have nothing left i cannot stand this pain that comes every few months now. any advice would be gratefully received. thank you. C
A: Hi C, I recommend an MRI if you can get one. Obviously, without a correct diagnosis, all treatments are pure guess work. Let me know what the GP says. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Comment: 4 weeks ago had a pain about 4" down from my right shoulder. I have been to 3 neurologist. The last one now has given me 3 injections of steroids every two weeks. The fist two lasted about 5 or 6 days. The third one has done better but the pain still comes an goes. The Orthopedic doctor said it was a pinched nerve. My right arm is kinda sore and my right hand is not numb but has very little strength. The reason I am on Disability from work because I can't sit an work computer for 8 hours. The pain moves from the hand up my arm to the spot below my shoulder blade. Don't want surgery cause I heard they cut your throat below your jaw bone to work on your vertebrae in your back??? I was thinking about maybe laser would be a solution. Just kinda at a dead in now. Tommy Dallas Texas thanks
A: Hi Tommy, Thanks for sending in your story. Please keep me updated about how things turn out and the treatments you choose. I hope you can overcome this problem soon! Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I've been having muscular back pain for years. It used to come and go and now it doesn't go. I get it from sitting at my desk and from cooking which tells me it's the bending that causes it. I have to take pills everyday and I'm tired of it. Would a cortisone shot help me? Juell
A: Hi Juell, I do not recommend cortisone shots to anyone. They can do more harm than good. Unless your posture is horrific, I doubt whether sitting and cooking is the exclusive cause of your pain. It might be contributory, though. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: This is Dhaval from Vadodara,Gujarat. my age is just 24. I just passed my M.Sc. Applied Physics course and I' m working as field engineer in one company. One day after coming from site I just started after some what 6 month with push ups and my back started paining from very next day. And I showed this problem to one orthopaedic surgeon, he suggested me for X-ray, From X-ray he detected that I'm suffering from LUMBER SPONDYOSIS. So I'm also taking some pressure therapy. Please suggest me some better treatment, actually I want to do many things in my life and I don't want to live paralyzed life. Dhaval
A: Hi Dhaval, I think you mean spondylosis, yes? This means normal arthritic changes in the lower spine, which are rarely a problem. I recommend an MRI, if it is available. I doubt this is the actual cause of your pain at all, especially at 24... What is pressure therapy? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I am in my fifties and I do have Lupus, I had a backache but just thought it was one of those things. Went visiting when I was there it got a lot worse then we had to drive back for 1 and half hours. I could hardly get out of the car and was in intense pain. Called out a doctor who said the it was a muscle spasm he prescribed pain killers and I was off work for 2 weeks although it didn't really go away when I went back to work were I work in an office. I did go to see a physio a couple of weeks ago, were he could feel the muscle hadn't gone back completely so he showed me some exercises. After this it got a lot worse over a couple of days and then very painful I had to have more time off work. Now I am not sure what to do for the best should I go back for more physio. Would welcome any advice. Thanks, Pam
A: Hi Pam, Without an accurate diagnosis of what is causing the pain, we are both just guessing. If the pain is related to your lupus, it should be treated by the physician handling your normal symptoms. However, it might be unrelated. Did you have any diagnostic testing done? If so what were the results? If not, I think it is time to do so... Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: My 14 yr. old son was diagnosed with NF1 last year and we through MRI's we found he has two tumors, one of which is located near the lower spine which is causing him pain. His Dr. just recently prescribed Gabapentin, which is causing some dizziness and drowsiness. Do you have any suggestions on how to relieve his pain without the use of drugs?? Joanne
A: Hi Joanne, Acupuncture might be a possible option, as many patients have reported good results. I recommend consulting with a qualified therapist for more information about whether or not this treatment might be an appropriate therapy for your son. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hello, I started having pain in my neck (after surgery to remove a benign tumor from my chest). About 6 mos later I rode the city bus for several mo. and started getting migraines, and sever pain where your skull meets your spine. I have motion sickness, dizziness, and the symptoms of migraine without the head ache as well. (light and sound sensitivities, vision disturbances). It all started in 1996. Then in 1999 I was doing a lot of walking and started having pain in my tail bone area, and a burning sensation in the flesh around it. Some time ago (15 yrs?) I remember having the feeling that I could barely lift my legs when trying to run, and have had that happen 1-2 times since. Then started having the sharp poke feeling in the rump, and occasionally a streak down the back of my right leg, and pain in my feet that doesn't last long, thank goodness. Now I also have lower back pain (ache). I am also having the numbing sensation in my hands,and the end of my nose, the tingling sensation above my left ear down into the ear drum, and it feels like there is a hair tickling my lip, cheek area (all of which come and go). I also am plagued with a hoarseness in my voice, and an occasional slow tongue feeling, tingling in both cheeks when I talk, and even have trouble swallowing at times. I have been on disability since 1996, and therefore have Medicare, and Medicaid. I've had MANY tests, beginning with Myastina Gravis as the tumor was in my thymus gland, but was not positive. I have budging discs in my neck, a slight Arnold Charai malformation in my skull, degeneration in my back, blood work suspicious for Lupus, they have diagnosed me with fibromyalgia (tho I don't have all the trigger points) and have taken and endless variety of meds. I don't have depression, and don't take anything that messes with my thinking. (I want to know when I'm not happy.) Do you have any input that can help me? It seems like I don't have any answers, and am given meds, and therapy as the answer. Therapy doesn't seem to help, tho it feels good to get the exercise. Too much seems to hurt though. sigh, Becky
A: Hi Becky, Your situation is more common than you might think. Chronic pain is a real epidemic and doctors usually have few, if any answers. You are obviously very knowledgeable about your health, but also obsessed with it. Have you considered the possibility of using knowledge therapy, instead of some medical treatment? This type of care might be just what you need. At least it can do you no harm and has no risks. Let me know how things work out for you, ok? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hi, I like your web site and I would like to share my story with the public at large and also hopefully get some feedback that will be better than what "professionals" have provided. What's is most frustrating is that with my condition, I can't define exactly what happened. But as it is, I cannot sit or stand for more than 2 or 3 minutes before my lumbar starts numbing and tensing up with pain making it impossible to stay in any kind of prolonged position. The disturbing part of the whole fiasco is that I never, ever had any back problems until I went to a chiropractor who used some kind of hand-held thumping device/mechanism to realign/adjust the spine. Now looking back it seems partially my fault for taking such an indirect approach for a muscle that was not healing in my back that was way far away from my spine. At any rate, I stopped going to this guy and subsequently the onset of this condition I have now began to take its hideous hold. I am sure that bowling three times a week, basketball twice a week and squats did not help the matter either. Since then I have been to a regular chiropractor who takes the traditional alignment approach which was fairly therapeutic but did not help me at all in the long run. I just finished with a physical therapy program that had me stretching and doing ab which hasn't really helped. I was going to school and was in class 9 hours a day so it has been hellish to say the least. At an impasse right now with frustration level unmeasurable. I went to a "spinal institute" and waited two hours for some guy to tell me the same thing everyone else did and that he thought it best if he shoot me in the ass with a shot of depo medrol. I was going to have this done but looked into it and found that this could have led to some new exciting nightmarish complications. At this point I am scheduled to go to a PT who has some spinal wisdom. Very disillusioned and suicidal at this point. Please feedback if you have any ideas! Thanks for your time, Sean
A: Hi Sean, It sounds like a classic ischemic pain condition to me and I doubt it has anything at all to do with the chiropractor. I advise knowledge therapy as a good possible approach. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I feel down on my back on an escalator {1 1/2 year ago)and a couple of months later my neck would hurt when I turned it to the left. For 10 months I have had pain in my neck, radiating into the back of my head and at times, it goes around under my jaw. My neck feels like the glands under my jaw are swollen. It is much worse when I put my head on my pillow or any pressure on my neck or my head. It gets still feeling at night and I have trouble sleeping. I have had MRI's X2 on my head and they do not show anything in my head. The doctors do not seem to know and I do not know where to go from here. I have only seen a Neurologist, who I felt did not take it too serious and thought it was stress, and I discussed it with my Internist who could offer no further suggestions. Any help will be appreciated. Lillian
A: Hi Lillian, It seems to me that there might be something wrong with your neck, but then again, there might not. I advise considering these 2 possibilities: Consult with a doctor who cares more, shows some compassion and takes an interest in your case. Alternately, you might be the victim of an ischemic pain syndrome which occurred from your fall. This is detailed on my page titled "back pain trigger". Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hello I have been looking for a back pain site like this for a while, so thanks for having it. I was injured in Afghanistan in September 07 from a collision of a HmmV I slammed Forward hit the steering wheel, and the seatbelt caught and slung me back into the Seat I immediately felt pain down my R lower back and into my piriformis region. I have been dealing with my pain for over a year now and I'm currently walking with a cane- Problems as follows... Groin pain when i move my right leg any to the inside or even standing where my hip & leg is where my toes are pointed forward Chronic low back pain problems sleeping standing walking even sitting I've had this problem for a while and doctors are trying to diagnose it as piriformis syndrome, but I've had the injections, physical therapy, even nerve block and put on many medications and to no prevail, and the MRI's and X'rays are negative so if u could point me the right way id be much appreciative. Jason
A: Hi Jason, Did you have an MRI performed? IF so, please send the report and I will give it a look for you. If not, this is my first advice to you...Get one done. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: HI MY PROBLEM IS CERVICAL MY RIGHT REAR SKULL BELOW MY EAR THROBS MY PALMS ARE ON AND OFF NUMB SOMETIMES MY FEET ALSO BOTH NUMB MY HIPS PSOAS AND QUADRATUS LUMBORAM FELL APART ABOUT 4 WKS AGO BUT I READ HOW TO RELEASE MY PSOAS AND IT SUBSIDED I AM WAITING FOR MRI RESULTS AND DO NOT WANT TO HAVE SURGERY ON MY NECK...YES I AM SCARED....REAL SCARED MY GUESS IF I PINCHED A NECK NERVE WHEN I WORKED OUT IN THE PAST I TAKE SOMA OR ATIVAN OR VICODIN DEPENDING...4 DAYS AGO MY HEART RATE WAS STRANGE I FELT DIZZY AND MY RIGHT EAR WAS MAKING A BEATING SOUND WENT TO ER DR SAID GET MRI AND GAVE ME ATIVAN...SLEEPING IS A BATTLE AND STUDYING FOR SCHOOL IS WORSE...IT FEELS LIKE CONSTANT TENSION IN THE NECK...AFRAID TO WORKOUT OR PHYSICAL THERAPY...BUT NOT WORKING MY NECK IS ALSO MAKING MY NECK WEAKER..I HAD A LUMBAR SURGERY WHEN I WAS 16 NOW I AM 44 AND THE THOUGHT OF ANOTHER SURGERY IS SCARY....WHAT DO YOU THINK? I FEEL HELPLESS AND I UNSURE ABOUT MY CHIROPRACTOR MAY HURT MY NECK MORE...I DID HEAR THAT AN UPPER CERVICAL ADJUSTMENT COULD WORK BUT STILL NOT SURE...ANY ADVICE WOULD BE TRULY APPRECIATED...DAVID
A: Hi David, Being that you do not seem to have any structural problems in your neck and are experiencing wide spread pains and other symptoms, there is a good chance that your condition is a manifestation of TMS. Have you considered this possibility? The ear and heart symptoms are classic back pain substitute symptoms. I definitely do not recommend even thinking about surgery at this point. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I am interested in buying your book. Do you treat back-pain is as a TMS problem, and if so is the treatment different than Dr. Sarno teaches? Thank you, James
A: Hi James, My book is complementary to Dr. Sarno's fine work, but is less clinical and written from a patient's own point of view. It is based less on theory and more on personal experience. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki\
Q: I don't know if you remember me, but we had talked through e-mail months ago before my first back surgery. I had a broad based herniation at L4-L5 with a pinched nerve and a year of severe Sciatica. P.T. didn't work, Chiropractor didn't work, Cortisone injection didn't work, nothing worked because so much of the disk was slipped and pressing on my nerve. So I had a Microdiscectomy on May 1 of this year, and things got better for a little while, but then they slowly got worse again a month or so later. My 2 week post op check up my surgeon told me I had DDD, not just a herniation. She said the disc was all dried out and there was no cushioning left, and it was losing disc height between the vertebrae. A month or so after surgery was when all the pain came back. We scheduled my anterior/posterior fusion for October 16. But in September I reherniated my disc bending over, and pinched the nerve so bad my I had near foot drop in my right leg. I couldn't lift my toes off the ground, I couldn't stand on that heel, couldn't bend my foot back very far at all. I couldn't drive without lifting my thigh off the seat to get my foot to let up on the gas, so that week I saw my surgeon and she said that the next day we either had to do another MicroD, and then reschedule my Fusion for 6 weeks later, or try to move my Fusion up. She called the Vascular surgeon right there and asked him what dates he had free and at what hospital and they switched their schedules around so they could take me the next morning. So 14 hours later I was being taken into the O.R. Right when I woke up in recovery, they tested my strength in my right foot, and it was a huge improvement. I could actually hold it up somewhat while they pressed down on it. The day before when she did that I couldn't hold my toe up for anything. They didn't want to leave the pressure on the nerve for another 3 weeks until my scheduled fusion because of the risk of permanent nerve damage and possibly paralysis of the muscles in that leg/foot. Being only 22, they didn't want to take that risk and have me end up with a bum right leg for the rest of my life. At this point, 2 months post op, my right leg is just as strong as my left again. I have no more shooting pain down my back... I have mild Sciatica, but it came back a month after surgery... They said it was common and not to worry about it, and I haven't, hasn't gotten worse or anything. I get to start physical therapy and I'm really excited. I did Aquatic physical therapy after my MicroD but it didn't help. This time I'm doing real P.T. I have Cervical issues, Stenosis, bone spurs, and an irregular curve, and sometimes it acts up and I get shooting pain down my arms and what not, so they're gonna have me work on my neck in P.T. too. Traction exercises. I have a herniated T11-T12 disc, as well, which I didn't know about until recently, even though it's been there all along. I still get pain in that area, stretching across to the right side in a horizontal line, when I do things with my arms out in front of me, like fold laundry. But these things are minimally compared to my L4-L5 issue, and I am SO glad I went through with the surgeries. Waking up was the most pain I ever felt in my life, having been cut through the front and my organs all moved to the side, the cages screwed in, with a radical discectomy (they took every speck of disc material out, since I herniated in that area twice... And she also had to remove the disc fragment that was stuck in my ligament, they incised the ligament and took it out, then removed scar tissue from my L5 nerve root... And then flipped me over and put the rods and screws in. I only had to stay in the hospital 4 days, on Dilaudid and Valium, because the Morphine PCA pumps NEVER work for me. They upped it 5 times.. To the maximum dose and it wouldn't work. Dilaudid is the only thing that does. So I was on that for the first two weeks home, 4mg every 4 hours, and Valium 3x a day. Now I'm back to my regular 15mg of Percocet every 4 to 6 hours, and Valium once at night... Which I have to stop taking the Valium when I start P.T. I told you I would keep you updated on what I chose to do and how things turned out.
I also asked my physical therapist, a physician's assistant, and my Neurosurgeon about Psychosomatic pain. They explained a lot about it to me, but told me that there are ways to diagnose it, and ways to tell the difference between the two. I, of course, wouldn't understand all the diagnostic terms, but they basically told me that in general, people with with Psychosomatic pain don't ever consider that it could be a possibility for them. Also, in my case, I asked them about it because I wanted to know if there was a chance that could be my problem, but they said that all my complaints and feelings of pain matched up perfectly with my x-rays, MRI's, P.T. evaluations, and regular check ups at the N.S.'s office. I think for me the biggest factor is the success of my surgery. I feel my muscles being tense and my range of motion gets more and more limited from the lack of use of the muscles.. No bending, lifting, twisting after surgery. But now that I am cleared for P.T. I can't WAIT to start. I requested to start now. I can't take nerve pain medication because I'm on Wellbutrin SR (which works AMAZING). So, I am excited to see how much stronger I feel and how much better my ROM with be after therapy. I'm supposed to go three times a week for 6 weeks, then do stuff at home. Can't wait! I will update you more once I start. I was also told there's a good chance that my L5-S1 disc will go, since I'm so young, and have many years left, God willing, with my spine, and with the added stress from the Fusion above it, it could be 2 years from now, could be 20. A lot of it depends on how well I do in physical therapy and how ergonomically I choose to live my life. They'll teach me those things in therapy. Sooo... That's about it. Not sure if you will have the faintest idea who I am, or of talking to me, but I didn't forget to update you like I said I would! Laura
A: Hi Laura, Yes, I remember our emails from the summer. Thank you for sharing more of your story. Thanks also for taking the time to fill out a survey. Please continue to update me on your condition, as it is always great to have a complete patient history to refer to. I wish you well in your recovery and hope that fusion will be a good long term solution for you. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I am 16 days post fusion surgery after trying every therapy imaginable, chiro, massage, physical, laser, and acupuncture. The pain in my back and legs and feet was at times unbearable. Not only did I get a second opinion but also a third before giving into the fusion. I'm scared, I'm a mom with six children and don't know what the future holds for me. If you have any advice about anything please please give it to me. Thanks for your time, Tasia.
A: Hi Tasia, All I can offer you is my best wishes for a complete recovery and hopefully the surgery will wind up being a good choice for you. Please stay in touch and let me know how you are doing. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: sir, i suffer from shoulder pain along with right hand fully. ensuring the cervical problems thru MRI SCAN , But there is no major problem at all. but since 4 years it is still paining . give me any idea to recover. d.venugopal
A: Hi d.venugopal, Being that you have no cervical issues which might be the cause, there are basically 2 conditions which might be the source of your pain. Thoracic outlet syndrome can cause these types of pain conditions, as can ischemia. Actually ischemia is the root cause of most cases of TOS, so the diagnoses are related. I recommend bypassing the usual ineffective medical modalities and trying knowledge therapy, since your pain has endured for so long. I wish you well, Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hello, I suffer from back pain and have since my early 20s. Now at 38 it seems to be a daily thing to deal with. If it isn't in my neck it's in my hip and down my leg. It's always somewhere! I go to chiropractic therapy and have even tried acupuncture, with little or minor improvement. Maybe a string of good days here and there. Nothing really works except Advil or Aleve to offset the pain. I'm interested in reading the Sarno book, but if there is something better that you would recommend, I'm listening. thanks for your help, love the site and your honesty. Brian
A: Hi Brian, I can't think of anything better to recommend to you than Dr. Sarno's fine work. I am sure it will make a big change in your life. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I am looking for info to present to the VA concerning establishing a link between previous back surgeries to now shoulder problems. Glenn
A: Hi Glenn, Your best bet is to get a written report from your doctor which might indicate such a connection. Bringing them a third party source which does not directly apply to you will not hold sway at all. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hello, I was skeptical of your method and did not want to buy book. However, son bought for me anyway and I am so sorry to doubt. Book is great and I really think it help me so much. I thank you and will tell all friends about book. All my doctor could not help, but book is much better. Thank you, Vladimir
A: Hi Vladimir, Thank you for the kind letter and I am happy you are finding relief. Keep up the good work! Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I was involved in a head on collision in March of 2007. It was not my fault. The airbags did not deploy in my car so my head slammed into the steering wheel and then bounced off. Ever since the accident I have been experiencing a constant "ache" in my upper back (between my spine and shoulder blade). I received all the "normal" treatment: physical therapy and chiropractic care. I was then sent to a pain management doctor who performed all the "normal" tests: nerve blocks, emgs, steroid injections, nerve ablations, and ultimately discography. The discography showed radial tears in my C4-5 and C5-6 discs. The C5-6 disc is the one we are focusing on. Now i am faced with a decision. I can either have a neuroplasty to try and remove the torn ligaments/scar tissue, or I can have neck surgery to remove/fuse the discs. I am 25 years old, have trouble sleeping, lifting, and pretty much everything else. However, one doctor is telling me to have the neuroplasty, while the other is suggesting surgery. I was hoping you could offer me some advice as to which is better at this stage in my treatment. Amanda
A: Hi Amanda, I would do anything to avoid fusion and I believe you can find lasting relief without it. Do not be hasty in making a decision, but shop your options carefully and talk to a variety of care providers for surgical and nonsurgical options. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hello, I'm a 25 yr old otherwise healthy male. I fell on my back 4 yrs ago and have had increasing sciatica since. Several months ago I provoked my back worse than ever and had back pain for the first time which radiates out like painful electricity. Now this sensation has spread to fill my entire upper body on both sides: face, arms, neck, shoulders, the entire length of my spine and partway down my legs. I have no disc herniations on MRI and no spinal lesions showing up either so MS is unlikely. I am beyond frustrated with my body and overwhelmed with the constant pain from this undiagnosed injury. Have you ever heard of something like this?? I honestly don't know how long I can endure this pain. Thank you, Matt
A: Sure, Matt, I hear of it everyday. I would highly recommend knowledge therapy for you, since I believe an ischemic pain syndrome took over for what you took to be an injury from the fall. As the syndrome was very successful, it started to spread and now is controlling your life. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Follow up: So do you believe actual physical injury can occur since obviously the body tears and breaks in many cases. I'm curious how can you differentiate between mentally induced and true injury? Matt
A: Hi Matt, That one is easy. Physical injury generally heals. It does not cause pain for months or years... which is vey typical in back pain patients such as myself. Additionally, many injuries are perceived as being worse than they are. For example, a person hurts their back working in the garden. They go to the doctor with moderate pain and a herniated disc is discovered. The disc has been damaged for years, unbeknownst to the patient. They blame the disc injury on the gardening incident and their pain become severe and chronic. That is nocebo and accounts for many cases of long term pain. Best, S.A.R.
Q: I had thoracic surgery from T3 to T6 for a recurring spontaneous cerebro-spinal fluid leak. The surgeon had to remove the spinous process to get access to the dura. He obviously had to cut through muscles. This operation was over 7 years ago. I still suffer from extreme upper back pain at the operation sight. I was very strong and fit at the time. Do you have any advice, i have tried some physio therapy but it did not help. Should i invest in a some support gear? Do you have any suggestions? karin
A: Hi Karin, Your situation is exceptional as far as needing surgery, but the end result was unfortunately very typical...long term complications. I do not think support gear is the answer, but you might consider talking to a sports medicine specialist regarding anything which could be done to aid rehabilitation. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: if a person has more than just pain in the back and down the leg and is experiencing tingling nerve sensation in the feet and around the ankle can the approach you suggest work,I do understand just not recognizing the pain can and does work,but can there actually be mind over matter being that there is an actual physical problem caused from a old injury. Brian
A: Hi Brian, Knowledge therapy is not mind over matter. It will not cure pain caused by a real physical injury, although it will certainly help you to manage that pain. The point of the treatment is that most chronic pain is NOT caused by injury, since damage tot eh anatomy heals. The mind simply chooses to perpetuate the symptoms, as if the injury is still there. This is proven fact and the basis for the program. I hope this information answers your question. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hi, I have read your book "Cure Back Pain Forever". I have been applying your cure and believe in them. I just have one question, once you are free of pain will the subconscious mind still try to protect with pain, if stressful times come in play? Robert
A: Hi Robert, That is an excellent question, but unfortunately, the answer is different for every person. Typically, once you retrain the mind not to express repressed emotions somatically, it will cease and desist permanently. However, stressful times can bring about new symptomatic expressions. This is detailed in my web page on the "back pain personality". The point is, you must be careful to continue to address psychological issues, even after you are pain free. Life continues to be a challenge, so make sure you are wary of any symptoms which might be related to a psychosomatic causation. No one is immune, but some people are more predisposed than others... I hope this info helps. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I saw Dr. Sarno in 1984 for back pain ie. 25 years of drugs for relief of lower back pain and was "cured" in 1 hour. I am now suffering form leg cramps which can be severe at times. Is this directly related to TMS? Dave
A: Hi Dave, These cramps could certainly be another manifestation of TMS. I would get back to the books and try to apply the same principles to the leg cramps as you did to your back. If this is not enough, call Dr. Sarno and get back into his program. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Hi there, I wonder if you can help me. My boyfriend and i have a cleaning business. About a year after it was up and running, he started to suffer from chronic lower back pain. This was right at the bottom of his spine and round about the right hand area. For nearly a year now he has been told all sorts of different things. Spondalaeu was the first, then his weight was to heavy from another, which i can assure you is not the problem. He has been treated with acupuncture, Reiki, seen by a very expensive osteopath and also a top man who treated many of the rangers football club lads, in order to sort out any injury's. None has helped and none have ever really given a straight answer to what the problem is. The reason for this in my opinion is that no-one actually knows. He lives on tramadol and bruefen every day. He is chalk white some times and dizzy with pain. He has stopped work for rest and as soon as he steps one foot out the door with any swinging, pushing or pulling movements, its right back to square one. he has private health insurance which will not cover him for an MRI. I don't really understand the politics with this, as i suggested the NHS but that also was causing a problem due to private medical care. More to the actual point though. About 2 years ago my boyfriend was diagnosed with viral meningitis. He was taken to hospital with fluid in the brain and a headache to knock you out. The doctor then tried and i must stress the word tried to give him a lumber puncture, he made several attempts, failing each time, his back was a mess. the doctor eventually got it in and that was that. Now my query and also concern is that by any chance could that incident in any way have affected his back? Severed tissue or cut into muscle or nerve ending's leaving an unhealed wound that will cause him nothing but excruciating pain? Could this be the cause? He is in utter agony all the time, even relaxing back rubs are painful. I also wondered if strengthening the muscle by lower back exercise's might help? I am really at a loss, so is my boyfriend. Please could you help us in any way or point us in the right direction. I would hate for this to be a medical mistake and he is left to suffer the consequences. I have read of a woman who had a failed epidural and suffering lower back pain for the rest of her life. I would hate for this to happen to my boyfriend, but would also be glad to at least know. Thank you for your time, i most appreciate it. Hope to hear back soon and i am very sorry about my spelling and grammar. yours faithfully, Linda
A: Hi Linda, Sure, a failed epidural could produce these effects, but not a year after the occurrence...I doubt it is related given the time frame. I understand your insurance concerns, but still, without an accurate diagnosis, treatment is simply a guessing game. I advise staying clear of the alternative therapists and getting to an orthopedic physician, who might have the best chance of achieving an accurate diagnosis. Let me know how things work out, ok? Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Are there any side effects after having a steroid injection for coccydynia ? Duncan
A: Hi Duncan, Typical side effects include possible pain and redness the injection site. Possible complications can include infection, spinal fluid leak, nerve damage or escalated pain. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I went to the doctor. she said I had something related to a bulging disk. what is that? I did it at work. Mechanda
A: Hi Mechanda, I advise talking to your doctor about your actual diagnosis. There could be many conditions related to a bulging disc, so I am not going to start guessing which one might be affecting you. If you can get more info and need advise, feel free to write again. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I have cramps in the middle of my back. When I stand for a period of time my middle back cramps to the point that I have to lay down. One dr. put me on muscle relaxers for the cramps but I still get them. I am now having a burning sensation in my back. In the lower area where it would hurt if you had a kidney infection. Sometimes the burn radiates around to the left side on down the buttock area. I was recently in the hospital and my kidney function is fine. I have seen 2 doctors and they don't have any idea of what is causing it. Do you have any idea of what may be causing it? If I were to go to a specialists, what kind do you think I should see? Pat
A: Hi Pat, I think you require an exam from a spine specialist, such as an orthopedist. Make sure they do diagnostic imaging of your spine to determine if there are any structural issues in there which may need addressing. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: HI,MY NAME IS RACHEL AND I HAVE READ YOUR BOOK AND DR. SARNO'S BOOKS TOO. I DO BELIEVE THAT I HAVE TMS AS I EVEN NOTICE THAT WHEN I WORRY EXCESSIVELY OR DOUBT THE REASON FOR MY PAIN OR FEAR IT OCCURRING I FEEL PAIN ALOT. HOWEVER, I KEEP ON HEARING AND SEING DIFFERENT DIAGNOSIS'S WHICH MAKE ME OVER THINK THE WHOLE PAIN PROBLEM AND CAUSE ME TO WORRY TOO MUCH. FOR EXAMPLE, A DOCTOR HAS MADE A VIDEO ON THE INTERNET (ON YOU TUBE) SAYING THAT EMOTIONS DO NOT CAUSE THAT MUCH CHANGE WITHIN THE PHYSICAL BODY AND HENCE NOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE PAIN. WHY DO DOCTORS NOT KNOW ABOUT TMS? IT MAKES ME FEEL SKEPTICAL SOMETIMES, BUT I HAVE BEEN TO EVERYONE THERE IS TO GO TO FOR TREATMENT AND NO-ONE HAS FOUND ANY REAL PHYSICAL PROBLEM WITH ME. I EXPERIENCE SHOOTING SCIATIC PAINS DOWN MY LEFT LEG AND TWINGES IN MY LEFT HIP AND LOWER BACK REGION. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT POOR POSTURE OR OVERPRONATION CAN CAUSE THIS? I DO NOT THINK IT CAN REALLY, BECAUSE IF IT DID WOULDN'T EVERYONE BE IN INTENSE PAIN ALL OF THE TIME. ALSO, I FEEL PAIN IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS AND I HAD V11 MONTHS OFF FROM MY RUNNING AND MY PAIN NEVER WENT AWAY. PLEASE CAN YOU JUST CONFIRM TO ME THAT THIS IS TMS, BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW ANYONE WITH THIS PROBLEM, AND MOST PEOPLE DO NOT SEEM TO THINK THAT THE MIND CAN CAUSE SUCH PAIN., THANKS, RACHEL
A: Hi Rachel, I can't confirm it, but it sure sounds like TMS to me. Doctors know about TMS, they simply choose to ignore the facts. For more info about why this occurs read my page titled "back pain industry". You have to remember the power of financial motivation... My advice would be to stop obsessing, continue with the books everyday and get back to running ASAP. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: I'm a 72 yr old male,and had a serious lower back/left leg pain incidence (first time). I ended up in the ER of our local hospital. After exam and pain meds I returned home. When I first tried to walk , at home, I fell straight down several times...my left leg just gave away. I am now trying to walk every day to regain the (squat) muscle. Can TMS seriously impact a muscle in this way? Seems like I really do need PT in addition to redirecting my mind. My lower back pain has subsided a bit, but something is seriously wrong with the leg. Thanks for your help! Bill
A: Hi Bill, TMS can create serious muscular weakness and reduced functionality. If your lower back pain is getting better, you might just have to be patient until the leg catches up. Don't you love the way the hospital just gives you pills and sends you home? I was always amazed at this type of treatment... I hope that leg feels better soon. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: Thank you for all your dedication to this amazing website. I have an incomplete spinal cord injury from my job as an RPN in a hospital. I have been in a wheelchair for 6 years and I am 38 years old. I am grateful everyday for my beautiful life but I can't help thinking that there is something more that could help me walk again.I need to try but none of my doctors have answers. I am extremely interested in the stem cell treatment and sent my email to a (stem cell research center). please tell me your thoughts. Yours Truly, Patricia
A: Hi Patricia, I am an advocate of stem cell research and I am so disheartened by the infighting between political, scientific and religious factions here in the US. It is a real shame, since I believe stem cells hold the most hope for people with SCI compared to any other option. My advice is to pursue whatever treatment you can, but be careful about spending money on nothing. The technology is still in development and there have not been any major breakthroughs as of yet. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: please could i be explained what it is RATZ CATHETER INJECTION and for what kind the pain that can be used.will that work for sciatica pain,neuropathy pain.? Margaret
A: Hi Margaret, Racz catheter is a form of epidural injection pain management therapy used mostly for scenarios when a particular nerve root is targeted as the suspected source of pain. Like other forms of injection therapy, a small catheter is placed under live x-ray into the affected region. Anesthetic and steroid solutions are injected into the painful area and the process is typically repeated several times over a few days. It is symptomatic treatment and is often inappropriately used, since the nerve root is often not the actual source of pain. Pain relief is typically temporary, lasting a few days, weeks or months. Subsequent treatments are almost always less effective than the initial round of injections. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: A month ago I lost feeling in my left foot along with foot drop, it was sudden, while driving. I drive a bulk tank truck locally in Houston Tx. Three weeks after the injury my neurologist found a problem in my L5 and has scheduled an MRI. Workmans comp has denied a claim as i can not provide a specific accident to cause this injury. I have not fallen twisted or done anything to injure myself. I was off two weeks of the three mentioned. Within days after returning to work i started having lower back pain while driving, which i did not have at the time of the injury. I continued to work, but the pain increase as i drove but was relieved when i got out of the truck. I did some investigating of the seat in the truck and found the lumbar support and seat back to be broken. The lumbar support was pushing out on the seat only on the left side. I retracted the lumbar support so that the seat back was flat and more even across and that has cured the extreme pain while i drive. I still have the foot drop and numbness. I do not know how long this seat has been broken but the truck has only been in service for 14 months and the warranty is out on the seat. I have contacted the insurance company and informed them of my findings and they have said the claim will still be denied. I need to know if there is anyone i can contact to have this seat inspected to verify that it is broken and the cause of my injury without allowing the company to remove it and have it come up missing. Tim
A: Hi Tim, You are basically asking for legal advice, so I recommend contacting a lawyer. Your situation is a sticky one and you are likely to have a difficult time finding a way to prove this fact without compromising your job or doing something underhanded (such as illegally "borrowing" the truck to be examined). I hope you can find some solution to your pain without getting into some type of ethical or legal trouble yourself...Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
Q: hi , i am 18 years old and i am getting really bad back pains in my upper back and also get chest pain at the same time sometime. when the pain comes it is not just normal pain it is really bad pain. I get the pain at night when i am asleep which wakes me up. i have been so see my GP and am now waiting for the spinal clinic to contact me, but i was just wondering if you had any ideas what would be causing this and any ways which would help me relieve the pain. please contact me back Aaron
A: Hi Aaron, It is impossible for me to diagnose the pain from an email, especially when symptoms are so new and you have no diagnostic history. Hang in there and wait to see the specialist. If you need advice once you have something more solid to go on, write to me again and I will be happy to help. Best, Sensei Adam Rostocki
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