Debilitating Lower Back Condition, what would you suggest to this patient?

Hi Alan!
I hope you’re doing well.
I have an important question regarding this disc injury I have. It’s
a near total occlusion of the canal space around L5/S1 (originating
from L4/L5). I’d say the disc tissue there is occluding about 70% of
the space, just pushing the cauda equina to the side. I’m presenting
with some leg pain, numbness on my toes, a bit of weakness when I plantar flex. Both neurosurgeons are amazed I’m getting around as
well as I am. The second Dr. was very concerned with the possibility
of the disc impingement leading to loss of bowel and bladder function
(I had about 1 week of labial numbness which has resolved.) It
sounds like I might at any time just lose bowel and bladder function,
and if that happens, I have about 8 hours to get the disc tissue off
the nerve, orI’ll be on catheter and bowel bag for the rest of my
life. Very scary prospect. so, the Dr. said I can do nothing, or if
I am most concerned about this possibility, he’ll get me in for
surgery to remove the extruded disc tissue next week. So, I’m
having them schedule it. But, I spoke with a practitioner from Korea
this morning (trained in Korea, practicing for 27 years), who works
about an hour from here, and he insists that I come see him for
treatment before doing the surgery–he’s quite sure he can handle
this. My question to you–will regular acupuncture treatment make
that disc shrink and be re-absorbed by the body? This is a big deal,
so I’m needing some help sorting it all out, and you’re the best
person I know to help.
Thanks so much–I look forward to your reply.

About Alan

Alan Jansson is an internationally recognized teacher and practitioner of Traditional Japanese Acupuncture. As a staunch advocate of practically based workshops, Alan draws upon his 35 years clinical experience and 23 years post and undergraduate teaching. Alan has presented, convened and hosted more than 70 Traditional Japanese Acupuncture workshops in Australia, Europe, and USA.

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