Radiculopathy

I hear your pain. Have you considered getting a second opinion? It is shocking to me that someone as active as you received that directive from your doctor.

@ttutor I wanted to welcome you to Connect. I'm sorry about your continuing spine issues. I know for me, physical therapy helps a lot. I am a cervical spine surgery patient, and fortunately don't have lumbar issues. My physical therapist is also certificated in the John Barnes methods of myofascial release. Every surgery creates scar tissue that gets tight and restricts movement and it can cause a lot of pain. When you release these restrictions and let the body move better, it functions better and reduces pain. Scar tissue can get very tight and this helps my surgical scar tissue. I also had surgeries for a broken ankle that happened 4 years ago, and MFR is helping that too because scar tissue was causing my ankle to collapse when I was walking, which is better now after stretching the scar tissue.

Here is a link where you can explore MFR
Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
I do know that John Barnes, the therapist who developed MFR also had a failed spine surgery in his neck where the bones did not fuse. He has managed because of doing his therapy techniques, and he is an older guy now.

Did your physical therapist work out adaptive exercises for you? I used to ride a bike when I was younger, but now, I don't want my neck forward and to put stress on my spine with exercise that has jarring impact. What I really love to do is to ride my horse just at a walk on the trails. That is actually great for core strength which supports the spine. There are many therapeutic riding centers where this is physical therapy assisted by the horse. I find my horse strengthens my back much better than anything I can do in a gym. Would that be something that may help you? Your physical therapist may be able to advise. Are you able to walk for exercise? That is good for the spine too.

Jennifer

Has anyone ever received cranio sacral manipulation for radiculopathy/neuropathy symptoms...I'm assuming this is the cause of my foot/ leg numbness and weakness since I have cervical and lumbar stenosis/herniation/impingement thecal sac, etc. and haven't been diagnosed with anything else.

If so, what was your experience/outcome. I know it's not a cure, but simply adjunct therapy. The woman I'm considering using is extremely expensive and no insurance coverage.

Thank you, Amy

@yengame7 Cranial sacral and myofascial release are 2 things my osteopath does for me…but I also have to do my homework, with stretches and carefully prescribed exercises… as for PT, I found benefit from strengthening the core (which was weakened after major abdominal surgery).. are these “cures’ ?—not exactly but, in addition to walking, they help manage pain…hoping for a cure is understandable, but being able to manage life from where I am now has been helpful so far.

@yengame7 I’ve been receiving crano-sacral massage as part of my full body massage bi-weekly and it does help control my pain from spasms in addition to MFR and acupuncture also bi-weekly. Yes all out of pocket but worth every penny.