In December 1999 at the age of 50, I developed an acutely extruded sequestrated disc between L2/3, which tracked down behind the L3 body, to lie in the left L3 outlet foramen. This further resulted in an 80% loss of feeling and control throughout my left leg. The cause seemed to have been a cough over the basin while brushing my teeth.
Since my early twenties I have always followed the course of alternative medicine as a first line of defence for minor medical complaints. However due to the severity and pain of this condition I decided to get professional medical advice first. A nuclear MRI was performed which confirmed the sequestration. The neurologist advised surgery immediately in order to prevent permanent neurological deficit in my left leg. When I asked him if there were any alternative methods I could try first, he said I could try whatever I wanted but guaranteed that I would be back in 3 weeks begging him to operate, and by then there might not be enough time. What a great reinforcing attitude I thought!
By chance, the following day I met the senior radiologist in the hospital and he told me to try everything in the alternative arena first and only when I was on the brink of committing suicide from pain, go under the knife. What a conflict of approaches. Suddenly I was given hope and a lifeline. He further advised me not to play golf, run, horse ride or perform any activity that would cause compression in my lower back.
For the odd ailment I had previously seen a Directed Pressure Point Technique practitioner and decided to consult with him regarding my condition. Treatments ensured every 10 days for over 2 years and slowly but surely the pain started dissipating and feeling started coming back into my left leg. Then on a trip to the USA in October 2001, my cousin, who is a medical specialist, sent me for a check up with a neurosurgeon who specialises in neurotrauma and critical care of the spine. He reviewed my past x-rays and sent me for new x-rays. To his and my amazement, he determined the sequestrated disc was no longer visible and somehow my body had dissolved the disc. He informed me that this had been noted in the medical profession on previous occasions but to a very limited extent. To me this was a mild miracle and a big thanks to my Directed Pressure Point Technique practitioner who gave me faith and the belief to help cure my condition.
Since 2002 I have been playing some golf. Activities which do cause a compression on the lower back I no longer entertain. So instead of running, I hike or walk 5 days a week and now lead a pretty normal lifestyle again.
As regards my initial lower back problem, there have been times when my alignment in my lower back goes out of whack and sciatic symptoms have presented themselves. Since 2002 I have continued to have Directed Pressure Point Technique when symptoms arise and further as a regular maintenance program. This maintenance helps to ensure that I stay relatively pain free and in overall good health.
Howard