An example of Shrinkage Phenomena and decompression

In regard the previous blog on “classic herniations” this pre-post MRI series certainly reveals an excellent reduction in hernia size and impact. The frustrating component of what we do, and all of physical medicine is the inability to absolutely know what part of pain relief, healing and improved function are directly attributable to our interventions…vs. time. Voltaire pointed out some 200 years age: “nature heals, doctors take credit”. However in the above series the pain and disability (and the pre film) had persisted with little remission for several months during PT treatments. After 3 months he switched to our decompression treatments and in 5 weeks had a VAS drop from 7.5-2. A post film revealed the extreme reduction in size and impact. His pain eventually went to zero and in the subsequent year  saw no exacerbation. 42 y/o male, treatment was prone with 10 degrees of extension to comfort, 10 minutes at ~70 pounds, 3Xs a week. Laser and extension-facilitated exercises were also utilized.