DEAR DR. GOTT:
My mother was diagnosed with a herniated disc last year. She was in pain but able to walk. She tried physical therapy which did not help and also steroid injections into her back. The first helped only a little and the second did nothing at all. Her legs are now much weaker and the pain is more intense and she has to usea wheelchair because of it. Surgery is not an option because of her diabetes, high blood pressure, a partially blocked carotid artery and autoimmune hepatitis.

Is there any way to treat her pain and weakness?

DEAR READER:
Your mother certain has some serious health conditions that would likely disqualify her for surgery because of the high risk of complications. That being said, there are still several treatment options she hasn’t tried. [Read more...]