Testimonial

Chronic Back Pain - No option other than surgery?

".... For over two years my lower back had been progressively deteriorating, finally I was living with agonising pain in my back and down my left leg. Following a series of tests and X rays scans, I was informed that I had a 'burst L4-5 disc in my lower back with sciatic leg pain'.

Throughout this period I was based in Singapore, responsible for a number of international business and marketing activities into surrounding Asian Pacific countries.

I found that my back was determining my ability to perform at the requisite level. The constant rigours of flying and requirements of professional engagements meant I had virtually no time to rest or have the advantage of treatment consistency. Eventually, I found my self increasingly debilitated with pain and ultimately unable to work properly.

Over this two year period, I tried everything my reasoning mind could deal with. Medication, rest and swimming made no difference. I consulted Chiros, Physios, Naturopaths, Osteopaths and had massages etc. I just about exhausted every possible consideration in both Singapore and Australia attempting to avoid the inevitable - back operation.

Finally, the pain and endurance over the two years became too much to bare. I could no longer maintain the schedule of business activities, so I returned to Australia to have my back condition resolved. Every consultant I visited and expert opinion I valued recommended surgery.

Then by chance a member of my family informed me about Dr. Malcolm Hooper and the Spinal Rehabilitation Group. The intriguing factor that was different about this organization, was the fact that they were the only facility in Australia that offered Hyperbaric Medicine as part of a treatment approach in the management of back pain.  At this stage I had nothing to loose, I had seen every other specialist why not one more.

Thank God I did!

I was required to have a current MRI to determined the exact position of my disc relative to the spinal cord and nerves. Treatment included HBOT, electrical acupuncture and anti-inflammatory drugs on a daily basis. Within two months the intense pain in both my back and leg had virtually reduced to a dull ache. Obviously the disc was stabilizing.

That was two years ago! It has been nearly two years since this terrible period of my life and I have never looked back since. The condition has never returned. I'm living a full and active life again, with business and travel requirements at full speed.

I would like to take opportunity to thank Dr Hooper, for what he has done and the revelation given to him to consider this unique approach to spinal rehabilitation - 'healing in the blood'.

So natural, so simple, why aren't more people and practitioners aware of it?..." 

I can be contacted at: phillipfusco@hotmail.com