Testimonial

Severe Back Pain - Prolapsed L4/5 disc with Mycoplasma infection

"My name is Scott Moore, I'm 23 years old. I have now had about 24 hours of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at the Spinal Rehab Group under the direction of Dr Mal Hooper.

Since July 2000 my life has changed dramatically from working as a framing carpenter, playing football, cricket, running etc generally leading an extremely active lifestyle to being told to restrict my activities including changing my job!

The nature of my work requires a lot of repetitive heavy lifting. In the initial stages my back was simply just sore, which then progressed to a deep ache through my lower back and buttock area. The pain progressively worsened and soon I was experiencing severe 'sciatica pain and numbness' travelling from my back down the outside of my right thigh, calf region and through into my foot.

In an attempt to gain some form of relief I would have to lie flat on my back, sitting or standing for any length of time caused my back and leg to be extremely painful.

Over several months my back got worse - much worse. I was off-work and seeing my local doctor, chiros, physios and eventually referred to a specialist. X rays and a CT Scan revealed a big disc problem in my lower back with the only suggestion from my specialist being told to 'give up sport and my job'. I was devastated!!

In the early stages of my back, the chiro helped a lot - receiving massage and traction. I was able to return to work and at least perform some light duties. However, my back continued to get worse. Medication wasn't helping, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't sit or stand. This was getting out of control!

My mother was having Hyperbaric Therapy and treatment at Spinal Rehab and after she described my symptoms to Dr Hooper, he recommended an MRI of my spine and said the first thing I should do is to stop getting my lower back manipulated.

MRIs revealed 3-unstable discs in my lower spine. The L3/4 disc with a right protrusion pressing into my lower spinal cord and displacing the exit nerve. The L4/5 disc with a 'large protrusion' compressing both the lower cord and exit nerves and the L5/S1 disc with a small bulge.

I was over whelmed with the information but at least we now knew exactly what was wrong. Dr Hooper said I was definitely off the tools for at least 6-12 months and recommended that I look for alternatives in the building trade. I found this advice pretty hard to handle initially but I guess things have worked out for the best because my employer is now training me in 'estimating' which is entirely new and challenging using the working knowledge that I have on the building site.

In addition to the MRIs, blood tests were performed with an underlying bacterial infection being identified - Mycoplasma. I have been able to better understand this issue by reading the information in the appropriate section on this site Opportunistic infections.

Treatment at Spinal Rehab has included Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, direct acupuncture with electrical stimulation, B6/12 injections, amino acid antioxidant medication and antibiotics (Doxycycline) for the Mycoplasma.

After 3-chamber treatment sessions and medication, I had my first full nights sleep. My pain levels virtually dropped immediately. I have now attended for 3-months and my back and leg are virtually completely pain free and certainly nothing like the pain I was feeling before starting HBOT. I have not even experienced a relapse which is exactly what I was experiencing before starting.

I have not had my back manipulated since I started HBOT. Dr Hooper states that the lower 3-discs in my back are like 3-weak links of a chain which obviously are the first to give way and break when forced or put under stress. Dr Hooper states that it is probable that the repeated traction and manipulation in my back may well have contributed to my condition!

I feel quite well, totally off pain killers, sleeping normal and without pain. I know that I have a long way to go and probably will never be able to play serious contact sports again. I would like to take the opportunity to thank my parents for their continued support and love and not just because they are financing the treatment. My sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr Hooper and his staff."  Scott Moore.