Spinal Fluid Leak and A Herniated Disk

[JessicaMaier]

Firstly, this question is in reguards to my husbands health.  He serves as an infantryman in the United States Army. My husband has been having back pain for over a year now.  He just recently (a week ago) got an MRI.  He's been pushing for it, but if you know the military you know they really don't care about the health of the soldiers.  Anyways, the results of the MRI showed a herniated disk and that his spine is leaking fluid.  The military ALSO will not let me go to the doctor with him so that I can ask questions.  My husband is taking what they say which is that its no big deal.  However, my understanding is that leaking fluid IS a big deal and could lead to paralysis.  They are going to start an electro-magnetic therepy which I understand is a way to treat the herniated disk, however I do not believe that it is a way to treat the leaking fluid.  I am by no means a doctor which is why I'm trying to find things out.  They are trying to deploy him again in July.  And I know for sure he's not going to be ready for it.  Another concern is that I notice that he is a little more forgetful than usual and sometimes seems out of it (He is only 24 so old age is not a factor).  Could that be linked to the leaking spinal fluid?  My biggest question I guess that I'm asking is what is the problem with the leaking fluid?  Can that really cause paralysis?  Whats your opinion of electromagnetic therepy? And do you think we should rack up in medical debt to secure a second opinion?  

[VLK1982]

Hi Jessica,  sorry to hear about your husband's health problems, I know what you mean about the military...

Anyway, he might want to look into a treatment called Vax-d, which can help with herniated disks and fluid leakage.  It's non-surgical and not painful, and it may be covered by his insurance, if it's through the govt.

Best of luck to both of you!

[Adam Tanase, D.C.]

I'm afraid I won't be much help on the electromagnetic therapy. I don't know anything about it.

As for leaking spinal fluid... CSF is important, it's not optional. It shouldn't be leaking, ever. Since you've already had the MRI, there's no reason you can't consult with a non-military physician about this... one office visit to review the MRI and provide a second opinion won't be expensive.

Adam Tanase, D.C.
www.drtanase.com