For many years, I have been a 4 times per week attendee at a gym and participated in aerobics classes, and general aerobic and strengthening activities. Aside from occasional aches which did not interfere with day to day activities, I had never experienced any back pain. In early February, 2008, I felt a sharp pain in my left lower back, which extended to my hip and thigh. The pain was sufficiently severe that I could not stand or walk for more than a few seconds. I initially saw an orthopedist who referred me to a neurologist, who agreed to see me in his office at 9:30 pm that evening.

The following morning I had an MRI which indicated a herniated disc between L4 and L5. The neurologist prescribed a regimen of prednisone over a 13 day period. It helped to the extent that I was able to drag my leg and sit comfortably but I could not walk more than a few hundred feet or stand for more than a half minute without out extreme pain. The neurologist then referred me to a pain management specialist but I was not able to receive injections and not particularly to mask the symptoms rather than resolve the problem. I also went to physical therapy which provided no significant relief and I felt was actually exacerbating the problem.

I had heard about spinal decompression from acquaintances who had had success with these treatments and I contacted my neurologist to get his opinion. He recommended me to Dr. Scott Surasky with the admonition that he was the only chiropractor he trusted with his patients.

I had never been to a chiropractor and was quite skeptical but decided to take a chance since my only other option was surgery, which I found to be far less than satisfactory from some people I knew who were treated surgically for a similar condition.

Dr. Surasky spent a good deal of time with me and was very thorough in his examination. To be honest, much more thorough than my neurologist. He took time to listen to my complaints and explained the procedure in depth. He felt that he could resolve the problem and I could return to my activities which are most important to my well being and way of life.  

He recommended 4 treatments per week, 20 treatments in all. His staff was very supportive and very insistent that I maintain the 4 times per week schedule, when I was inclined to skip a treatment here and there. I am employed and every effort was made by his staff to accommodate my schedule and most important to me, I was taken on time – a novel experience with doctors’ offices.

During the early phases of treatment I felt some improvement but remained skeptical as it just wasn’t happening fast enough for my “get it done now” personality. About the end of the 15th treatment, I had a complete turn around. The pain had subsided and I was able to walk, stand, and do everything but my gym activities, which he would not allow me to do yet.
I am in maintenance now and back to the gym following Dr. Surasky’s guidance. I maintain a sensible schedule that he prescribed along with some specific exercises. At this stage, I am close to where I was before the injury and feel that I probably could have been all the way back except I remember the pain and do not deviate from his recommended schedule.

Dr. Surasky talks with me after every session with regard to my progress and I am very appreciative for his professional skills and demeanor which have helped me through an experience which I never had before and never want to have again.

My appreciation extends as well to his staff and I have recommended several other people to him who have gone the surgical route with less than satisfactory results. In addition to my personal experience, my conversations with his patients have demonstrated to me that his expertise in administering this wonderful procedure has provided the same immeasurable help and assistance to others as it has for me

--- William Cohn

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