Will he walk again?

About a month ago my husband,(sole bread-winner and father of 5) strained his back doing some shoveling and digging up a heavy plant. At first the pain was manageable and he could walk. He was getting adjustments from a chiropacter and we believe that is why he got worse. Now, he can only crawl, it is too painful for him to walk.The MRI report states that there is nuclear degradation, slight disc narrowing, and a broad posterior disc protrusion extending across the central canal at the L5/S1. Also there is a right paracentral posterior inferior extrusion of disc material abutting the right S1 dural root sleeve, says the report. He has dull pain and numbness down his right leg and foot. He is taking a muscle relaxer, anti-inflammatory, and pain killer. Is it possible for this to heal with time and the proper excercise? Will he walk again? We are looking for all the possible options, the last being surgery.
Thank you very much for your time.
Sue

[CCF Neuro[P]-M.D.-RPS]

Dear Sue:

Sorry that your husband is in such pain.  From the description of the MRI report, it does sound like there may not be irreversible damage.  First, there is no mention of spinal cord compromise, foramen stenosis etc.  Disc protrusion can cause pain as it induces inflammation and therefore nerve irritation.  I would suggest seeking out a good rehab specialist and begin work with the rehab team, rehab physician and PT.  I would have imagined that after one month of treatment that he should have been on the road to recovery.  Was the MRI done intially at the time of injury or just recently?  If done early on in the course of the problem, then a repeat might help.  I cannot answer your question of walking as I have not seen him nor examined him.  But your neurologist should be able to answer that for you.  

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD