Kohring diagnosed with neck condition

WASILLA -- State Rep. Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla) has been diagnosed with a neck condition that could require corrective surgery.

A press release issued by Kohring's Wasilla office last week said recent X-rays and MRI scans showed four herniated discs, two of which are pressing against his spinal cord.

Kohring traveled to Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle to consult with physicians. He telephoned the Frontiersman last Wednesday to return a message left for another story and was asked about his condition.

Kohring's main symptom has been pain.

He first noticed the pain in the days just prior to his campaign for re-election. He said he had no recent traumatic injury experience and did not know the cause of his condition.

Kohring said that recently, the pain has become severe.

"Without the medication, the pain would be unbearable," Kohring said.

On Wednesday, Kohring hadn't yet made a decision about whether or not to have corrective surgery, but he did say that more than one doctor had advised him to do so.

He said some of his vertebrae could be fused together -- a procedure that will limit the range of motion in his neck, but could relieve the pain and might arrest the problem.

"The good news is what I have is correctable. I'm very optimistic and I'm under excellent care," Kohring said. "I'm going to be able to get back to work quickly."

According to Kohring, he could return to office work in a week following the surgery and he would be wearing a neck brace for several weeks thereafter.

Kohring said he has been able to return calls from constituents while in Seattle. He expects to be fully recovered in time for the legislative session in January.

"I won't be able to do back-flips and head-spins, but as a legislator I don't do many of those," he said.