Chiropractic treatment is considered a form of alternative medicine. While alternative medicine has been around for centuries, there are some doubts, particularly from critics, that chiropractic care even works. To make matters more confusing, patients that have received chiropractic treatment give variable statements to the efficacy of chiropractic care. So who’s right?

The truth is, just like all forms of herniated disc treatment, chiropractic care’s ability to treat a herniated disc rests more in the individual patient than in the treatment itself. Physical therapy, surgery and medications may work for some, but for others, the pain continues. Chiropractic care is no different, but unlike many other conventional treatment alternatives, chiropractic care is considered non-invasive.

Are There Benefits to Non-Invasive Treatments?

Some critics will say that chiropractic care and other forms of alternative medicine will only aggravate problems like herniated discs. Yet, you can’t dismiss the fact that alternative medicine has been around much longer than conventional medicine. Still, alternative medicine may not be right for everyone and it may not be effective for everyone, so the benefits are really hard to pin down, but there is one that can be documented; a reduced chance of side effects.

Medications and surgery all have a long list of potential complications and side effects. Add this to the fact that neither is guaranteed to work for everyone, and it isn’t difficult to see why some herniated disc sufferers are willing to give alternative medicine a chance, despite the claims of critics.

Deciding if Chiropractic Care is Right for You and Finding Your Chiropractor

Deciding whether or not chiropractic care is right for you isn’t easy. There are many things to consider, including cost, your current level of pain, other treatments you may have tried and more. Additionally, you may be experiencing naysayers that are telling you that you are wasting your money or that the chiropractor will make the condition worse.

You should know, while making your decision, however, that chiropractic care may or may not be covered by your insurance. You should also take into consideration the fact that chiropractic care does take time to work. If you are in high levels of pain, chiropractic care may not be right for you. But in the end, only you can decide for certain if chiropractic care is right for you.

What to Expect

So what should you expect if you decide that chiropractic care is right for you? Upon your initial visit, you should expect that the chiropractor will either take x-rays or request that you bring any x-rays that may have been taken of your neck and spine. The chiropractor will then evaluate the overall health of your spine and your herniated disc severity. They will then devise a treatment plan that is designed to address your unique back health needs.

Other considerations may also be made while creating your treatment plan. Nutrition, exercise, stress management and more are all treatment elements that your chiropractor may discuss. The goal is to help improve your overall health to promote healing of your disc herniation and help prevent any further damage or complications to your spine and your body.

Types of Treatment for Disc Herniation

There are two basic types of treatment used by chiropractors for disc herniations; pelvic blocking and flexion-distraction.

Pelvic blocking is a treatment option that addresses herniations in the lower back. In this type of treatment, the chiropractor places a cushioned wedge underneath each side of the patient’s pelvic bone. Gentle maneuvers are used in conjunction with the wedges to relieve the pressure the disc herniation is putting on the root nerve. Gravity and a change in mechanics are said to be the forces at work in this type of chiropractic treatment for herniated discs.

Flexion-distraction techniques implement the use of a computerized table. This type of treatment is generally used to treat herniated discs that are accompanied by leg pain, but flexion-distraction may be used in other herniated disc symptoms as well. In this type of treatment, the specialized table gently stretches the spine. This enables the chiropractor to reach the spinal disc, which is then gently pumped by the machine to help encourage healing.

Chiropractors never use force to treat herniated discs. This is a common misconception that is commonly used to argue the use of chiropractic care for herniated discs. While aggravation of the condition can occur and treatment efficacy can vary from one patient to the next, chiropractors do not make a practice of using treatments that are harmful to their patients.

What if Chiropractic Care Doesn’t Work?

As with any treatment that isn’t working, you are likely to feel disappointment, anger and even frustration. Remember, however, that the efficacy of the treatment has more to do with your unique condition than the care itself. Also know that your chiropractor will not continue to treat you if you are not improving or if your condition worsens.

Most chiropractors work under a 50% rule. If, by the time your treatment is over, you have not improved both objectively and subjectively by at least 50%, your chiropractor will start to discuss other treatment options with you. They will also discuss other options if your condition worsens at any time.

Standard referrals for unsuccessful treatment include surgical intervention, spinal specialists and imaging. Your chiropractor will base their recommendations on their understanding of your condition and your progress, or lack thereof.

When hearing a diagnosis from your doctor, you may feel like your doctor is speaking another language. Essentially, they are. They are speaking in medical terminology. But what does this terminology mean for you. What is the difference between a disc protrusion and a disc herniation? We will explore these two conditions, their treatments and what each diagnosis means for you.

What are Discs?

Before you can fully understand the differences between disc protrusion and disc herniation, you must understand what discs are and the purpose they serve in the body.

Nerves are the pathways of the body. They carry messages from your body to your brain that communicate sensations of pain, discomfort, heat, cold and touch. Nerves also carry messages from your brain to your body; breathing, heart rate, digestion and movement. Nerve roots (the beginning of nerves) are found in the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is extremely important in the way the body functions. If damaged, paralysis or loss of function can occur. In some cases, damage done to the spinal cord can result in death. To ensure the safety of the spinal cord, it is contained within the spine. The spine, composed of hard vertebral. bones, is designed to protect your spinal cord and nerve roots from damage. The spine is also designed to provide support to your head, chest and shoulders. The spaces between each vertebrae allow for movement and flexibility so that you can bend and rotate your body.

In between each vertebrae is a disc. Discs are designed to provide cushioning between the vertebrae to keep them from rubbing together. They also help to prevent pinched nerves when your body moves. These discs are composed of two parts; the outer portion (annulus fibrosus) which is composed of tough, thick fibers, and the inner core (nucleus pulposus) which is composed of loose fibers and a gel-like substance. The gel substance (mucoprotein gel) is the cushioning agent and the outer circle keeps the gel held together.

What is a Disc ] Protrusion?

Disc protrusions are defined as discs in which the inner gel-like tissue has extended past the disc space. The outer core, the annulus, however, is still intact.

Disc protrusions are considered a normal part of the aging process, and as a result, are more common in older patients. This is because, as the body ages, the walls of the outer structure begin to weaken and are unable to effectively keep the inner gel in place. Generally, disc protrusions are not associated with pain or discomfort. However, pain and discomfort can occur.

What is a Disc Herniation?

In a herniated disc, the outer layer (the annulus) has become so weakened that tiny cracks have occurred. These tiny cracks permit some of the inner gel to leak out. Over time, the gel-like substance can become hardened, which often results in pushing or rubbing against the nerve root where the herniated disc is located. Pain with disc herniation is more common than with disc protrusion because of the nerve root pressure, but not all patients with disc herniations experience pain.

Relationship between Disc Protrusion and Disc Herniation

While disc protrusion and disc herniation are two different conditions, a disc protrusion can and sometimes does lead to a disc herniation. However, this is not always the case. There are some cases in which a protrusion never leads to anything more than just that. In other cases, however, the weakened wall allows for tears and holes and inner gel starts to leak out.

If you are not experiencing pain, you may wish to do nothing about a disc protrusion or herniation. Doing nothing, however, may (or may not) lead to more severe conditions later on. The potential risk of increased complications and pain, however, may be avoided altogether with some preventative measures.

Treatment for Disc Protrusion and Herniation: No Pain

Whether you have a disc protrusion or a herniation, if you are not experiencing pain, your situation is not dire. Any treatment methods your doctor recommends should be non-invasive. A few possibilities include physical therapy, rest, stretching, exercises and chiropractic care. These are all forms of treatment that can help the disc heal so that the problem does not worsen.

Treatment for Disc Protrusion and Herniation: Pain

For a disc protrusion and herniation with pain, non-invasive procedures may still be your doctor’s choice of treatment. If, however, these treatments are ineffective, your doctor may move to more invasive options, like medication. While taking medication, your doctor will probably recommend that you continue your other treatments, like rest, stretching and physical therapy.

If all else has failed in treating your condition, your doctor may start to discuss surgical procedures with you. Surgical procedures are generally elective and come with their own set of risks. For some people, however, surgery is their only hope for living pain free.

Decompression therapy is used to treat a wide range of spinal problems including herniated discs, degenerative discs, sciatica bulging discs and even spinal stenosis or failed back syndrome. The purpose is to heal the spinal malfunction and relieve the symptoms associated with spinal problems, like numbness, neck pain, tingling and leg or back pain relieved or minimized through the use of decompression therapy. But if you have never heard of decompression therapy, you may be wondering what it is or if it even works. You will learn the answers to these questions, and more, in this article.

What is Decompression Therapy?

Decompression surgery is a non-surgical, non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating spinal problems. A mechanical traction device that is powered by an on-board computer is used during decompression therapy. The computer has two main functions during the therapy; disc distraction, which is designed to reduce the body’s natural reaction to external forces, and traction force, which is applied to the discs of the spinal column to promote healing.

Several versions of the therapy exist, including inversion therapy, in which the patient hangs upside down, and articulating spinal decompression (range-of-motion), in which the therapist or doctor adjusts the posture of the patient during the procedure. In nearly all versions of decompression therapy, the patient is strapped to a table and pulling forces are used to permit the device access to the discs in between each spinal column. Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Decompression Theories

Supporters of decompression therapy believe that the nerve roots of the spinal column are not actually compressed by the damaged disc, only irritated. It is upon this theory that decompression therapy is based. During the therapy, the on-board computer uses a series of 15 one-minute alternating decompression and relaxation cycles.

A vacuum effect is said to be applied to the disc during the decompression phases, which is thought to relieve pressure inside the disc. According to the theory, nutrients and water are able to reach the damaged disc at this time. This is said to promote healing of the disc, which over time, eliminates symptoms of disc damage.

Risks of Decompression Therapy

While supporters claim that there are no risks associated with decompression therapy, critics say otherwise. Decompression therapy risks noted include equipment malfunction, unsafe equipment, irritation of the disc and damage to the disc. While claims cannot be proven one way or the other, it’s important that you consider these potential risks if you are contemplating decompression therapy.

Decompression Therapy – Not a New Idea

Decompression therapy dates all the way back ancient Egyptian times and was made a “modern” therapy in 1933 by W. Gayle Crutchfield. Originally known as traction or distraction therapy, the first documented use of traction therapy took place at the Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis in 1974. At that time, it was referred to as Gravity Lumbar Reduction Therapy.

Decompression Therapy – Does it Really Work?

The efficacy of decompression therapy has long been a topic of debate. While enthusiasts site several medical documents that prove the efficiency of the treatment, critics say the medical documents are incomplete and inconclusive. To make matters worse, decompression patients can’t even agree on whether or not the treatment works. This makes determining the efficacy of decompression therapy a mystery.

While it would be easy to say it doesn’t work, there is something to consider. Could there be factors that are unique to the individual that would determine the efficacy of decompression therapy? Common sense says yes. Even with surgical procedures, the efficiency of treatment rests in the patient’s unique situation, not in the surgery itself. This is true as well for other forms of treatment, including physical therapy and injections.

So who is to determine whether or not decompression therapy works? The individual receiving treatment. Unfortunately, because decompression therapy is considered alternative medicine, it may not be covered by health insurance. For this reason, many patients are unwilling to take a risk on decompression therapy.

Is Decompression Therapy Right for You?

Honestly, only you can answer this question and there are many angles to look at before making a final decision. But if decompression therapy has the potential to help, even if the potential is small, and you have the funds or can get it covered by your insurance, then it might be worth the try. On the other hand, if you cannot afford decompression therapy or cannot get it covered under your insurance, you may want to forgo the decompression therapy and stick with your medical doctor’s recommendations.

If you do decide that decompression therapy is right for you, keep in mind that there may be some risks and that patients who have noted benefits claimed that it took several treatments before they started to feel better. You should also avoid abandoning any recommendations from your doctor, like rest and physical therapy. These treatments are all non-invasive and they can help to promote healing.

Cervical spine surgery, an elective procedure, may be recommended by your doctor because other forms of treatment have been ineffective. When recommended, cervical spine surgery may be the only hope for pain and symptom relief from a cervical spine ailment. For some, making the decision about whether or not to proceed with surgery can be clouded with fear, anxiety and uncertainty. Understanding why the procedure is needed, what it is used to treat, how it is done and what the outcome may be can help in making the best possible choice.

Cervical Spine Surgery – What it is Used for and Why You May Need it

Cervical spine surgery can be used to treat nerve/spinal cord impingement and spinal instability. Nerve/spinal cord impingement is corrected with decompression surgery. Spinal instability is corrected with fusion surgery. In many cases, both procedures are required and both are generally done at the same time. Spinal instrumentation (the insertion of a small plate in between the discs) may also be used to help add more stability to the spine.

How the Procedure is Done

A surgeon can perform cervical spine surgery from either a posterior (the back of the neck) or an anterior (the front of the neck) position. In most cases, surgeons prefer using the anterior approach because it is easier to access the spine from this angle. Musculature preservation and normal alignment of the spine are also easier to accomplish through an anterior approach. There are, however, situations that may require a posterior approach or a posterior/anterior combination.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or ACDF, is used to treat a herniated cervical disc. In this procedure, the surgeon approaches the damaged disc through the front of the neck and the cervical disc is removed. The purpose of this procedure is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or root nerve. In turn, pain, tingling, numbness or weakness caused by the compression is alleviated. During this procedure, fusion is often used to help stabilize the cervical segments on either side of the damaged disc.

To gain access to the damaged disc, an incision will be made on the front of the neck and a small vestigial muscle will be cut. Because only one small muscle needs to be cut, most patients heal quickly from an ACDF procedure, but like all surgeries, there are still risks and complications.

The most common risks and complications associated with an ACDF procedure include reaction to anesthesia, nerve root damage, infection, an inadequate relief of symptoms, bone graft failure, speech problems, persistent swallowing, spinal cord damage, damage to the trachea or esophagus and difficulty swallowing for 2 to 5 days postoperative.

Anterior Cervical Corpectomy

When multi-level cervical stenosis, a condition in which multiple cervical structures are deteriorating, is present, an anterior cervical corpectomy may be used. In this procedure, the damaged vertebrae are removed, along with the discs at either end of each removed vertebrae. Fusion is almost always used with this procedure to restore proper alignment through reconstruction of the spinal column.

Like an ACDF, the procedure is done by approaching the neck from an anterior angle. The incision is generally larger than an ACDF incision and the posterior longitudinal ligament is generally removed to help gain access to the cervical canal and assist in removing all pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Because there are similarities between an ACDF and a corpectomy, some complications and risks associated with a corpectomy are similar to the risk and complications associated with an ACDF. However, a corpectomy is more difficult and extensive than an ACDF, and as a result, the chances of experiencing those risks is higher. These risks include nerve root damage, bleeding, graft dislodgement, damage to the trachea/esophagus, continued pain, infection and damage to the spinal cord.

Additionally, there are additional risks associated with a corpectomy. These risks include the possibility of quadriplegia and damage to the vertebral artery, which can lead to stroke or life-threatening bleeding. Risk for quadriplegia is somewhat reduced by the use of SSEPs, or Somatosensory Evoked Potentials. This a tool used to monitor the time it takes for signals to reach the brain. If the response time slows, this can indicate compromise of the spinal cord to the surgeon.

Posterior Cervical Decompression Surgery

When a large soft disc herniation on the side of (lateral to) the spinal cord is present, a surgeon may choose a posterior approach over an anterior approach. Unlike anterior approaches, in a posterior discectomy, the incision is made at the back of the neck. Para-spinal muscles are elevated off of the spine so that access may be gained to the cervical vertebrae and damaged disc. No muscles or tendons are cut during a posterior discectomy and a fusion procedure is not needed.

Lack of a fusion procedure does reduce the surgical risk, but there are some notable disadvantages as well, particularly the fact that a bone graft cannot be inserted if it is needed to alleviate pressure on the nerve root. The surgeon must weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages to decide which option might be best for you.

Just like all cervical spine surgeries, there are risks associated with a posterior cervical decompression surgery, but risks with this surgery are rare. The most common complications include nerve root damage, infection, continued pain, spinal cord damage, dural leak and recurrent disc herniation.

Cervical disc herniations occur within the neck. Most often, the herniation occurs between the fifth and sixth (C5 and C7) or sixth and seventh (C6 and C7) discs. Other discs, however, can be affected. If you have, or you suspect that you may have a herniated disc, you can learn more about the symptoms, types of treatments and exercises that can help within this article.

What is a Herniated Disc?

Nerves are assigned the complex task of carrying messages from your brain to other parts of your body; including messages of pain, heat and cold. Messages are also sent to tell your heart when to beat and your lungs when to breathe. All of your body’s nerves are encased inside of your spinal column for protection.

Your spinal column is composed of vertebrae, which, much like joints, allow your spine to twist and bend. Also like joints, special cushioning is needed in between each vertebral disc to ensure that the spinal column can move easily and without pain. With age, however, the disc can start to deteriorate. Trauma can also damage the discs found between the vertebrae.

Each disc is composed of two parts; the soft, gel-like inner portion(otherwise known as the nucleus pulposis) and the tough outer wall (otherwise known as the annulus fibrosis). When the disc is damaged, either because of trauma or age, small tears occur in the fibrous outer wall. This allows some of the nucleus to leak out. Over time, these parts can harden and break apart. Eventually, these pieces push through the small tears in the wall, often pushing on or compressing a nerve root. This is what causes the pain often associated with herniated discs.

Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms

Pain in the back of the skull, neck, shoulder girdle, shoulders, scapula, arms and hands are all symptoms associated with a herniated cervical disc. Arm pain, which may extend into the fingers, is the most commonly reported cervical herniated disc symptom. Tingling and numbness may also accompany the pain often felt from a herniated cervical disc. Muscle weakness and damage to the cervical plexus and brachial plexus nerves may also occur.

Cervical Herniated Disc Treatment

In many cases, a cervical herniated disc will repair itself with a little time and rest. It is for this reason that conservative treatments are generally exhausted first; short periods of rest and possibly pain medications or muscle relaxers or NSAIDs. Physical therapy is often included in the treatment plan as well, but not always. Should these treatments prove to be ineffective, a physician may use choose to exercise more progressive treatment options.

Steroid injections and anti-inflammatory drugs may be given if rest and physical therapy are not effective forms of treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used as a type of long-term therapy to help reduce pain and symptoms. In some cases, however, surgical intervention may be needed.

Few people require surgical intervention to treat their cervical herniated disc, but if it is required, then your doctor feels it is necessary. The procedure is done as an outpatient procedure in the hospital and you are placed under general anesthesia during the entire surgery. Part of the disc and nucleus may be removed, along with any other material that may be compressing the nerve. Certain risks, such as a reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding or damage to the nerves that surround the spine can occur.

Exercises That Can Help Cervical Herniated Discs

In addition to physical therapy, your doctor or physical therapist may prescribe exercises for you to do at home. This is an essential part of your treatment and you should do these exercises as often as recommended. In most cases, your doctor or physical therapist will show you how to do the exercises or offer you an instructional sheet that describes the exercises.

Stretching is commonly recommended as a part of your herniated cervical disc treatment. Stretching helps to improve and maintain mobility of the spine and it provides oxygen and nutrients to the spine and muscles of your neck.

Stretching the neck should be done in motions that move your neck both side to side and up and down (flexion and extension). You should also turn your neck so that you look from right to left and left to right. When performing stretching, it is important to stretch slowly and to never extend your neck beyond your pain threshold. Overstretching can cause more damage to your neck.

Another exercise, known as the McKenzie back exercise may also be recommended. Created by Robin McKenzie, these stretches are designed to help treat and alleviate cervical neck pain. There are six different exercises included in the McKenzie back exercises, all of which progressively relax different sections of your back and spine so that you can reduce

Herniated discs can cause excruciating back pain and traditional medical alternatives aren’t always the best choice. Sufferers either have to contend with mild relief or take so much pain medicine that they can’t function normally in their daily lives. The good news is that acupuncture for herniated discs is proving to be an effective treatment for relieving the sciatic pain that is associated with herniated discs.

Treating herniated discs is often a choice between treating the pain and learning to live with some discomfort or undergoing an invasive surgery that is not guaranteed to be a permanent option. The medications involved in treating herniated discs are typically steroidal and can’t be sustained for long periods of time. These are just some of the reasons that acupuncture is becoming a popular treatment option for many people.

What is Acupuncture?

The practice of acupuncture is very old and has been used for pain in many areas of the body. During an acupuncture session, tiny needles are strategically placed over the body in areas that are known as acupuncture points. These points have been discovered over time to relate to certain areas of the body. The acupuncturist knows where to place the needles based on where the pain is located. The needles are typically left in place for fifteen or twenty minutes. Many people report that the pain is completely healed after several sessions.

Many people have doubts about acupuncture’s pain relieving abilities and may also be afraid that the needles will hurt. These people should know that the majority of people report feeling no pain when the needles are inserted. As for the pain relieving quality of the process, acupuncture has been used for more than a thousand years to treat pain and to treat many different diseases.

Acupuncture and Back Pain

Acupuncture has been used for back pain for many years and is now the choice of many doctors. In order to get the most benefits from acupuncture for a herniated disc, it is important to start the process as quickly as possible after a diagnosis. The doctor who diagnosis the herniated disc can determine how much disc damage exists and if acupuncture is a viable treatment option. The acupuncturist may also suggest herbal medications to help with pain and possibly even light exercises.

One of the reasons that starting the treatment early is that the procedure has been shown to encourage the body to produce its own natural steroids which aid in repairing the disc. Endorphins are also released when acupuncture is performed which makes the pain less severe and for some people completely stops the pain. The combination of the natural steroid and endorphins also help to reduce the amount of swelling around the disc which in turn facilitates lowering the level of pain.

There are many advantages to acupuncture that may be experienced. Unlike pharmaceutical treatments, these side effects are often welcome and add to the positive outcome the acupuncture offers. One of these is being less fatigued and having a better mood than before the acupuncture. This is in part due to diminished back pain and in part due to the actual acupuncture process.

It is important to remember that every person’s body is different and not everyone will respond to acupuncture the same way. The acupuncturist will also play a role in how much relief the process provides. The person inserting the needles must be very knowledgeable in their field and know precisely where to insert the needles to obtain the maximum benefit. This makes it important to choose a qualified doctor with a strong reputation in field.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has many more benefits than alleviating back pain. It has proven to be helpful in many other painful conditions such as migraines, chronic neck and leg pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This prickly procedure has proved beneficial in helping people stop smoking, lose weight, become less anxious and even reduce stress. These examples show that acupuncture for herniated discs is just one more reason that acupuncture is popular treatment option.

One of the greatest benefits that acupuncture offers is freedom from pain while at the same time being free from the side effects of many pain medications. Pain medications often make it hard to function with a clear head; on the other hand, acupuncture has no effect on the thinking clearly and can actually make the patient feel much better overall. People who are on pain medications are often unable to work due and need someone to help with their daily life activities. People who choose acupuncture can often return to work and daily activities in a short time with little or no pain.

Acupuncture for herniated discs is a consideration that anyone with the condition should discuss with their doctor. The benefits are tremendous and the side effects positive.

Anyone who has a cervical herniated disc knows how severely it impacts life and daily activities. The extent of the impact depends on which disc is herniated, how much damage the disc has suffered and what treatment options are being utilized to help with the pain. The impact of herniated discs, particularly C4, C5, C6 and C7 can be devastating.

Disc Pain

The discs between the vertebrae in the back are numbered to allow doctors identify them and refer to them. The following discs are the ones that have the most painful effect when herniated. The disc is followed by the areas of the body that are most effected when damaged.

• C4-C5: This herniated disc affects the C5 nerve root, when this occurs, the deltoid muscle that is located in the upper arm can become weak. There may be associated shoulder pain when the C5 nerve root is damaged from a hernia on the C4-C5 disc. This damage does not typically result in any tingling or numbness in the location.
• C5-C6: When this disc is herniated or otherwise damage, the C6 nerve root is affected which causes the extensor muscles in the wrists and the biceps to become weak. Cervical disc hernias typically occur at the C5-C6 disc. There may be a tingling numbness that travels the nerve to the side of the hand which has the thumb.
• C6-C7: This is another common area for cervical disc hernias to occur and causes the C7 nerve root to be the pathway for pain. The muscles that are in the back of the upper arm that extends all the way to the forearm, known as the triceps, can become weak, as can the extensor muscles in the fingers. If numbness and tingling are present, they, along with the pain, travel down the nerve root to the middle finger.
• C7-T1: Hernias that are located on this disc affect the C8 nerve root. The path of the nerve sends the pain, tingling and numbness down the entire arm on the pinky finger side of the hand.

These are typical patterns of pain and associated symptoms that occur in the various locations of the herniated disc. The location of the pain is the indicating factor that determines what part of life is impacted the most.

Life Altering Pain

Herniated discs are one of the leading causes of back injury leading to disability. The pain that radiates from the disc down through the lower part of the body can become so intense that everyday activities are difficult to face.
If the herniated disc is one of the lower discs that impacts nerve roots that reach the lower part of the torso the pain can cause normal activities such as the following to be painful, if not impossible:

• Walking: The pressure exerted on the spine and the weight of the body being supported by the lower torso can be impossible to bear when the disc is placing intense pressure on the nerve root. This can make the person with this pain become bed ridden and need assistance simply moving from one place to another. Some people with this pain may be able to retain mobility with the use of accessibility tools such as walkers, canes and scooters.
• Bending: If the disc damage doesn’t prevent walking but is pressing on the nerve roots that affect the lower torso, it may be difficult to bend at the waist. Mobility may not be a complete problem; however, lifting grocers, the grandchildren or anything that involves bending may be impossible. This can make it difficult to perform certain job requirements and thus prevent the person from working.
• Arms and Upper Body: If the herniated disc is one that sends the pain and tingling to the upper body, including the arms and down to the fingers, the affects can be very detrimental. Pain in the upper arms can make it difficult to lift the arms, use them to carry things, perform work duties and even write. Daily activities such as dressing, brushing hair and teeth and even eating can become painful if not completely impossible due to weakness.
• Body Functions: If the herniated disc is pressing on certain nerves and these nerves cause certain muscles to become extremely weak, the loss of bowel and bladder function can become impaired. This is a dangerous condition and should be immediately reported to a doctor.

These are just some of the examples of how a herniated disc can impact life and change daily activities. Mild cases of disc bulging can simple make certain activities difficult while sever cases can cause complete loss of independence. Starting a treatment program as soon as the disc pain is noticed can help prevent the pain from becoming debilitating and allow normal activities to continue for longer.

Degenerative disc disease is a painful condition that covers a myriad of back conditions that involve the spinal column and discs that are located between the vertebrae. As people age, the discs in their bodies age as well and begin to weaken; however, not all people will suffer from pain with disc degeneration. There are, however, many people who have severe pain that is due to various disc issues that are all covered under the broad term of degenerative disc. There are many different options available for degenerative disc treatment and the one that is used will depend on how severe the disc damage is and how much pain is involved.

Aging and Discs

Aging brings with it a host of health ailments and the chances of having degenerative discs will increase as a person gets older. Many of the ailments that are associated with aging are also responsible for disc degeneration, such as osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, arthritis and spondylitis. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis is particularly devastating to the spine and one of the leading causes of degenerative discs.

Osteoarthritis causes swelling in the vertebrae which in turn causes the discs to be compressed which in turn causes severe pain. The body has a natural ability to attempt to heal itself and in the process of attempting to heal the swelling, small calcium stones are created which cause intense pain and decreases the ability of the spine to move. This is when treatment options for degenerative discs become important to consider.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for degenerative discs depend on what is causing the problem. Some of the more common options for treating this condition are explained below. A back doctor will be able to provide complete information on the options available once the cause has been determined.

Medications: There are many different medications that are available for treating osteoarthritis, some over the counter and some prescription. Medications may be prescribed that work to reduce the swelling caused by the arthritis which in turn reduces the pressure on the spine. Other medications may be used strictly to treat the pain. The level of pain will determine the strength of the pain killer. Some people are able to take an over the counter pain medication while other people may be in more severe pain and need a prescription pain medication that is much stronger.

Steroids may be prescribed to be taken orally or by injection. Steroids should not be taken for long periods of time due to the negative side effects they have on the body; however, they are useful in treating the arthritis when it is severe.

Hyaluronic acid is another medical injection option that is new to the field of osteoarthritis. This injection has been shown to stimulate the body to make other cells in the body that will form new cartilage. The medical studies on this injection lead doctors to believe that it will help provide lubrication to the discs between the vertebrae in the spinal column. This treatment should be discussed with doctors as a possible option to help manage pain.

Exercise is another way to manage the pain of osteoarthritis in multiple ways. Keeping the bones moving increases flexibility and helps reduce pain while at the same time maintaining a healthy weight which reduces the amount of pressure on the spine.

Alternative Treatments: Many people turn to non-traditional options for treating osteoarthritis such as acupuncture, deep muscle massage, and heat therapy. These forms of treatment have been shown to provide relief from the pain without the side effects that medication can have on the body. Often these therapies are combined with other therapies or with each other to create a treatment plan that works to ease the pain.

Home treatment options can be used that are not medically proven but at the same time can provide some pain relief. Many people use moist heating pads when the pain is intense. The moist heat seems to provide pain relief and doesn’t require a prescription or have side effects. Other people use herbal teas for relaxation and say that it helps relax the back as well.

Surgery for Degenerative Disc

Surgical options for degenerative discs are only considered when the discs are damaged and other treatment options are not working to provide cessation of pain. There are several surgeries that can either remove the bulge from the disc or remove the disc in its entirety. These are invasive procedures that are not guaranteed to work and have long recovery times. These options are typically the last resort when all other options have failed.

Degenerative disc treatment largely depends on what is causing the disc problems, such as osteoarthritis or any other health conditions that can cause disc damage. Treatment options should be discussed with the doctor and the best one chosen that is the least invasive and then progress to stronger treatment as the disc worsens.

Chronic back pain can be detrimental to everyday living. The simplest tasks can be treacherous chores for people who are in constant pain due to a herniated disc and yet pain medications often make it difficult to function normally. Chiropractic treatment for herniated discs is an alternative pain relief option that has proven successful for many people.

What is a Herniated Disc?

In order to understand how chiropractic treatment works to relieve the pain associated with a herniated disc, it is helpful to understand what the herniated disc. Herniated discs are also known as bulging discs or slipped discs and are the source of intense pain.

Discs are found in between the vertebrae and act as cushions to protect the vertebrae from rubbing against each other during movement. The discs have a soft center encased by a harder outer ring. The discs are nourished by blood and fluid that pass through during movement. If there is a problem or condition that causes the discs not to receive this nourishment, the discs can dry out and become weak. This weakening can lead to bulges on the disc that presses against the spinal column and cause pain. This condition is a herniated disc.

What is Chiropractic Medicine?

Chiropractic medicine is a form of medical treatment that deals specifically with the musculoskeletal system and in particular the spine. Chiropractic medicine’s primary technique and procedures involve manipulating joints and soft tissue, particularly around the spine through the use of manual adjustments. Chiropractors stress the addition of exercise and healthy living in addition to the manipulations. These manual adjustments help to relieve the subluxations that are thought to be the cause of every illness and pain in the body. This is also thought to be true of treating herniated discs.

Treatment Options

There are multiple options for relieving the pain of a herniated disc that doctors can choose. The ultimate goal is to relieve the pressure that is being exerted on the nerves in the spine that are causing the pain. The choice of treatment typically depends on the intensity of the pain. Doctor’s tend to prefer to less invasive treatment options and only progress as the pain increases.

Chiropractic treatment for herniated discs is one of the less invasive options that doctor’s can choose. Chiropractors identify the problems that lead to herniated discs such as vertebrae that have moved out of their normal position. This, called subluxation, can lead to a loss of the nourishment that the discs need in order to remain healthy. Subluxation causes inflammation of the disc and intense pain due the pressure it places on the spine. Subluxation can lead to pain in the lower back that radiates throughout the lower portion of the body.

Once a chiropractor has identified the subluxation, they can start therapeutic sessions to help put the vertebrae back in alignment. Once the vertebrae are back in its natural state of alignment, the pain will go away as the swelling of the disc subsides. This may take more than one alignment and the chiropractor may also suggest additional sessions to ensure the spine remains aligned.

Chiropractic treatment for herniated discs is becoming one of the favored methods of treating back pain caused by bulging discs without the use of powerful painkillers that have unpleasant side effects or invasive surgeries that often don’t work.

Chiropractic medicine has many advantages over the use of anti-inflammatory medicines, narcotic pain killers and the many other unpleasant medications and injections that people with herniated discs often endure. Chiropractic sessions have no unpleasant side effects, only the relief of pain associated with bulging discs.
If chiropractic sessions do not relieve the pain of the hernia, the doctor will most likely suggest moving to other treatment options that are also non-invasive. Such options include:

• Massage therapy
• Heat therapy
• Physical therapy
• Medications – these are often not used until the pain is unbearable unless the patient requests them. There are various medications that can be prescribed such as pain medications, steroids, anti-inflammatory and even injections for numbing the area.

The goal of chiropractic treatment for the herniated disc is to prevent the use of invasive treatment such as surgery. If the hernia is severe, the doctor may suggest adding some of the other less invasive options, such as those described above. These may simply be needed to increase the pain relief and sped up the healing process.

Early Treatment

In order to get the most relief from chiropractic treatment, the sessions need to begin as soon after the hernia is discovered as possible. Early treatment is the key to success with chiropractic procedures for bulging discs. The vertebrae that are out of place need to be realigned quickly so that the discs don’t continue to deteriorate further and cause more damage and pain.

One of the options that is available for people with herniated discs is cervical disc replacement. This is a radical option that is typically considered the last resort only after less invasive treatment options have been tried. However, this surgery has proven to be successful for those people who have had no success with non-surgical treatment and who suffer a loss of quality of life due to pain and movement restrictions. It is a good idea to understand what the surgery entails before moving forward with the doctor’s suggestion of a cervical disc replacement.

The Artificial Disc

The purpose of the disc in the spinal column is to provide a cushion between the vertebrae so that they do not rub against each other during movement. If this cushion is damaged due to a rupture, tear or break, the disk is not able to provide the necessary cushion and can even cause intense pain due to pressing against the spinal column and thus the nerve network.

In the past, surgical options were limited to removing the bulge from the disc or removing the disc in totality, both of which can cause further complications. The procedure to remove the bulge results in a weakened disc that over time causes the same pain and back problems to return due to the disc not being able to perform up to its full potential. On the other hand, removing the disc and fusing the bones together forces the reaming discs to perform more work and thus weaken the overall spine which ultimately results in more back problems.

The invention of the artificial disc is the answer to these two options and provides more range of movement and less chance of complications than other surgical options. The artificial disc has many advantages, such as:

• Reducing the amount of stress placed on adjacent vertebrae and disc;
• Allowing a more natural range of motion in the neck and back;
• Reducing or eliminating the necessity for bone graft;
• Quicker recovery time and the elimination of the use of a neck brace after surgery.

These benefits are the main reason many people choose an artificial disc replacement over the other surgical options available.

The Procedure

Doctors typically perform a cervical disc replacement using the front approach to the spine. This part of the procedure is identical to the procedure that is currently used for fusion and bulge removal.

Once the doctor is inside the spinal area, the disc will be completely removed. This includes removing any bone spurs or fragments that are around the disc. The void or disc space that remains is elevated to its normal height. This elevation is known as decompression and takes the pressure off of the nerves, thus eliminating the pain.

Once the doctor has the damaged disc removed and the empty space elevated to normal height, the artificial disc will be inserted into place and the incision closed. Most patients are able to leave the hospital within a day or two with only minor restrictions on activity.

Risks

It is important to understand the benefits of the surgery, as defined earlier; however, it is just as important to understand the risks and possible complications that could occur. Complications of cervical disc replacement are rare and are the same complications that can occur with fusion or the removal of the bulge. These risks include:

• Blood loss: Any surgery that requires an incision comes with the possibility of blood loss.
• Infection: Any time the body is opened up, there is a possibility of infection occurring.
• Paralysis or nerve damage: Cervical disc replacement involves opening up the area around the spine and nerves. There is always the possibility of nerve damage which could lead to paralysis. Even though this is rare, the chances of this occurring do exist.
• Further surgery: No surgery is 100% guaranteed and cervical disc replacement is no different. There could be problems that are not recognized until the surgeon is in the back; this could lead to further surgeries.

Patients that are considering cervical disc replacement should make sure they are aware of these risks and weigh them against the risks before making the final decision.

Cervical disc replacement is an ideal choice for people who have exhausted every other option for their herniated disc and feel that they can’t manage their life without some type of relief. Technology has dramatically improved this surgery and the discs that are used to replace the natural disc.

Back surgeons specialize in disc replacement and will be able to provide an assessment of whether or not the herniated discs are severe enough to be replaced. Every patient will have a different assessment and different outcomes from the surgery once it is performed. The success rate is much higher for cervical disc replacement than for other disc surgeries and could be a life changing option for many people.