Disc Problems
Disc problems can be labeled bulging or herniated and involve the disc material moving out of place and irritating the surrounding nerves. Disc problems can occur at any level in the spine. The pain caused may radiate into the arms or legs and can cause many symptoms. Understand the underlying structure often helps patients make a good decision on how to treat a bulging or herniated disc(s). The brain stem becomes the spinal cord which runs down the spine protected by the vertebrae or spinal bones. The discs are the soft, gelatinous material that cushions the vertebrae of the spine. A bulging disc occurs when there is mal-position of the bones or the disc material itself shifts out of its normal radius. Picture an ice cream sandwich with the ice cream squeezing out. That material may then lean against, irritate or pinch the nerves in that area or even the spinal cord itself causing pain, numbness, irritation, muscle atrophy or other symptoms. Southwest Spine Center prefers the treatment for disc problems to begin conservatively rather then jumping right into injections, drugs or even surgery. Through on occasion (less then 2% of the time) we refer patients to orthopedic surgeons or for further testing such as an MRI or CT scan for clarification. Southwest Spine Center will help you with a plan to correct the disc problem rather then masking the symptoms.
Disc problems occur when there is any variation of the disc material between the bones in the spine or vertebrae. The disc material may move or squeeze out laying on, scraping or irritating the surrounding nerves which can lead to a number of symptoms including intense pain. Disc problems occur for many reason from normal aging to trauma such as an auto accident or a fall. The symptoms have been proven to relate to stress. Often times painful disorders known as slipped disc, bulging disc, herniated disc, pinched nerves or ruptured disc(s) can be corrected using spinal decompression therapy in a unique protocol at Southwest Spine Center.
An accurate diagnosis of the disc problems is done through medical examination, X-rays and sometimes even CT or MRI imaging. These scans are very accurate in identifying the source of pain or the underlying problem. Spinal decompression is a new back pain treatment to provide fast relief to patients with disc problems. In the process of Spinal Decompression, disc material is moved back into place through the creation of negative inter-discal pressure or a vacuum like effect. The process also enables the discs to hydrate by forcing fluid transfer in the effected area.
Southwest Spine Center offers Spinal decompression therapy, low light laser or cold light laser, chiropractic treatment, traditional and modern acupuncture, and massage in a customized protocol that has worked effectively and has been proven successful. The protocol results in pain relief and long term treatment of the disc problems without drugs, injections or surgery.