Multi-Disciplinary
Treatment for Disc Injuries in Monmouth County
Spinal
discs are designed to act as cushions between the vertebrae, or
bones, of the spine. These cartilage-based structures are made
up of an outer shell which protects the gel-like, inner portion
of the disc. This outer shell is known as the annulus fibrosus,
while the inner, cushioned part is called the nucleus pulposus.
These intervertebral discs perform several important functions,
such as providing shock absorption for the spine. They also allow
for movement of the vertebrae, and act as a ligament to keep the
vertebrae separated while holding the spine together.
A
disc bulge happens when the annulus fibrosus ruptures, and the
nucleus pulposus (the inner part of the disc) bulges out. This
condition can put pressure on the nerves of the spine, thereby
causing serious pain. A disc herniation is diagnosed when this
center bulges out and moves backward toward the spinal cord. While
disc bulges and herniations are the most common incarnations of
disc problems, disc desiccation—a serious but rare condition
that usually leads to surgery—can also occur.
The
lower back (lumbar spine) is the most vulnerable to disc problems,
but bulged and herniated discs can also affect the neck (cervical
spine) and upper back (thoracic spine). An individual’s
symptoms will depend on where the disc issue has occurred in the
spine. A herniated disc in the lumbar spine, for example, may
cause back pain, leg pain, numbness, weakness, and/or bladder
and bowel problems.
There
are two main causes of herniated and bulged discs:
Disc
Degeneration: During childhood, intervertebral discs are composed
of about 80% water. When the body begins to age, the discs dry
up and become less flexible and more vulnerable to damage.
Injury
or Trauma to the Spine: Trauma from an auto
accident or sports injury can commonly cause disc issues.
Trauma may also occur over time as the result of ongoing postural
issues.
Medical
Care and Pain Management for Disc Injuries
A
Medical Doctor specializing in pain management for disc injuries
can help patients avoid surgery, which is often unnecessary for
disc-related issues. For example, the Medical
Director at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center focuses
on conservative pain management and rehabilitation practices,
including physical therapy,
acupuncture, and chiropractic
care.
Herniated
and bulged discs can sometimes lead to debilitating pain that
restricts a patient’s ability to function. A pain management
specialist may then perform an Epidural Steroid Injection, a minimally
invasive procedure that reduces inflammation and pain in the spinal
nerves. The epidural space is the area between the protective
covering of the vertebrae and spinal cord; an injection in this
area delivers a long-lasting corticosteroid and/or an anesthetic
numbing agent. The goal of this treatment is to relieve pain so
that patients may rehabilitate with physical therapy, traction,
chiropractic care, etc.
Disc
Injuries and Physical Therapy
A
physical therapy program for disc problems usually includes both
passive and active rehabilitation to relieve pain and restore
movement and flexibility. Passive physical therapy might include
ice and heat therapy, low level laser therapy, electrotherapy,
and/or ultrasound. Active therapy is the exercise component of
physical therapy; it is used to minimize pain and, eventually,
help patients build strength and stability to avoid future injuries.
Spinal
Decompression and Disc Injuries
When
pain is caused by compression of the spinal nerves (as is the
case with herniated and bulged discs), spinal decompression helps
to relieve pain by removing pressure on the nerves. Spinal Decompression
specifically targets problematic discs and creates a vacuum effect
in which the herniation itself can be reduced. The practice of
Spinal Decompression creates negative pressure within the disc,
which draws bulging disc material back into its outer shell. During
this process, the outer shell is able to heal.
Spinal
Decompression is a non-surgical, drug-free option for addressing
both the symptoms of disc injuries as well as correcting the actual
cause of pain.
Acupuncture
for Disc Injuries
Acupuncture
is effective in relieving pain associated with disc injuries.
Western studies have proven that this ancient, Eastern technique
has very tangible benefits. For example, acupuncture prompts the
release of serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter that interrupts
pain signals before they are able to reach the brain. Acupuncture
also helps with the release of opiate-like chemicals (endorphins)
to help patients treat pain naturally.
Chiropractic
Care for Herniated and Bulged Discs
Over
the course of a lifetime, maintaining the health of the spine
can help patients avoid many painful conditions, including disc
injuries. Because many disc injuries occur as the result of consistently
poor posture, sustaining good posture through chiropractic care
is an essential element in remaining pain-free.
When
disc injuries have already occurred, chiropractic treatment is
an obvious choice. While many disc patients believe that chiropractic
care involves ‘popping’ the disc back in place, chiropractic
care does not, in fact, use aggressive force in cases of disc
injuries. Rather, chiropractic for disc injuries involves gentle
manipulation designed to ensure the health of the spine, reduce
pain, and increase movement and flexibility.
Treatment
for Disc Injuries at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center