Treatment
for Disc Injuries and Back Pain in Monmouth County
Disc
bulges and disc herniations are a major cause of back pain.
In particular, pain caused by disc problems is most commonly experienced
in the lower back (lumbar spine). Less frequently, the upper back
(thoracic spine) and neck (cervical spine) are also affected.
Back
pain caused by disc problems rarely requires surgery; there
are a number of healthy, conservative treatment options that not
only address the pain of disc problems, but also correct the damage
that is causing pain.
Spinal
Discs and Back Pain
Between
each of the vertebrae of the spine rests a cushion known as an
intervertebral disc. Like any other cushion, this disc is composed
of a soft, inner portion that is encased by an outer shell. A
disc bulge occurs when this shell ruptures, and the inner portion
of the disc bulges out. A disc herniation is a more serious condition
in which this disc material bulges out and moves more significantly
backward toward the spinal cord. Either condition leads to pain
by causing compression of the nerves of the spine.
Disc
bulges and herniations are most frequently caused by disc degeneration
due to aging (in which the discs dry up and become less flexible)
or trauma (such as with an auto
accident or sports injury).
Trauma is not always a sudden experience; over time, poor posture
can also injure the discs of the spine.
Medical
Care and Pain Management for Back Pain/Disc Injuries
When
experiencing back pain, it is a good idea to visit a doctor that
specializes in pain management
and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This type of doctor
is known as a Physiatrist, a specialist in Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation (PM&R).
The
Medical Director at Monmouth Pain and
Rehabilitation focuses on conservative treatment options
to help patients avoid surgery while alleviating pain and increasing
mobility and functioning. The treatment model for back pain caused
by disc injuries includes a number of healthy modalities, including
spinal decompression,
physical therapy,
acupuncture, and chiropractic
care.
Reduced
mobility is often associated with disc problems and back pain.
In some cases, pain is the culprit that restricts patients from
taking advantage of more conservative rehabilitation options—and
leads to unnecessary surgeries. In such causes, a pain management
specialist may perform Epidural Steroid Injections, a minimally
invasive procedure that reduces inflammation and pain in the spinal
nerves. The purpose of using injections to relieve pain is to
help patients rehabilitate with physical therapy, spinal decompression,
chiropractic care, etc., and avoid surgery.
Treatment
for Disc Injuries at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation
Our
Red Bank, NJ medical office integrates medical care for pain management
with physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic
care. The purpose of incorporating all of these options in one
facility is to provide conservative and effective strategies for
reducing many painful conditions, including back pain caused by
disc injuries.
If
you are suffering from back pain related to disc injuries, or
are in need of a diagnosis for your back pain condition, please
contact our Red Bank, NJ office to
learn more about treatment for back
pain and disc injuries in Monmouth County.