Are YOU curious about slipped disc treatment?

     A slipped disc or more properly called a herniated disk is when the outer annular fibers of the disc tear allowing the contents of the center portion known as the nucleus pulposus to bulge or protrude.  Most tears are posterior and ipsilateral in nature due to the anatomical structure of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the spinal canal.  Some terms used synonymous with herniated discs are: prolapsed disc, ruptured disc, and slipped disc.  A herniated disc can occur anywhere in the spine but most commonly occur in the lumbar and cervical region, with lumbar being more frequent of the two.  There are areas of the spine that exhibit no disc; therefore, a slipped disc can not occur including: the two upper cervical vertebras, the sacrum, and the coccyx.  Diagnosis of a herniated disc is best seen on MRI but other studies include: x-ray, Computed Tomography, Myelogram, and EMG and NCS studies.  Slipped disc treatment can include: surgery, NSAIDs, physical therapy, walking, chiropractic, bed rest, lumbar support belt, cortisone injections, oral steroids, traction therapy, and weight management.  Surgery should be a last resort option according to SPORT (Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial) which concluded, “Patient’s in both the surgery and non-operative treatment groups improved substantially over a 2-year period.  Because of the large number of patients who crossed over in both directions, conclusions about the superiority or equivalence of treatment are not warranted based on the intent-to-treat analysis.”  A common and very effective chiropractic technique known as Flexion/Distraction helps to decrease pain and restore range of motion to the lumbar and cervical spine.  Flexion/Distraction technique was developed by Dr. James Cox and offers short and long-term benefits by decreasing intradiscal pressure, opening up the spinal canal; therefore, reducing pressure on the spinal nerves which cause pain.