Slip Disc Chiropractor

echiropractor — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:28:12 +0000

A slipped disc is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention and treatment. This is essential to prevent any further damage to the spine or back. Slip discs are typically due to a recent injury in the spine. A patient may complain of pulsating pains within the leg, back and spine. Normally the pains are very sharp and most often unbearable. Daily activities such as sitting or standing can become very difficult for the patient. It’s vital that a patient be seen by a Chiropractor to receive the proper care and asses the circumstances before any further nerve damage or inflammation occurs. As a rule a patient will be x-rayed, immediately followed by a thorough assessment of what caused this slip disc to occur. In some cases, MRI’s may be needed for more serious injuries followed by other diagnostic testing. A slip disc chiropractor can assess how serious the injury is by viewing the results of the x-rays or the MRI’s if needed. It’s vital that the Chiropractor make the proper diagnosis and treatment plan to fit that specific patient’s needs. In some cases slip discs may require minimal or extensive surgery. Most patients that don’t need to undergo surgery will consult with a Chiropractor in order to alleviate the pain caused by the slipped disc. In most cases patients will have a care plan that is written by the Chiropractor. Some patients may need to come in weekly or a few times a week depending on the seriousness of the slipped disc. Patients will also be given instructions before they return home. In some cases, equipment for the neck and back may be given to help assist with the healing process. The Chiropractor may also give the patient tools on how to stretch and manage the pain while at home or work. There are many options for patients that experience a slipped disc. It’s vital to visit your chiropractor or doctor to assess what options are going to help heal your injury effectively.

Treatment for a Herniated Cervical Disc

echiropractor — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:08:14 +0000

The herniation of a cervical disc can be a painful injury to the neck that requires immediate attention to prevent further injury to the surrounding area. Cervical disc herniation can be caused by trauma, however the painful symptoms may appear spontaneously with no provocation. The average age of a patient suffering with a herniated cervical disc is in the age group between thirty and fifty years of age. The most common levels where a cervical herniation occurs are at C5-C6, C6-C7 and C4-C5. At level C5-C6 weakness in the biceps and wrist extensors will be felt along with numbness and tingling affecting the thumb side of the hand. At C6-C7, weakness in the triceps may be present as well as numbness and tingling into the triceps area, as well as into the middle finger. At C4-C5, a patient may generally experience weakness into the deltoid muscle.

Treatment

The treatment for a herniated cervical disc is generally dependent on several factors. These factors include the specific patient’s symptoms, age, and the activity level of the patient and if their symptoms are worsening over time. A physician will normally begin treatment with diagnostic imaging to precisely determine at what level the disc herniation is located. An MRI is the most ideal diagnostic imaging tool for viewing a herniation. Following the imaging results, treatment generally begins conservatively, with rest and activity avoidance being recommended at first, followed by heat and ice therapy, and finally physical therapy, chiropractic care, and appropriate modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction, massage therapy and strengthening exercises. More aggressive treatment may be recommended if conservative therapies yield little to no improvement. Spinal surgery to remove the herniated disc, therefore reducing the pressure on the nerves, is necessary for 10 percent of patients with a herniated disc. This option is only recommended when conservative treatment is unsuccessful or if major neurological problems are present.

References Cited in this Article

Chiropractor Resources, Chiropractic Techniques, Chiropractic Advice » MRI

Slip Disc Chiropractor

Treatment for a Herniated Cervical Disc

Treatment