Non-Surgical Solutions for Chronic Back Pain-Herniated Discs
Herniation in the low back (lumbar spine) can irritate nearby nerves, which can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg. This condition is often referred to as “throwing out your back.” Often patients with disc herniation are told that surgery is their only option. This is not true. If you find yourself suffering from chronic, stubborn low back pain, and are looking for a non-surgical solution, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy at Performance Ortho may be the perfect solution for you.
What is Lumbar Disc Herniation?
In between the vertebrae, soft cartilage based pads known as intervertebral discs, help aid in shock absorption and weight bearing. The discs consist of two layers. The outer layer is known as the annulus fibrosis, which consists of cartilaginous rings. The inner layer is a soft gel-based material known as the nucleus pulposus. Herniation occurs when the inner layer migrates or pushes through the outer layers of the disc. When tearing occurs in the outer layer of the disc the nucleus pulposus can create pressure on exiting nerve roots. The increased pressure on the nerves can lead to altered sensation and pain in the low back, buttock and into the lower extremities and feet.
What are some of the Causes of Disc Herniation?
Disc Herniations very rarely happen from a single traumatic event. Most often age related degenerative changes are to blame. As we age the discs begin to lose hydration and become less flexible which can lead to further risk of injury. At the end of each of the vertebrae there are cartilaginous-based plates known as vertebral endplates that break down and predispose the disc to injury. A majority of the disc cases are caused from improper lifting of heavy objects, which places strain on the back muscles. Rotational forces and stresses can also put the disc at risk for injury.
Conventional Treatments for Disc Herniation
Most injuries to the intervertebral discs respond well to conventional non-surgical treatments, if appropriate action is taken. Due to the chronic nature of this condition, it may take several months for the problem to resolve. Activity modification is a major factor when dealing with a lumbar disc injury. Healthcare experts often incorporate directional preference treatment protocols in order to alleviate the pain.
At Performance Ortho we utilize state-of-the-art, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy known as DRX9000 Spinal Decompression, which helps to decrease the pain and radiating symptoms associated with lumbar disc herniation. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy will also help restore hydration to the discs that have lost hydration with age.
Typically disc herniations will respond very well to a combination of physical therapy and chiropractic care, but when patients are suffering from long standing chronic disc pain, the answer may be non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. If patients experience ongoing symptoms, a lumbar spine epidural can also be done in conjunction with conservative treatment options to help ease the symptoms.
DRX 9000 Decompression Therapy
Patients suffering from disc injuries may benefit from non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. The DRX9000 is one of the most research-supported treatments available and we continue to see great results for long standing disc conditions. While being treated with spinal decompression therapy, patients will undergo a full course of physical therapy and chiropractic care. Our physical therapists will begin to stabilize and strengthen the muscles involved with disc injuries, while our chiropractors will restore function to the joints in the low back. In severe cases, lumbar spine epidurals may be administered in conjunction with the other treatments.
Available at Performance Ortho, DRX 9000 Decompression therapy is changing the game for patients suffering with stubborn long-standing disc injuries.
To schedule a consultation or if you have any questions please contact one of our Patient Care Coordinators at 908-754-1960 or you may contact us online.
About the Authors:
Joseph Mejia D.O., F.A.A.P.M.& R, is a graduate of University of Michigan and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. Dr. Mejia received his Fellowship Training in Interventional Pain Management from University of Medicine and Dentistry. He has advanced training in Regenerative Medicine and is the Medical Director and Partner of Performance Ortho.
Vincent J. Diana D.C. is a graduate of New York Chiropractic College. He is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician with licenses held in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Dr. Diana is a Chiropractic Physician at Performance Ortho.