Have you been diagnosed with disc problems and are wondering how you will keep living with the never-ending pain? If so, your medical physician may have recommended spinal surgery. In cases of trauma or severe bone, disc and nerve damage, surgery may become necessary. However, the majority of people with back pain and/or sciatica never actually need it. Ask your doctor of chiropractic about back surgery alternatives before making a final decision.
What causes disc pain?
The intervertebral discs are the little pads that lie between the vertebrae. These discs separate the vertebrae as well as also join them together. Each disc has a tough outer ring (annular fibrosis) and a soft gel-like center (nucleus purpose). They act like little shock absorbers, cushioning the bones so they don’t crash against each other as you walk, which would be very painful. Discs help give the spine its curve, flexibility, and strength.
What is a Disc Herniation?
There are two types of disc herniation: protrusions and prolapses. A protrusion can occur if the gel bulges, pushing the outer ring out of shape. A prolapse occurs if the nucleus bulges out so much that it actually separates from the rest of the disc. If the prolapsed disc cuts into the spinal cord or puts pressure on the nerves, it may cause severe pain that could make any motion, such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, eliminating body wastes, sneezing, and coughing, nearly impossible. In extreme cases, foot or leg numbness or a loss of muscle control may occur.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Of the thousands of surgical procedures performed each year for disc problems, medical authorities admit that many of those who have surgery could be in the same or worse pain after the operation. Unfortunately, if surgery is ineffective the first time, a second or third operation does not help. Even successful operations can cause scar tissue, permanent spinal weakness, distortion, and instability.
Chiropractic care has an answer for you with back surgery alternatives, saving thousands of patients each year from unnecessary spinal surgery. Anyone facing the prospect of spinal surgery should, if possible, obtain the opinion of a doctor of chiropractic and information about back surgery alternatives before making a decision.
Our doctors at McKim Health Chiropractic treat patients with a back surgery alternative, the DRS Protocol™, a non-surgical spinal decompression therapy which relieves back pain associated with spinal and disc problems. Before prescribing a course of treatment, you will be given a thorough examination to determine whether you are a candidate for the DRS Protocol™ Therapy. Our licensed and certified staff is happy to help the residents of Nampa, ID take the first step on the road to recovery.
