Treatments for Disc Herniations

The nature and character of the disc lesion directs the length and type of  treatment.  Identifying the cause of the hernation, ( i.e. injury, spondylolisthesis, disc degeneration, structural imbalance ), is essential  to a good outcome.  Addressing the symptoms alone can provide temporary relief at best. 

A disc herniation always involves the inner portion ( nucleus pulposus) and the outer portion ( annulus fibrosis).  The degree of involvement ( tearing and migration) can be determined by MRI and to a lesser degree by CT scanning of the spine.  Diagnostic imaging of this type is invaluable at pin-pointing the exact level of herniation and the degree of nerve compression.  

The majority of  patients with disc herniations  present with acute pain, inflammation and loss of mobility .  The disc can tear, bulge, herniate ( commonly called protrusion) or prolapse.  Frequently there are  underlying problems of spondylolisthesis, stenosis, and spondylosis.  Successful results require the removal - and/or stabilization - of all underlying factors as well as elimination of nerve pressure and disc protrusion.

As you can see the majority of underlying issues are structural/mechanical.  They are best handled conservatively by a chiropractor that utilizes techniques  which 1) address secondary factors 2) decrease/eliminate disc pressure, 3) and reduce nerve pressure and pain. 

Most patients with disc issues have some degree of spinal muscle atrophy.  Rehabilitative exercise must follow disc herniation reduction.  It should never precede disc treatment.  It is not logical to strain a herniated disc.  This is why some standard therapy protocols fail.

Treatment in the office of Dr. Judith Kanzic will involve 1) Evaluation 2) Diagnostic Studies  3) Identification of Underlying factors 4) Pain Control 5) Closed Reduction of the Disc Herniation 6) Rehabilitative Exercise 7) Final Evaluation and Release from Active Care.

The primary treatment methods used by Dr. Kanzic are COX Technique™, Chiropractic Biophysics™ and Rehabilitative Spinal Exercise. Cox Method was introduced by Dr. James Cox of Fort Wayne Indiana more than 35 years ago for the treatment of lumbar and cervical disc herniations. This is a traction/manipulation treatment based on a combination of Chiropractic, Osteopathic, and Orthopedic treatments and has an incredible success rate.

Chiropractic BioPhysics was developed by Dr. Donald Harrison and utilizes principles of Physics and Mathematics to restore to normal curves to the spine. Stabilization in this fashion permits body and head weight to be carried evenly over the discs and vertebra, avoiding tearing and herniation of the disc from an uneven load.     This is done in concert with rehabilitative exercise.