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Herniated Discs
A disc—a small pad of gel-like tissue surrounded by a thick coating—is sandwiched between each of the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spinal column. Discs, which operate like shock absorbers, cushion the vertebrae, prevent |
the vertebrae from rubbing together, and allow the spine to bend. Accidents and injuries may cause the spine to misalign. When this misalignment occurs, weight is not distributed evenly across the disc below. The discs may move or “bulge” into the spinal canal or leak out tissue that may press against a nerve. The result is called a herniated, slipped, or ruptured disc.
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Dr. Mitch Aumont (Canada) treated a patient for a spinal cord tumor at T12. His colleague, Dr. Rochester (DC, Clarkesville, GA.) created this stunning video using a computer-assisted morphing technology from two MRI images. While it is, of course, not possible to entirely attribute the impressive reduction in herniation to the patient's Upper Cervical treatment, it is impressive, non-the-less, that such hernia reduction is possible without surgery. (Image courtesy of Dr. Aumont and Dr. Rochester) |
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The first symptom of a herniated disc is usually sudden and extreme pain. Most often, the discs in the lower lumbar and lower cervical regions herniate because this part of the spine carries most of the body's weight. When the discs in the lumbar region herniate, the pain usually begins in the lower back but may travel into the buttocks, thighs, and legs and cause burning, tingling, and numbness. Discs that herniate in the upper portion of the spine (cervical vertebrae) may cause pain or weakness in the neck, shoulders, or arms
How NUCCA treatment can help
Before considering an invasive treatment such as surgery, consult with a NUCCA doctor regarding your specific case. In many cases, gentle spinal correction can help to realign the spine, reduce the irritation of the nerve from the herniated disc material, relieve pain, restore spinal mobility, and improve the physical condition of the patient.
The NUCCA correction gently restores the entire spine back to its normal position. With the spine properly realigned, equal pressure is then distributed across the herniated discs, and the affected area can heal. The NUCCA correction is equally effective for both cervical and lumbar disc herniations.
Sources
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Web site. Available at: http:www.ninds.nih.gov. Accessed February 6, 2005 .
North American Spine Society Web site. Available at: http://www.spine.org. Accessed February 6, 2005.
Spine-health.com Web site. Available at: http://www.spine-health.com. Accessed February 5, 2005.
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Useful Links
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Nonprofit association providing education and practice management services for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals as well as patient information.
http://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org
- American Chronic Pain Association
Provides information concerning services, conditions and pain management issues.
http://www.theacpa.org
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
The nation's leading supporter of biomedical research on disorders of the brain and nervous system.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
- North American Spine Society
Multidisciplinary medical organization that advances quality spine care through education, research, and advocacy.
http://www.spine.org
http://www.spine-health.com
Web site developed by multispecialty group of medical professionals; useful resource for understanding, preventing, and seeking appropriate treatment for back and neck pain and related conditions.
Patient Testimonials
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