Herniated Disc

One thing anyone with a herniated disc knows for sure is that it is painful and you want it fixed. The pain is often constant because the displaced disc is partially outside of its normal position. The displaced disc sits between the vertebrae and pushing against the nerve root in your spine. This picture below illustrates this. A herniated disc may make it hard to walk of sleep. If the damaged disc is in the neck, reaching or lifting objects may be difficult. Sciatic pain reaching all the way to the foot makes life miserable for many people with a lumbar (low back) herniated disc. If you have surgery to repair the disc, will it work? Is the pain and risk worth the possible benefit?

With our skills, technology, and experience, we have helped many patients find pain relief from herniated discs. These patients find relief without the need for surgery. We find that the best approach is a thorough and customized treatment plan. This plan may utilize multiple healing and rehabilitation methods to address your specific pain and degree of herniation.

First, you will meet with one of our doctors for a free consultation so that you and your doctor can openly discuss the best options for you. The doctor will then customize a treatment plan specifically for you that will likely include some of the treatment options outlined below.

Treatment Options for Herniated Discs

• Spinal decompression therapy: This unique treatment option is extremely effective for our patients with cervical (neck) or lumbar herniated discs.

  First, our patient is secured to a special table in our office. Once they are comfortable, the table alternately stretches and releases either the cervical or lumbar sections of their spine. With each cycle, the space that once contained the herniated disc is opened slightly, thus encouraging the disc to return to its natural position. Herniated discs also experience an infusion of blood and oxygen, which aid in the healing. This process continues for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Repeated treatments are effective in enabling herniated discs to return to its normal position, removing the pressure from the nerve root, and relieving your pain.

• Spinal adjustments: When there’s pain and inflammation, a patient’s spine tends to get stiff and sore. Vertebrae don’t flex as easily, which means it’s harder to move, bend, or reach. Arms or legs may be weaker. Spinal adjustments help return flexibility to all parts of the spine and help restore the spine's natural curve. Both these improvements are very important for the lasting health of every disc in your spine.
• Physical rehabilitation: Rehab is a vital part of recovery from herniated discs. It’s important to keep the body moving and flexible. With stretches, strength-building exercises, and counseling, we help our patients recover their full mobility and strength.
• Massage therapy: In addition to feeling great, massage therapy helps muscles relax into their proper tone and eases adhesions (abnormal attachments between tissue surfaces) that could prevent a return to full functionality.

Have You Been Told Back Surgery is Your Only Option?

We offer you a different path to complete recovery of a herniated disc. Please consult with us before deciding on laser back surgery or any other invasive treatment and let us explain our techniques and successes. We look forward to meeting you in our Houston office. Ask how you can schedule a free consultation on our cutting edge treatment options for a herniated disc in Houston.