Herniated Disc? Surgery Is Not Your Only Option

What is a Herniated Disc

Herniated discs are one of the most common causes of back pain. Discs are the soft pads of tissue that serve as shock absorbers between each vertebrae of the spine. "Herniated" means that some of the softer material from the center of the disk has been pushed into the tougher exterior lining of the disc. This condition is also referred to as a slipped disc or a ruptured disc.

Herniated Disc Symptoms

When a disc is herniated, it pushes on and irritates nearby nerves. Although most herniated discs are in the back, they can also occur in the neck. Symptoms of a herniated disc include neck or back pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in arms or legs.

What Causes a Herniated Disc

Herniated discs can occur from stress on the spine, such as repeated heavy lifting or lifting items improperly; or from natural wear and tear on the discs as we age.

Herniated Disc Treatment 

There are a variety of options for the treatment of herniated discs, one of which is back surgery. However, there is increasing evidence showing that back surgery may not be the best treatment for a herniated disc and there are a number of resulting problems that call this treatment option into question. The most common complaints after surgery are:

• persistent nerve irritation and leg pain
• an initial improvement followed by worsened pain
• improved leg pain, but increased back pain
• additional surgery required in 3-5 years

With all the potential risks surrounding surgery -- and the high likelihood that it will only create more problems --  back pain specialists are increasingly turning to more conservative treatments. Doctors of Chiropractic have long realized that a more holistic  approach to pain management is the appropriate route for almost all back pain sufferers.

Dr. Richard E Busch III of Busch Chiropractic in Fort Wayne designs personalized, noninvasive care options for each of his patients. He has successfully treated thousands of patients suffering from back pain due to herniated discs with the DRS Protocol®™. The DRS Protocol®, which utilizes spinal decompression as well as multiple, customized therapies, is a safe, pain-free alternative to back surgery.

Before considering back surgery for the treatment of a herniated disc, contact Busch Chiropractic. Our staff would be happy to talk to you about non-surgical options that will help you live your life healthy and pain free.

Posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 in General