Disc Herniation

 

Special Report

 

Dr. Richard J. Ruffini

 

 

 

Thank you for requesting the “Disc Herniation Special Report.”  The American Medical Information Association which sent you this report was founded to provide patients with the critical information they need to make informed choices when seeking a physician.  Dr. Richard J. Ruffini who co-authored this report, is a founding member of the American Medical Information Society and a Senior Editor for the Chiropractic Section. 

 

 

 

If you or a loved one is suffering from a Disc Herniation

 

 

 

Call Dr. Ruffini for an appointment or a referral you may have confidence in at

 

 

 

248-353-BACK (2225)

 

 

 

Don’t delay.

 

 

 

Early treatment means

 

 earlier relief and faster healing.

 

 

 

 

 

Everything You Need to Know About

 

Disc Herniations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q. What is a disc herniation?

 

 

 

A. A disc herniation (or herniated disc) occurs when a portion of the spinal disc pushes out of its normal boundary.  This condition often causes irritation and compression to nerves and/or the spinal cord and is sometimes self diagnosed as a pinched nerve.  There are 23 discs in the spine and they act like cushions or shock absorbers, providing motion and flexibility to your spine.  The disc itself is cartilage on the outside and jelly-like on the inside.  If the outer cartilage breaks and the inner jelly ruptures out of its normal boundary, this is considered a herniated disc.  Other common names for a disc herniation are; disc protrusion, ruptured disc, sequestered disc, and disc bulge.

 

 

 

 

 

Q. How do I know if I have a disc herniation?

 

 

 

A.  People with disc herniations often complain of back pain, buttock pain, hip pain, neck pain, and pain or abnormal sensations into the arms or legs.  Abnormal sensation can be numbness, tingling (pins and needles), muscle weakness, and electric shock-like pain.  In extreme cases, difficultly with urinating and bowel movements, or complete loss of sensation in the extremities can occur.  This last example is considered a medical emergency and can lead to permanent damage if not treated immediately.  Disc herniations can be diagnosed with a physical examination (testing sensation, muscle strength, and reflexes), along with an MRI.

 

 

 

If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms in the neck, back, or extremities, and suspect you may have a disc herniation, a chiropractic exam is your first step to relief.

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What are common disc herniation symptoms?

 

 

 

A.  Here are some other common ways people describe symptoms from a disc herniation;

 

 

 

Sharp pain, aching pain, burning pain, shooting pain, muscle spasms, pain that travels, radiating pain, numbness and tingling, pins and needles.  In extreme cases, disc herniations can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, changes in heart rate, breathing difficulty, and other serious symptoms.  Remember, the nerves in your body control and coordinate the function of every cell, tissue and organ.  Abnormal pressure on a nerve from a bulging or herniated disc can cause malfunction wherever that nerve goes.

 

Disc herniations can also be present without pain and other symptoms present (asymptomatic).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q. My pain travels into my leg (or arm), is that normal?

 

 

 

A. It is not uncommon for people with disc herniations to have pain that travels into extremities.  Pain that travels is referred to as radiating pain (or radiculitis), and in some cases the result of the spinal cord and/or nerves being irritated or compressed by a bulging or herniated disc.    Radiculitis can also cause a numbness or tingling sensation into the extremities.  In addition, radiating symptoms are often aggravated by not changing position for long periods of time, or doing a repeat activity over-and-over again.  For example:  Driving too long in a car, standing for extended periods of time, or working long hours on a computer. 

 

Pain that travels should be examined immediately and treated before the problem gets worse.

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  Where is the most common place for a disc herniation to occur?

 

 

 

A.  Disc herniations most commonly occur in the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (low back).  A disc herniation in the neck can cause radiating pain and a numbness and tingling sensation into the shoulders, shoulder blades, arms, hands and fingers.  A disc herniation in the low back can cause radiating pain and a numbness and tingling sensation into the buttocks, legs, calves, feet and toes. 

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  How did I get disc herniation? 

 

 

 

A.  Although there are many different things that can cause a disc herniation, some of the most common include:

·       trauma (ie. fall, car accident, work injury, sport injury, lifting injury)

·       degenerative changes to spinal joints and discs over many years

·       repetitive injuries – jobs or activities that put stress on discs over-and-over again

 

 

Disc herniations can lead to very debilitating, and sometimes permanent conditions if ignored for too long.  Waiting for a disc herniation to get better can cause serious nerve damage if not treated quickly.  Call your Chiropractor for immediate relief!

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  What are common disc herniation treatments?

 

 

 

A. 

 

·       Rest

 

·       Chiropractic – Considered one of the most effective treatments for disc herniations.  Significantly helps with pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation associated with disc herniations.

 

·       Ice/heat

 

·       Massage

 

·       NSAIDs (i.e. ibuprofen, Motrin)

 

·       Pain medications (Tylenol, Advil, narcotics)

 

·       Physical Therapy

 

·       Epidural Injection (Cortisone)

 

·       Surgery – A discectomy is a surgical procedure that treats disc herniations, but should only be considered in worse case scenarios.

 

 

 

This article does NOT advise taking medications without an evaluation from your doctor.  Please consult with a physician before taking any medication.

 

 

 

 

 

Q.  How Chiropractic treatment of disc herniations can help?

 

 

 

A.  Chiropractic treatment re-aligns the spinal bones into proper position eliminating nerve pressure and irritation.  When performed by a board certified Chiropractor, relief of pain and symptoms is a very common outcome.  My success rate with disc herniation relief is outstanding!  Don’t wait another minute if you or a loved one is suffering.  You’ve come to the right place for help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for an answer to your health problems

 

without the use of drugs and surgery,

 

 

 

Call Dr. Ruffini for an appointment at

 

 

 

248-353-BACK (2225)

 

 

 

 

 

 During your consultation, Dr. Ruffini will personally answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

 

 

 

“We’ll come in early or stay late to help you or a loved one get the relief you need. 

 

We have a special offer to assure your initial visit with us is “pain free.” Mention this article when you check in and our staff will give you a $200 New Patient Office Credit which will cover the full amount of your consultation and exam fee.”

 

Warmly,

 

Dr. Rich Ruffini 

 

 

 

The information provided in this report is provided as a public service. While the information in this report represents the most current information and the highest medical standard of practice at the time of the release of this report, no one should rely solely on the information in this report when making an important medical decision.

 

Each reader should make an appointment with a Board Certified Chiropractor to discuss your medical problems.

 

The request of this report does not create a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ruffini. A physician-patient relationship will only exist when you meet with Dr. Ruffini in his office.