Herniated Disc

You may have heard the term “slipped disc” used to describe a low back injury. Discs do not actually “slip”. Rather, they may herniate or bulge out from between the bones. A herniation is a displaced fragment of the center part or nucleus of the disc that is pushed through a tear in the outer layer or annulus of the disc. Pain results when irritating substances are released from this tear and also if the fragment touches or compresses a nearby nerve. Disc herniation has some similarities to degenerative disc disease and discs that herniate are often in an early stage of degeneration. Herniated discs are common in the low back or lumbar spine.

What causes discs to herniate?

Many factors decrease the strength and resiliency of the disc and increase the risk of disc herniation. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, lack of regular exercise, and inadequate nutrition contribute to poor disc health. Poor posture, daily wear and tear, injury or trauma, and incorrect lifting or twisting further stress the disc. If the disc is already weakened, it may herniate with a single movement or strain such as coughing or bending to pick up a pencil.

How do I know if I have a disc herniation?

Herniated discs are most likely to affect people between the ages of 30 and 40. Disc herniations may be present without causing pain. The most common symptom will be pain in the area of the herniation that may radiate across the hips or into the buttocks. You may also experience numbness or pain radiating down your leg to the ankle or foot. If the herniation is large enough, you may notice weakness with extension of your big toe and you may be unable to walk on your toes or heels. In severe cases of lumbar disc herniation, you may experience changes in your bowel or bladder function and may have difficulty with sexual function.

How is a disc herniation treated?

Mild to moderate disc herniations can usually be treated conservatively with stretching, exercise therapy and chiropractic care. More advanced cases will often require Spinal Decompression Therapy, in conjuction with chiropractic care.

Occasionally, a herniation may be severe enough to warrant surgical intervention. These cases are usually reserved as a last resort when other forms of therapy have failed to relieve pain, or if there is significant compression of the spinal cord or nerves.

Suffering From A Herniated Disc ?
We Can Help!
Call Us Today (021) 436 – 0009

Testimonials

“I searched everywhere for an answer to my back pain and the nagging sciatica in my right leg. Painkillers helped for a while but I knew that wasn’t the long-term solution. After an MRI scan confirmed my L5 disc was bulging in my low back ..."

Gillian K. Read more >>>

“I suffered a whiplash injury in 2008 and one of the discs in my lower neck was injured. I tried many different types of treatment and was desperate to avoid surgery. A friend told me about this new Spinal Decompression Therapy..."

John C. Read more >>>

“I went to Dr. Doug when I found out that I had spondylosis and two worn out discs at the base of my spine. My back was so stiff and sore, especially in the mornings and I knew I had to do something about it before it got any worse ..."

Kieran M. Read more >>>

“I injured my back during a heavy lifting incident. I was eating painkillers everyday just so I could keep working. When my aunt told me about the Cork Spine & Disc Cener and the Spinal Decompression system, I was skeptical ..."

Paul G. Read more >>>

What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
Will Spinal Decompression Therapy treatments hurt? Is it safe?
Is Spinal Decompression Therapy new?
Will I require an x-ray, MRI or CT scan?
Why is Spinal Decompression Therapy more successful than other treatment options?
Why the need for exercises and other therapies?
How much will it cost?
Can Spinal Decompression Therapy help my pain?
Will my pain go away for good?
How long will my treatment program be?

What is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Non-surgical spinal disc decompression is a non-invasive treatment for acute and chronic spinal pain associated with herniated, ruptured, bulging or degenerative discs and sciatic leg pain or spinal stenosis associated with these conditions. It is also used for the treatment of conditions such as facet syndrome, spondylosis and even failed spinal surgery. It is safe and effective without the normal risks associated with invasive procedures such as injections, anesthesia or surgery. Spinal decompression works through a series of alternating decompression and relaxation cycles with a total treatment time of 12-25 minutes.

The theory behind non-surgical spinal decompression is that significant distractive forces, when applied to the lumbar spine in variable directions can create a negative pressure in the center of the intervertebral disc, thereby creating a suctioning effect or “vacuum phenomenon” in order to retract or reduce the size of the herniated or bulging disc's gelatinous internal nucleus pulposus, thus diminishing or eliminating nerve compression, while at the same time creating an osmotic gradient which helps bring nutrients and water into the disc. Since intervertebral discs have poor circulation, they depend upon receiving their nutrition through diffusion across the endplates of the vertebrae above and below.

The appeal of non-surgical spinal decompression is that it is a non-invasive, non-surgical, drug-free alternative treatment for low back pain, sciatica, disc degeneration, disc bulges, disc herniations, and facet syndrome. There is copious anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness and more case studies are being published demonstrating very positive results in patients who have tried other conservative treatments that have failed.

Will Spinal Decompression Therapy treatments hurt? Is it safe?

Spinal Decompression Therapy treatments are one of the most gentle and comfortable therapies available. The treatments utilize equipment with proven safety and efficacy. Most patients report a mild sense of stretch on their back or hips, and often fall asleep during treatment sessions.

Is Spinal Decompression Therapy new?

Although traction therapy has been around for thousands of years, spinal decompression is relatively new. Advances in equipment and procedures have dramatically improved effectiveness. Cork Spine & Disc Rehabilitation Centre is the only clinic in Co. Cork that uses the Kennedy Neural-Flex Decompression table. We believe this to be the most sophisticated, technologically advanced, state-of-the-art decompression system in the world. Dr. Doug Meckelborg is currently the only “Kennedy Certified Practitioner” in Co. Cork.

Will I require an x-ray, MRI or CT scan?

After your initial consultation at our clinic and a comprehensive physical examination, it will be determined whether diagnostic imaging is required. Often, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans, or in some cases, CT (Computerized Tomography) scans help to confirm the diagnosis and elucidate the nature and extent of the underlying problem. If required, we would refer you to one of the clinics in Cork that provide such services.

Why is Spinal Decompression Therapy more successful than other treatment options?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is a comprehensive program of the newest traction techniques and targeted “core” stabilization exercises. Doctor skill, combined with the decompression table and computerized traction head, are the keys. Proper assessment, correct positioning and the use of pre-programmed patterns of distraction and relaxation reduces intervertebral disc pressure, thus allowing necessary nutrients to “enliven” and accelerate disc healing. In addition, we use other adjunctive treatments that have proven effectiveness in spinal care. It is this multi-faceted approach that makes the overall treatment so effective. Additionally, the disc has been shown to be a predominate site of pain in many spinal conditions, so treating it as directly as possible makes sense. The blending of focused decompression to the site, rehabilitation to the supporting structures, and overall strengthening of global musculature makes the treatment unique.

Why the need for exercises and other therapies?

Along with the damage in the disc we also need to treat the supporting spinal muscles. A complete program targeting the function of the stabilization muscles is a vital part of Spinal Decompression Therapy. Our hope is not only to help heal the disc but enhance muscle control and support of the low back or neck. A gradual breakdown of the foundational support of your back or neck is what puts undue stresses on the discs and leads to pain and loss of function. Exercise and adjunctive therapies will assist in rehabilitating these structures.

How much will it cost?

We offer affordable and individually tailored programs of spinal care depending on the nature of your condition and the extent of care needed. Most major insurance companies in Ireland (VHI, Quinn Direct, Hibernian Aviva) will cover a portion of your care. You always have the choice as to the extent of care you receive. Our staff will review all costs, payment options and insurance coverage up front. We want to help, and believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of you and good health.

Can Spinal Decompression Therapy help my pain?

Though each patient is different and no doctor can guarantee 100% success, our office is seeing great results from spinal decompression therapy. Damaged discs, joint dysfunction and poor spinal muscle control are among the most common problems underlying mechanical back pain. Our treatment program addresses both of these core problems. The Spinal Decompression Therapy creates a controlled decompression of the vertebral discs to decrease disc pressure thus increasing blood and nutrient exchange. This exchange of fluids is something the damaged disc desperately needs to help it heal from the inside out. Muscle strength, control and endurance can all be improved with other facets of Spinal Decompression Therapy that include specific controlled exercises.

Will my pain go away for good?

Although it is difficult to predict the future, our experience is that most patients do find long-term relief or effective management of their pain when they complete the entire program of treatments. Regular home exercise and periodic visits to our clinic will help in maintaining your spinal health and reduce the probability of reoccurrence. As with any comprehensive rehabilitation program your continued home care exercises and discretion in some daily activities is key to long-term relief.

How long will my treatment program be?

It depends on the nature of your injury as well as the complexity and extent of the rehabilitation needed; however, we typically begin with 3-4 treatments per week for 1 month followed by re-examination to assess progress. The treatment is administered over a reasonable time frame and your response is continually evaluated. Further treatments may be necessary or a reduced frequency may be recommended at that time. The rehabilitative phase may include additional Spinal Decompression treatments, with other adjunctive spinal therapies to enhance the results.