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Dr. Kevin Pauza Maybe it’s from all the farm work or sports I played as a child, but I have severe spinal stenosis. I’ve seen many patients who underwent spine surgery for their spinal stenosis and are paralyzed from that surgery. Their surgeries included: discectomy, laminectomy, and disc replacement. Today I saw another such patient, and so I’m writing this. Spine Surgeons wrongly led each patient into believing that delaying spine surgery increased their risk of paralysis from an even a minor fall, or would worsen their symptoms of weakness or pain. That’s false on all accounts. I studied that

What is a Herniated Disc? A herniated disc is an injury to the spine. The discs absorb any impact and prevent injury to the spine’s bones. These cushions are similar to the cushion on the spine. The spinal disc is made up of both an outer (called the annulus) and an inner (called the nucleus). A herniated disc is one where the nucleus bulges out of the annulus. Herniated discs can form anywhere along the spine. The location of the bulging discs will affect how severe the symptoms are. If the disc is damaged from a nearby nerve, it can

For pain relief from a herniated or bulging disc, acupuncture, massage, and Acupressure are all options. These treatments should always be discussed with a practitioner in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This title might seem confusing. While complementary medicine and alternative medicine follow similar principles, they differ in the fact that complementary treatments can be used alongside traditional medicine. Traditional acupuncturists use very thin needles to insert in specific points on your meridians. This is done to open up Chi channels, also known as meridians. Other methods may offer more comfort and less pain. These are some options to help

Herniated spinal discs happen when the discs in the spine are damaged. It affects the ability of a person to move painlessly and can lead to a recurrence. There are some pain relief options that can be used to relieve herniated disc symptoms. Herniated Discs Before seeking out remedies, it is important that you understand what herniated discs are. Multiple terms can be used for disc problems like bulging disc or collapsed disc, pinched nerve, or slip disc. All these terms share one thing: the disc has been damaged in some way. The shock absorbers that connect each vertebra to

What is a herniated disc? A herniation of the lumbar spine disc can cause nerve damage. This can lead to radiating discomfort. A disc is a fluid-filled circular form between the vertebrae of your spine. Intervertebral discs provide your spine with cushioning. Intervertebral Discs protect your spine from injury and absorb stress. There are many nerves that connect to the spine. These nerves transmit sensations like numbness or discomfort throughout your body. These nerves are close to your spine and vital for the health of all your nervous systems. Your brain and spinal column allow nerves to communicate with other

Foot Drop Treatments for Spinal Causes These are both surgical as well as nonsurgical treatment options for foot conditions that result in lower back pain. Herniated Disc You may use one or more of these methods to treat foot drop caused by a bulging or herniated disc. Pain-relieving medication Physical therapy Fluoroscopically guided epidural steroids injections The disc may need to be removed surgically in order for nerve pressure relief. Spinal Stenosis To treat spinal nerve compression in the small bony spaces of the feet, one or more of these options is available. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory medication. Ibuprofen and

If you have ever seen many spine patients, chances are that you’ve been asked this question. “Does the inversion table work?” Inversion tables have been shown to be effective in treating acute and chronic pain. There are many studies. Even the most meticulously designed studies have not demonstrated any long-term benefit to inversion therapy. Many patients who see this in clinic settings won’t believe it. Many spinal patients have relied upon an inversion to get relief for years. People might inquire about it from family members, friends, or neighbors who have heard of its effectiveness in relieving their pain. Hippocrates

What is a Bulging Disc? The spine is made up by the spinal discs located between these segments. The spinal discs protect the spine and allow for greater flexibility. Every disc has a jelly-like outer layer and a stronger inner layer. As the spine ages, discs can become hydrated and stiffen. A common outcome of disc dehydration is that they can become flattened. The outer fibrous disc can “bulge in” to the spinal canal. It is like eating a large hamburger. This is not cause for concern and is a normal part of aging. However, bulging discs can cause nerve

Tips to help you feel better, and lessen your pain To relieve tension and pain, you can use cold or heat therapy. Muscle tension can be caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar. This tension can be relieved by heat and cold therapy. Heating can relax tight muscles, which can cause spasms. It can also increase blood flow. The local temperature of the tissue is reduced by cold therapy, which can have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. To reduce muscle tension, heat your back before you stretch or exercise. To heat your lower back throughout the day, use a

Intervertebral Discs are found between the vertebrae on the front end of the spine. They act as shock absorbers. The two main components of a disc can be compared to a jelly-doughnut. The annulus, which is the outer portion of the disc, is composed of fibrous tissue rings that look like tires. The nucleus, which is the inner part of the disc, is also known as the annulus. The nucleus, which is composed of protein molecules, attracts fluid that acts as a shock absorber and cushion between the vertebrae. Disc herniation refers to the process whereby some nucleus material, which