Spinal Disc Herniation Treatment
- Posted on: Jun 13 2013
Spinal Disc Herniation Treatment
Dr. Jeff J. Mollins has been practicing in downtown Brooklyn for over 25 years. Dr. Mollins specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and documentation of injuries that result from accidents. 
These accidents include automobile accidents (no fault), slip and falls, work related accidents (workers compensation), and construction accidents. One of the more common injuries (and severe) that result from these types of accidents are spinal disc injuries such as disc herniation’s or disc bulges. To fully comprehend what a disc herniation or bulge is, one must have an understanding of the anatomy of the spine.
Our spine is composed of a series of bones called vertebrae. The function of the vertebrae is twofold. First, the vertebrae protect the spinal cord and secondly, they enable individuals to stand upright. Each vertebrae is separated from the next one by a softer fibrous structure called the disc. The disc allows us to have mobility (enabling us to move in all directions). The disc also acts as a shock absorber between the vertebrae. Remember, without the discs, our spine would have bone on bone leaving us with no mobility and no shock absorption.
The disc itself is composed of a rubbery fibrous material called the annulus fibrosis. In the center of the disc is a soft jelly-like center called the nucleus propulsus. When pressure is placed on the disc, the nucleus propulsus will migrate from the center of the disc to the outer edges. In the case of a serious accident (like a motor vehicle accident for example), when large amounts of pressure is placed on the disc, the nucleus will press and eventually push out the sides of the annulus causing what is known as a disc bulge. In very severe accidents, with excessive pressure placed on the spine, a disc herniation may occur. In the case of a disc herniation, the annulus completely tears and the nucleus juts out of the torn portion of the annulus. Obviously, a disc herniation is a more serious condition than a bulge. The problem that arises with disc injuries (bulges and herniation’s), is that the herniated or bulging area can exert pressure on nerves that exit the spine. Since the location of the herniation or bulge can vary up and down the spine, symptoms may vary. The most common signs of disc injury are:
- Pain in the arms or legs-If the dislocation is in the cervical spine (neck) area, the intense pain will occur in
the shoulders and arms. Consequently, if the affected location is in the lumbar spine (lower back) area, the pain will be in the the buttocks and legs. Such pain can be intensified during large movements, or even sneezing and can be characterized as a shooting pain that goes up and down the body. - Numbness or tingling-Another common symptom is loss of sensation or a strange tingling sensation in different parts of the body, due to pressure on the nerves in the affected disc.
- Weakness or loss of muscle control-Since the nerves and muscles are so closely intertwined, impaired muscle movement is also a common symptom. It can also take form of weakened muscles, loss of physical coordination, or inability to hold items.
Dr. Jeff J. Mollins is extremely adept at diagnosing and treating disc bulges and herniations. Once a proper diagnosis is determined, Dr. Mollins will implement a conservative treatment regimen consisting of chiropractic spinal manipulation augmented by physiotherapy and exercise. This method of treatment has proven to be extremely successful at alleviating the symptoms associated with disc injury.
If conservative care is ineffective or only partially effective, than Dr. Mollins will refer his patients to various medical specialists to assist our patients suffering from the painful symptoms associated with disc injury. Dr. Mollins will refer his patients to neurologists, pain management doctors, and if needed quality orthopedic surgeons.
All of Dr. Mollins referred specialists are certified by New York State to treat workers compensation patients. If the sustained disc injury is a result of a work related accident, our patients can get treated at no cost and be compensated for their lost wages until (and if) they are able to return to work. When they return to work, they can still receive treatment at no cost.
Disc injuries can be extremely painful and possibly disabling. Dr. Mollins has vast experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and documentation of disc herniation’s and bulges. Dr. Mollins always begins with a conservative approach but his quality referred medical specialists are available to help you achieve wellness as soon as possible.
Posted in: Back Pain Treatment, Blog, Injury Treatment
