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Herniated Disks Can Herniated Discs Reduce in Size or Resorb? by David BenEliyahu, DC, DACBSP, DAAPM In the past, it was believed that once a patient acquired a herniated disc, it was permanent. However, recent research with MR1 and CT outcome studies has documented that this is fallacy. Herniated discs in the cervical and lumbar spine have been shown to not only reduce in size after a period of conservative care, but in many cases regress and disappear upon reimaging. Numerous medical studies and some chiropractic studies have been performed and published. In recent studies by Mochida et al., both cervical (GDH) and lumbar (LDH) disc herniations were studied in pie- and post-MR imaging conditions. In CDH cases, they demonstrated that in 40% of the time, there was a reduction in size or regression. In LDH cases, they demonstrated about a 60% reduction or regression in the size of the herniation. They also found that the larger the extrusion or sequestration, the better the rate of regression. They concluded that disc regression or resorption depended upon size, location and the phase of the injury. Discs tended to reduce in size early on after onset, and more so in the lateral or sequestered type of herniation than smaller or subligamentous herniations. It is interesting to note that most patients in Mochida's study did well clinically with conservative care regardless of the MR1 outcome. In a different study, Mochida found that there is a large percentage of macrophages in excised herniated disc material, as well as evidence of neovascularization. As such, the reduction in size is most likely due to phagocytic or macrophagic digestion, since the body attacks the disc fragment as a foreign protein, much like any other antigen. Immunohistochemistry studies are being conducted at this time to elucidate the pathophysiology of disc herniation and regression. In a similar study of LDH outcome by Bozzao et al., 63% of the patients treated nonsurgically with epidurals, medication, etc., demonstrated disc resorption upon repeat imaging. In a prospective/study of patients with LDH, Ellenberg el al. documented that patients with CT evidence of herniated discs and EMG evidence of radiculopathy had a 78% rale of disc reduction. Matsubara found in a similar study that medical care involving medication, physiotherapy, traction and epidural steroid injections resulted in disc regression in 60% of the cases. In another prospective study, Bush et al. showed disc, regression in 12 of the 13 cases studied. The period of care averaged six months, with a range of 2-12 months for good clinical and anatomical MRI outcome. In one of the few chiropractic care MR1 studies, I published a prospective case series of 27 patients with either CDH or LDH obtained pie- and post-chiropractic care MUls and found that in 63% of the cases, there was either a reduction in size, or the disc herniation resorbed completely. I also found that 80% of the cases had good clinical outcomes, and 78% of the patients returned to their preinjury occupations. Chiropractic care was shown lo be amenable to the clinical management of the disc herniation not only on a clinical level, but on an anatomical level as well. In a study by Cassidy el al. on the effects of side posture manipulation on CT-documented herniated discs, the authors found that 13 of 14 patients had good clinical results. Of those, about half had a decrease in the size of the herniation on repeal CT followups. Case Report In a recent case that I treated, a 48-year-old female patient presented with acute low back and associated leg/extremity pain into the foot. She had evidence of radiculopathy with diminished sensation at the 1.4/5 dermatomes, and positive root tension signs with a positive straight leg raise at 35 degrees on the left and 45 degrees on the right. DTRs were within normal limits, and there was no significant motor weakness. An MRI of the lumbar spine revealed a large focal disc herniation centrally and to the left. The patient began treatment on a three times per week schedule and was healed with lumbar flexion/distraction, interferential current and microcurrent delivered by pads and probes. Microcurrent therapy was combined with regular interferential therapy and helped reduce pain and increase circulation to enhance the healing process. Microcurrent was they delivered to the LS spine and lower extremity by probes, stimulating the acupuncture points of the bladder meridian as well as stimulation along the affected dermatome. The microcurrent therapy helped afford the patient pain management and reduced the healing period. The patient improved significantly with the above mode of care, and repeal MRI imaging showed a reduction in the size of the herniation. back to top Laser, Oral and IV Chelation What is chelation? The treatment involves giving Ethylene Diamine Tetra-acetic Acid or EDTA intravenously. EDTA binds to calcium, lead, cadmium, mercury, and some trace minerals. It is used for patients with heavy metal poisoning, poor circulation due to arteriosclerosis, and conditions related to these primary diagnoses. EDTA not only removes poisonous heavy metals, but also helps to slowly dissolve plaques or hardening of the arteries. This can improve blood flow to the brain, heart, kidneys, and legs. We expect chelation patients to follow a basic program of nonsmoking, diet, exercise, and vitamin and mineral supplements. The results of chelation Chest pain may be lessened, memory improved, transient ischemic attacks stopped, leg pain relieved, and cold extremities warmed up. Since chelation can sometimes cause a temporary drop in blood sugar, it is VERY IMPORTANT to eat a nutritious complete meal before each treatment. You should also bring a snack, such as fruit, to each treatment. Drinking water during and after chelation is important to help flush your kidneys of the EDTA. ÒSafeÓ drinking water will be provided while you are here, and you should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily during the course of your treatments. How many treatments should you have? The recommended initial series for most patients is at least 30 treatments. Many patients need more than 30 to achieve maximum improvement in their blood flow. Treatments are given once to twice weekly. Single treatments at least every two months are recommended to maintain improvement in circulation. How to get started First you will fill out a history questionnaire. Your first chelation treatment will not occur on the day of consultation. Prior to chelation we will need a fasting chemistry profile or SMAC, a complete blood count or CBC, cholesterol panel and results of any other tests that pertain to the brain, heart, kidney, or circulatory system. Your first consulation will last one hour. Dr. Grable, our board-certified physician, can provide primary care for you should you desire. Certain tests and studies will be performed every 5 to 10 treatments. After every tenth treatment, a ? hour consultation is needed to review your progress. The cost per chelation treatment is $100 and takes 3 hours. back to top Hormonal Balancing Hormonal replacement and balancing treatment service is available for both men and women. Why should you be tested? Hormones are powerful substances that control multiple functions throughout the body. Hormone levels should be sufficient and balanced. Too much or too little often is not conducive to long-term emotional, mental, and bodily health. Hormone levels from woman to woman can vary 200 to 1500 percent. Many women need only one hormone, while others require three or four different kinds. Just as you cannot balance your bank account without numbers on your bank statements, hormone testing provides both a basis for treatment and proximity to your goal. We test for male and female natural hormones. We use your saliva as a sample for measuring hormones because saliva hormones reflect the tissue concentration of your hormones. How can we help you? Testing can determine quantities and types of hormones that will meet your specific needs. We can determine if you have too much estrogen, not enough progesterone to balance the estrogen, low DHEA, and marginal testosterone. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) It is a fact that we are going to grow old. In fact, with the 'baby boomer' generation approaching their mid 50's, the number of elderly Americans are substantially increasing. Then, why does it have to remain a fact that we will grow old in exactly the very same way our forefathers did before us: frail, confused, weak, fatigues, depressed, afraid to walk outdoors for fear of falling on the pavement? We have come to learn that old age is simply a state of hormonal deficiency, a state of lacking the previously bountiful hormones of youth. Then it follows that, these symptoms of 'old age' are actually symptoms that can be reversed. Leading the list of the age-depleted hormones that can be replaced and provide for longer, healthier, and more productive lives is the human growth hormone (HGH). One of the most incredible points to make about HGH is that it is not really incredible! Growth hormone is natural; it is plentiful in the human body during youth. In fact, it is a substance that actually retains the properties of youth, but lessened with age. Growth hormone is essential to growth. It is a supplement given to children who suffer with abnormally slow bone growth to enable them to grow taller. But HGH levels fall steadily in everyone once they reach adulthood. Since we now realize that HGH is indispensable throughout life, it must be considered a vital hormone for maintenance of the adult body. Studies of its amazing effects in the elderly population support its primary role in improved longevity and the betterment of the quality of one's life. Always consult with your physician before taking any health action. Information is subject to change. Monahan Chiropractic Medical Clinics is not liable for errors or omissions. back to top Nerve Testing What is a nerve conduction velocity test? A nerve conduction velocity test (NCV), is an electrical test that is used to detect nerve conditions. In this test, the nerve is electrically stimulated while a second electrode detects the electrical impulse 'down stream' from the first. This is usually done with surface patch electrodes (they are similar to those used for an electrocardiogram) that are placed on the skin over the nerve at various locations. One electrode stimulates the nerve with a very mild electrical impulse. The resulting electrical activity is recorded by the other electrodes. The distance between electrodes and the time it takes for electrical impulses to travel between electrodes are used to calculate the speed of impulse transmission (nerve conduction velocity). A decreased speed of transmission indicates nerve disease. A nerve conduction velocity test is often done at the same time as an electromyogram (EMG) in order to exclude or detect muscle conditions. When is a nerve conduction velocity test used? The NCV test can be used to detect true nerve disorders (such as neuropathy) or conditions whereby muscles are affected by nerve injury (such as carpal tunnel syndrome). back to top Auto Accidents & Injuries A car accident. A fall from a ladder. An errant step off a curb. From whiplash to nagging neck, back or leg pain, a simple accident can cause an injury that can turn your life upside down, often for years, if not treated and rehabilitated properly. At Monahan Chiropractic Medical Clinics is not liable for errors or omissions. back to top |
Herniated Disks Laser, Oral and IV Chelation Hormonal Balancing Nerve Testing Auto Accidents & Injuries Visit these very informative sites:
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