I remember as a child thinking that tape and glue could fix almost anything. White glue, in particular, was the miracle salve for repairing the broken wing on many balsa wood airplanes.
As I got older, I found that white glue didn't work on everything. Plastic, for example, required a modeling or solvent based glue. For a young mind, this caused confusion. What glue works best in what circumstances and with what materials?
I must admit that as I have grown older, the dilemma of glues, adhesives, solvents, pastes, cements, and tapes has only become more complicated. It is no wonder that we, as adults, finally through up our hands and use duct tape for everything...
Lately, spinal surgeons have been trying to use glue to treat spinal compression fractures. They call it "vertebroplasty". In the procedure, the surgeon injects a bone "glue" into the broken vertebra. Although the thought is that it will help to prevent deformity and pain, the research suggests the opposite.
"When you look at the science and research to-date, there is very strong Level 1 evidence to suggest that vertebroplasty does not provide the types of benefits it was previously thought to provide," says Stephen I. Esses, MD, the Houston, Texas-based orthopedic surgeon who led the AAOS workgroup that developed a new clinical practice guideline on the treatment of symptomatic osteoporotic spinal compression fractures. In a press release, AAOS clarified that Level 1 evidence "refers to studies done under the strictest scientific guidelines, including blinding randomization."
Spinal fractures usually occur when the bones of the spine have become so weakened by osteoporosis or medication usage that they finally collapse under the weight of the body. At times they can be caused by trauma, such as a hard fall or a motor vehicle accident. They can cause severe pain in the back, nerve pain, and physical deformity.
As Dr. Esses stated, there appears to be no benefit with injecting glue into the broken spinal bones. Conservative Physio therapeutic care, such as that provided by a chiropractor or a PT is likely to be the best care available to help support the patient during healing. Acupuncture is also helpful in controlling pain while patients heal.
It is also essential to assist the patient with dealing with the causes of the fracture to begin with. Usually spinal compression fractures are the result of long term bone density loss, such as that which occurs years after a complete hysterectomy, or after years of steroid medication usage.
There are risks and benefits associated with the new medications, such as Boniva. Vitamin D, Calcium and other minerals are essential for good bone health. Prevention is always the best medicine. Learn the risk factors and change your lifestyle before suffering from a compression fracture.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic.blogspot.com
therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Headache Relief
It is time to get simple, and real, as far as health care goes. We have had run-away costs for years as more expensive treatments are discovered and touted. Often, however, we find that the most simple, cheapest, and time tested remedies are the best.
Case in point is the recent study in Neurology that came to the conclusion that headaches are best treated with aspirin. To be fare, the study talks about using intravenous solutions of aspirin, something that most of us do not have access to. The problem with taking oral aspirin is that it can be very damaging to the stomach. Like any other medication, it is not healthy to take it long term. Every year, there are thousands of people that die from oral doses of aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc). They typically develop bleeding sores in the stomach or intestines and they bleed internally.
How about something that has been around a lot longer, has fewer side effects, and is a healthy alternative?
Of course, I am talking about chiropractic adjustments of the neck and upper back. You see, when the neck and upper back are not functioning very well, they cause nerve irritation, muscular tightness and tension. The combination of muscular tightness, nerve irritation, and joint dysfunction, what chiropractors call the "subluxation complex" is easily treated with chiropractic care.
There is not a day that goes by in my office that I do not treat somebody for headache pain. The miracle is that they typically respond very well to care.
Not every headache is caused, however, by neck and back problems. Some are the result of hormone imbalances, allergies, sensitivities, and circulation issues, just to name a few. That is why you should be examined by a qualified chiropractic physician and/or your medical doctor. Just remember, that your MD will try to cure your headache problem with medications, and the last time that I checked, headaches are NOT caused by deficiency of aspirin, Tylenol, or Advil in your blood (these are ALL man-made chemicals that are foreign to your natural physiology). Your chiropractor, on the other hand, will try to find natural alternatives that help to get to the CAUSE of your headaches, and not just cover up the symptom with a drug.
So if you have a headache, find a good DC (doctor of chiropractic). The healthy and drug-less solution is the best solution for the long term.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
therapeuticfood.blogspot.com
Case in point is the recent study in Neurology that came to the conclusion that headaches are best treated with aspirin. To be fare, the study talks about using intravenous solutions of aspirin, something that most of us do not have access to. The problem with taking oral aspirin is that it can be very damaging to the stomach. Like any other medication, it is not healthy to take it long term. Every year, there are thousands of people that die from oral doses of aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc). They typically develop bleeding sores in the stomach or intestines and they bleed internally.
How about something that has been around a lot longer, has fewer side effects, and is a healthy alternative?
Of course, I am talking about chiropractic adjustments of the neck and upper back. You see, when the neck and upper back are not functioning very well, they cause nerve irritation, muscular tightness and tension. The combination of muscular tightness, nerve irritation, and joint dysfunction, what chiropractors call the "subluxation complex" is easily treated with chiropractic care.
There is not a day that goes by in my office that I do not treat somebody for headache pain. The miracle is that they typically respond very well to care.
Not every headache is caused, however, by neck and back problems. Some are the result of hormone imbalances, allergies, sensitivities, and circulation issues, just to name a few. That is why you should be examined by a qualified chiropractic physician and/or your medical doctor. Just remember, that your MD will try to cure your headache problem with medications, and the last time that I checked, headaches are NOT caused by deficiency of aspirin, Tylenol, or Advil in your blood (these are ALL man-made chemicals that are foreign to your natural physiology). Your chiropractor, on the other hand, will try to find natural alternatives that help to get to the CAUSE of your headaches, and not just cover up the symptom with a drug.
So if you have a headache, find a good DC (doctor of chiropractic). The healthy and drug-less solution is the best solution for the long term.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
therapeuticfood.blogspot.com
Monday, September 20, 2010
Normal Neck Curves
Your neck has naturally occurring curve that is shaped like a "C". The mid back also has a curve in the opposite direction. The lower back has a curve as well. It is what gives you that indentation in the small of your back.
The entire spine works together to help support your weight and structure against the forces of gravity, and the stresses inflicted upon it by physical activity. The neck is a very delicate area, and is often the part of the spine that first shows signs of wear and tear.
One of the first things that happens is that you can loose that normal "C" shaped curve. This is often called "millitary neck. Without an x-ray, it is very difficult to detect. There are many things that can contribute to the loss of the normal neck curve, including poor posture habits, car accident injuries, sport injuries, spinal developmental problems, and scoliosis, just to name a few.
The problem with a loss of the curve is that such a posture places an incredible amount of pressure on the joints of the lower part of the neck. This increased pressure over time can cause early "wear and tear", often referred to as spondylosis or osteoarthritis. As the degeneration progresses, delicate nerve tissue can be irritated, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the shoulder, upper arm, lower arm, hand, fingers, or all the above. Many people who think that they have carpal tunnel syndrome actually have moderate to severe neck degeneration with nerve irritation.
Good neck health is essential to good overall health. How do you know if you or someone you know has neck problems? Here are some simple things that you can watch for at home:
1) Can you turn your neck to the right and to the left equally and without pain or restriction? (normal rotation is nearly 90 degrees to the right and 90 degrees to the left, without moving the upper back to compensate)
2) How is side bending? You should be able to bend your neck to the side 45 degrees without pain or restriction. (some people will start to rotate or turn their necks to compensate. Make sure this is avoided in order to test true side bending ability)
3) Do you get headaches frequently? (headaches are often the result of neck problems)
4) Watch for signs of numbness or tingling or pain in the arms or hands.
Neck problems, if left uncorrected, only get worse. If you have any questions, or if you are unsure as to whether or not you are having spine problems in the neck or any other area, call my office, mention this blog post, and ask for a complimentary consultation and examination.
Keith Biggs, DC
therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com
eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
The entire spine works together to help support your weight and structure against the forces of gravity, and the stresses inflicted upon it by physical activity. The neck is a very delicate area, and is often the part of the spine that first shows signs of wear and tear.
One of the first things that happens is that you can loose that normal "C" shaped curve. This is often called "millitary neck. Without an x-ray, it is very difficult to detect. There are many things that can contribute to the loss of the normal neck curve, including poor posture habits, car accident injuries, sport injuries, spinal developmental problems, and scoliosis, just to name a few.
The problem with a loss of the curve is that such a posture places an incredible amount of pressure on the joints of the lower part of the neck. This increased pressure over time can cause early "wear and tear", often referred to as spondylosis or osteoarthritis. As the degeneration progresses, delicate nerve tissue can be irritated, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the shoulder, upper arm, lower arm, hand, fingers, or all the above. Many people who think that they have carpal tunnel syndrome actually have moderate to severe neck degeneration with nerve irritation.
Good neck health is essential to good overall health. How do you know if you or someone you know has neck problems? Here are some simple things that you can watch for at home:
1) Can you turn your neck to the right and to the left equally and without pain or restriction? (normal rotation is nearly 90 degrees to the right and 90 degrees to the left, without moving the upper back to compensate)
2) How is side bending? You should be able to bend your neck to the side 45 degrees without pain or restriction. (some people will start to rotate or turn their necks to compensate. Make sure this is avoided in order to test true side bending ability)
3) Do you get headaches frequently? (headaches are often the result of neck problems)
4) Watch for signs of numbness or tingling or pain in the arms or hands.
Neck problems, if left uncorrected, only get worse. If you have any questions, or if you are unsure as to whether or not you are having spine problems in the neck or any other area, call my office, mention this blog post, and ask for a complimentary consultation and examination.
Keith Biggs, DC
therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com
eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Shame on Blue!
I have been a provider for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBS) for more than 20 years. At first, they were a premier company, and they allowed patients to seek chiropractic care as an alternative form of treatment. I used to recommend that my patients, if they had the chance, choose BCBS as their insurance company. My advice now is to NOT use BCBS as your insurance company!
My how things change...
About three years ago, BCBS made a strategic, and brilliant move. It was a calculated move with one goal in mind: To eliminate reimbursement by BCBS to chiropractors for treatment, and by so doing, shifting all of the cost to you, the patient.
How did they do it? Let me explain.
First, they did something that I, and many other chiropractors, consider to be illegal. Something so simple, almost flattering, but so vile and damning: They classified all chiropractors as specialists. Ironically, in the state of Arizona, chiropractors are primary care physicians, according to state law, and as such, cannot even advertise themselves as being a specialist of any kind. This seemingly benign move actually increased the co-pay that every patient pays to their chiropractor at the time of visit from about $20 per visit to $45 dollars per visit, or more. If you had insurance through BCBS three years ago, you probably noticed this change.
Since most visits in my office are at or below $50 (that being all that BCBS will allow), once we, as chiropractors, collect your co-pay, the amount due from BCBS is usually close to $0. That is right. In most cases, BCBS is not contributing to help pay for your chiropractic treatment. ZERO.
Now, they advertise that they allow so many chiropractic visits per year. They will tell you and your employer "yes, we cover chiropractic care". You see, these are selling points. Consumers want chiropractic care. They see the value in what we, as alternative medicine practitioners, do. BCBS promises to cover chiropractic care, but in actual administration, pays little or nothing of your office visit.
Chiropractors have battled back over the past few years. First, we tried to pass a new law that would force all insurance companies to not discriminate against non-MD health care providers. BCBS and other insurance companies hired expensive lobbyists to sway the Arizona State House of Representatives in their favor, and our equality bill stalled in the House of Representatives. Legislators told the chiropractors that the current anti-discrimination laws were strong enough, and that the matter should be brought before the Arizona Department of Insurance (ADI) and the state attorney general for enforcement.
Chiropractors asked the ADI to help, and they did nothing. An appeal was then made to the Arizona State Attorney General's office (AG) to render an opinion regarding BCBS alleged illegal discriminatory practices. The AG stonewalled for two long years before making a decision (too busy with political in-fighting and snipe hunts). Finally a decision was handed down after much prodding from the state chiropractors. The AG's office stated that BCBS could call chiropractors "specialists", and force you, the patient, to pay a higher co-pay every visit. Chalk one up for the bad guys, again, and damn you, the consumer, and your rights. Thank you Terry Goddard.
I wish that the story ended here, but it doesn't. The Arizona Chiropractic Society (ACS) has decided to file a lawsuit against the Arizona Department of Insurance (ADI) for failing to uphold insurance equality laws. This will be a costly fight, but I for one believe that it is timely. Many chiropractors are contributing to the legal war chest, and once the funds are in place, ACS will file the suit.
BCBS, on the other hand, has not been sitting by quietly relishing in their victories. I received a letter from BCBS this past month informing me that ASH (American Specialty Health) has been contracted by BCBS to determine medical necessity of all BCBS chiropractic treatment claims. If you have BCBS, you probably got a letter too. The reason given why BCBS is making this change, according to an ASH representative who came to my office, is to reduce chiropractic claim expenses through BCBS by reducing your access to your chiropractor.
Amazing... since my BCBS insured patients are already paying nearly 100% of their own costs for "insured"chiropractic care, how much does BCBS expect to save by further restricting patient access to me, the chiropractor? In reality, such a move will INCREASE costs to BCBS, as more and more patients select the more expensive yet covered benefits of epidural injections, expensive narcotics, spinal surgeries, etc, with all of their medical side effects! Clearly, BCBS believes that the best defense is a good offense.
This is how ASH works. I can see a patient for 5 visits. Then, before the sixth visit, I have to apply for pre-authorization. IF all is in order with my appeal, according to the hired harlots (reviewers... who have sold their souls to save BCBS money) at ASH, perhaps they will authorize one or two more visits...perhaps. (ASH has a track record. The average treatment being deemed "medically necessary" by ASH is 5-8 visits). It doesn't matter if your BCBS Policy allows 20, 50, or even 100 chiropractic visits per year. The most ironic thing about this new ASH contract and their tactics is that you, the BCBS premium payer, is the one that funds them. See how it works? You get less care, doctors don't get paid, and a new middle man, ASH, gets a large piece of the pie. "The pie" is your medical insurance premium. Aren't you glad that you get to pay more money so that more bureaucrats can deny you of benefits? It gives me the warm fuzzies... no wait, that is nausea.
I would like to tell BCBS and ASH what they can do with their claims, with the paperwork, with their heartless treatment of patients, and with their discriminatory practices, but lets just say that it would be anatomically impossible for them to file everything where the "sun doesn't shine..."
Am I mad? YOU BET I AM! If you have BCBS, you should be too. Even though my profession is fighting BCBS and ASH, we cannot do it alone. If you have BCBS, you are probably already paying for all of your chiropractic care with your own co-pay. You might as well join an HMO, obtain better medical coverage, pay less for the coverage, and continue to pay for your chiropractic care out of your own pocket.
On the other hand, you could just sit quietly by and let BCBS get away with their dirty, and in my mind, illegal and discriminatory practices.
SHAME ON BLUE!
Keith E. Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
My how things change...
About three years ago, BCBS made a strategic, and brilliant move. It was a calculated move with one goal in mind: To eliminate reimbursement by BCBS to chiropractors for treatment, and by so doing, shifting all of the cost to you, the patient.
How did they do it? Let me explain.
First, they did something that I, and many other chiropractors, consider to be illegal. Something so simple, almost flattering, but so vile and damning: They classified all chiropractors as specialists. Ironically, in the state of Arizona, chiropractors are primary care physicians, according to state law, and as such, cannot even advertise themselves as being a specialist of any kind. This seemingly benign move actually increased the co-pay that every patient pays to their chiropractor at the time of visit from about $20 per visit to $45 dollars per visit, or more. If you had insurance through BCBS three years ago, you probably noticed this change.
Since most visits in my office are at or below $50 (that being all that BCBS will allow), once we, as chiropractors, collect your co-pay, the amount due from BCBS is usually close to $0. That is right. In most cases, BCBS is not contributing to help pay for your chiropractic treatment. ZERO.
Now, they advertise that they allow so many chiropractic visits per year. They will tell you and your employer "yes, we cover chiropractic care". You see, these are selling points. Consumers want chiropractic care. They see the value in what we, as alternative medicine practitioners, do. BCBS promises to cover chiropractic care, but in actual administration, pays little or nothing of your office visit.
Chiropractors have battled back over the past few years. First, we tried to pass a new law that would force all insurance companies to not discriminate against non-MD health care providers. BCBS and other insurance companies hired expensive lobbyists to sway the Arizona State House of Representatives in their favor, and our equality bill stalled in the House of Representatives. Legislators told the chiropractors that the current anti-discrimination laws were strong enough, and that the matter should be brought before the Arizona Department of Insurance (ADI) and the state attorney general for enforcement.
Chiropractors asked the ADI to help, and they did nothing. An appeal was then made to the Arizona State Attorney General's office (AG) to render an opinion regarding BCBS alleged illegal discriminatory practices. The AG stonewalled for two long years before making a decision (too busy with political in-fighting and snipe hunts). Finally a decision was handed down after much prodding from the state chiropractors. The AG's office stated that BCBS could call chiropractors "specialists", and force you, the patient, to pay a higher co-pay every visit. Chalk one up for the bad guys, again, and damn you, the consumer, and your rights. Thank you Terry Goddard.
I wish that the story ended here, but it doesn't. The Arizona Chiropractic Society (ACS) has decided to file a lawsuit against the Arizona Department of Insurance (ADI) for failing to uphold insurance equality laws. This will be a costly fight, but I for one believe that it is timely. Many chiropractors are contributing to the legal war chest, and once the funds are in place, ACS will file the suit.
BCBS, on the other hand, has not been sitting by quietly relishing in their victories. I received a letter from BCBS this past month informing me that ASH (American Specialty Health) has been contracted by BCBS to determine medical necessity of all BCBS chiropractic treatment claims. If you have BCBS, you probably got a letter too. The reason given why BCBS is making this change, according to an ASH representative who came to my office, is to reduce chiropractic claim expenses through BCBS by reducing your access to your chiropractor.
Amazing... since my BCBS insured patients are already paying nearly 100% of their own costs for "insured"chiropractic care, how much does BCBS expect to save by further restricting patient access to me, the chiropractor? In reality, such a move will INCREASE costs to BCBS, as more and more patients select the more expensive yet covered benefits of epidural injections, expensive narcotics, spinal surgeries, etc, with all of their medical side effects! Clearly, BCBS believes that the best defense is a good offense.
This is how ASH works. I can see a patient for 5 visits. Then, before the sixth visit, I have to apply for pre-authorization. IF all is in order with my appeal, according to the hired harlots (reviewers... who have sold their souls to save BCBS money) at ASH, perhaps they will authorize one or two more visits...perhaps. (ASH has a track record. The average treatment being deemed "medically necessary" by ASH is 5-8 visits). It doesn't matter if your BCBS Policy allows 20, 50, or even 100 chiropractic visits per year. The most ironic thing about this new ASH contract and their tactics is that you, the BCBS premium payer, is the one that funds them. See how it works? You get less care, doctors don't get paid, and a new middle man, ASH, gets a large piece of the pie. "The pie" is your medical insurance premium. Aren't you glad that you get to pay more money so that more bureaucrats can deny you of benefits? It gives me the warm fuzzies... no wait, that is nausea.
I would like to tell BCBS and ASH what they can do with their claims, with the paperwork, with their heartless treatment of patients, and with their discriminatory practices, but lets just say that it would be anatomically impossible for them to file everything where the "sun doesn't shine..."
Am I mad? YOU BET I AM! If you have BCBS, you should be too. Even though my profession is fighting BCBS and ASH, we cannot do it alone. If you have BCBS, you are probably already paying for all of your chiropractic care with your own co-pay. You might as well join an HMO, obtain better medical coverage, pay less for the coverage, and continue to pay for your chiropractic care out of your own pocket.
On the other hand, you could just sit quietly by and let BCBS get away with their dirty, and in my mind, illegal and discriminatory practices.
SHAME ON BLUE!
Keith E. Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Monday, September 13, 2010
Remember Vitamin B for Brain
I recently posted to my Therapeutic Foods blog about how a connection between Vitamin B and Brain Diseases. I hope that this helps you!
http://therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com/2010/09/vitamin-b-for-brain.html
--
Keith E. Biggs, DC
3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ 85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office: 480-985-3334
Cell: 480-375-0068
http://therapeuticfoods.blogspot.com/2010/09/vitamin-b-for-brain.html
--
Keith E. Biggs, DC
3617 E. Southern, Suite 8
Mesa, AZ 85206
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Office: 480-985-3334
Cell: 480-375-0068
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Massage Helps with Immune and Endocrine Systems
Researchers in Cedars-Sinai's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences have reported people who undergo massage experience measureable changes in their body's immune and endocrine response. The following are some sections taken from an article published on the website Medical News Today.
In the study, 29 subjects received 45 minutes of Swedish massage and 24 received 45 minutes of light touch massage.
Among the study's results:
- People in the Swedish massage group experienced significant changes in lymphocytes ,(lymphocyte numbers and percentages white blood cells that play a large role in defending the body from disease.
- Swedish massage caused a large decrease (effect size -.74) in Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) a hormone believed to play a role in aggressive behavior and linked to helping cause increases in the stress hormone cortisol.
- Swedish massage caused a decrease in levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
- Swedish massage caused a notable decrease in most cytokines produced by stimulated white blood cells.
The results of this study cause me to reflect on health and wellness in general. It is always amazing to me how alternative medicine can have such a profound effect on the health and well being of individuals, all with minimal or no potential for negative side effects.
So, I have to do this. Please excuse me...
WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!
Too many of us wait for tragedy before we decide that it is time to make a change. Imagine the power in making a healthy change BEFORE any tragic event. If you desire health, start implementing some of these ideas:
1) Eat a Mediterranean diet, and supplement it with vitamins and minerals.
2) Exercise 3-4 times per week for 30 minutes.
3) Get a regular massage.
4) Get regular chiropractic adjustments.
5) Begin using some form of energy medicine, such as acupuncture, on a regular basis to PROMOTE health.
In short, stop neglecting your HEALTH. Healthy living requires some sacrifices, but the rewards are unmeasurable.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
In the study, 29 subjects received 45 minutes of Swedish massage and 24 received 45 minutes of light touch massage.
Among the study's results:
- People in the Swedish massage group experienced significant changes in lymphocytes ,(lymphocyte numbers and percentages white blood cells that play a large role in defending the body from disease.
- Swedish massage caused a large decrease (effect size -.74) in Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) a hormone believed to play a role in aggressive behavior and linked to helping cause increases in the stress hormone cortisol.
- Swedish massage caused a decrease in levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
- Swedish massage caused a notable decrease in most cytokines produced by stimulated white blood cells.
The results of this study cause me to reflect on health and wellness in general. It is always amazing to me how alternative medicine can have such a profound effect on the health and well being of individuals, all with minimal or no potential for negative side effects.
So, I have to do this. Please excuse me...
WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!
Too many of us wait for tragedy before we decide that it is time to make a change. Imagine the power in making a healthy change BEFORE any tragic event. If you desire health, start implementing some of these ideas:
1) Eat a Mediterranean diet, and supplement it with vitamins and minerals.
2) Exercise 3-4 times per week for 30 minutes.
3) Get a regular massage.
4) Get regular chiropractic adjustments.
5) Begin using some form of energy medicine, such as acupuncture, on a regular basis to PROMOTE health.
In short, stop neglecting your HEALTH. Healthy living requires some sacrifices, but the rewards are unmeasurable.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiropractic@gmail.com
Friday, September 3, 2010
I Think I Have a Slipped Disc Doc!
I have heard this phrase more than once during my 21 years of private practice. These patients are almost always shocked when I tell them that there is no such thing as a slipped disc! I tell them that discs can tear, rip, herniate, and bulge, but since they are attached to the bone above and the bone below, their is no way that they can "slip". Once I explain this, the patient usually always asks, "so what is a bulging disc?"
And that, my friends, is a very complicated answer.
First of all, a little anatomy. As you can see in the picture, the disc is the specialized cartilage material between the bones or vertebra of the spine. It is made up of two primary parts, namely the Nucleus Pulposus and the Annulus Fibrosus. The nucleus is a very fluid type of material, having a consistency similar to grape jelly. The annulus is layer upon layer of strong fibrous bands. Think of the disc as a small hydraulic cylinder. Look at the picture again. See how close the disc is to the Nerve Root and the Spinal Cord?
So, what is a bulging disc? How about a disc protrusion?
I recently obtained a report for an MRI of a patient's spine. (MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, but that is best left for a future post). In the report, the radiologist described disc bulges and protrusions. I knew that the patient deserved and needed the most accurate report from me regarding the examination and report, so I called the radiologist for further clarification.
He was very kind and helpful, but also expressed the same frustration with the use of the terms that I have experienced. The problem is that the terms are often inappropriately used, and the definitions have become blurred.
This is what he taught me on the phone, in a nutshell...
A disc bulge is a very broad based extension of the annular fibers past the border of the vertebral body. A disc protrusion is a more localized and focal disc bulge extending beyond the vertebral body. The term Herniation is often used when it is somewhere between a bulge and a protrusion. Are you confused yet?
An extrusion is a condition in which the nucleus, or central part of the disc has ruptured through the outer fibers of the disc and is now beyond the annular rings.
As for what this all means for the patient. All of the above listed disc injuries can cause some serious pain and disability. The bulging, herniating, or protruding disc can cause pressure on the spinal cord and other nerves. Even the slightest of pressure or irritation can cause significant pain. The good news, however, is that only the most severe of these requires surgical treatment. 95% of all disc problems can be treated through conservative, non-surgical care. This includes chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, etc. Spinal surgery is risky, and usually should be done when other options have been exhausted.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiroopractic@gmail.com
And that, my friends, is a very complicated answer.
First of all, a little anatomy. As you can see in the picture, the disc is the specialized cartilage material between the bones or vertebra of the spine. It is made up of two primary parts, namely the Nucleus Pulposus and the Annulus Fibrosus. The nucleus is a very fluid type of material, having a consistency similar to grape jelly. The annulus is layer upon layer of strong fibrous bands. Think of the disc as a small hydraulic cylinder. Look at the picture again. See how close the disc is to the Nerve Root and the Spinal Cord?
So, what is a bulging disc? How about a disc protrusion?
I recently obtained a report for an MRI of a patient's spine. (MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, but that is best left for a future post). In the report, the radiologist described disc bulges and protrusions. I knew that the patient deserved and needed the most accurate report from me regarding the examination and report, so I called the radiologist for further clarification.
He was very kind and helpful, but also expressed the same frustration with the use of the terms that I have experienced. The problem is that the terms are often inappropriately used, and the definitions have become blurred.
This is what he taught me on the phone, in a nutshell...
A disc bulge is a very broad based extension of the annular fibers past the border of the vertebral body. A disc protrusion is a more localized and focal disc bulge extending beyond the vertebral body. The term Herniation is often used when it is somewhere between a bulge and a protrusion. Are you confused yet?
An extrusion is a condition in which the nucleus, or central part of the disc has ruptured through the outer fibers of the disc and is now beyond the annular rings.
As for what this all means for the patient. All of the above listed disc injuries can cause some serious pain and disability. The bulging, herniating, or protruding disc can cause pressure on the spinal cord and other nerves. Even the slightest of pressure or irritation can cause significant pain. The good news, however, is that only the most severe of these requires surgical treatment. 95% of all disc problems can be treated through conservative, non-surgical care. This includes chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, etc. Spinal surgery is risky, and usually should be done when other options have been exhausted.
Keith Biggs, DC
www.eastmesachiropractor.com
biggschiroopractic@gmail.com
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