Herniated discs are among the most common spinal conditions and often require surgery to repair. Or so we thought… Studies reveal that there is an extremely effective non-surgical treatment for herniated discs: Spinal Decompression.

The spinal column is comprised of 33 bones that interlock with each other called vertebrae. These vertebrae are each separated and cushioned by intervertebral discs. These discs consist of fibrous bands which comprise the outside walls, protecting a soft, jelly-like center. These discs can become worn down over time, allowing the fluid from the center to protrude out into surrounding tissues. This condition is commonly known as a Herniated Disc.

Although some herniated discs don’t produce any symptoms, many cause pain and adverse reactions within the body. These effects can produce a constant state of discomfort, making personal and professional life more difficult. Symptoms commonly include:

Herniated Disc Symptoms:

• Muscle spasms
• Nerve pain
• Sciatica
• Headaches
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Inflammation

While herniated discs are quite common, research shows that many more disc issues go undiagnosed. As many as 33% of adults without back pain have a significant disc issue that could be uncovered by an MRI. Moreover, depending on age, people could have a better than 50-50 chance at having a significant disc issue. Although many of these issues don’t produce symptoms at first, they could easily surface in the future without treatment.

Because the nature of the condition is different from person to person, there are multiple treatment options for herniated discs. Pain relief is the first goal of treatment, followed by healing the disc and, finally, building core strength to prevent future injury. The providers at Austin Preferred Integrative Medicine offer each of these techniques as they focus on non-surgical treatment for herniated discs.

Herniated Disc Treatment:

• McKenzie Technique
• Physical Therapy
• Spinal Adjustments
• Manual Therapy
• Laser Therapy
• Dry Needling

While each of these techniques is beneficial, Spinal Decompression is considered the top non-surgical treatment for herniated discs. During Spinal Decompression, the patient lies down on a motorized table, which moves back and forth. This gently movement pulls open the joint space, relieving spinal pressure while providing relaxation. This allows the center of the disc to reabsorb as it heals. Research has shown success rates of up to 93% using decompression, producing good-to-excellent results in most cases. Most health insurance carriers cover decompression, which is also available for $50 at the self pay rate.

Despite its effectiveness, we don’t always recommend decompression for each case. It is for this reason that the providers at Austin Preferred have patients in for a thorough evaluation before mapping out a customized treatment plan. Our staff believes input from the patient is crucial in designing effective, efficient treatment plans. Moreover, we use this feedback to make adjustments based on the patient’s response to treatment. This approach has made Dr. Jeff Fluitt one of the top options for relieving back pain in Austin, Texas.

Call (512) 442-2727 with questions or to schedule an appointment at our office. You can also visit our Services and Conditions pages for more information.