A herniated disc occurs when one of these soft, sponge-like bodies (which are located between each level of vertebrae in your spine) degenerates over time. Eventually, the gel-like inner substance of one or more discs can burst through the thicker outer wall. By itself, a herniated disc doesn’t necessarily cause any symptoms. In fact, even those reporting no back or neck pain may very well have one or more herniated discs somewhere in their spine. However, problems can arise when herniated disc material compresses a spinal nerve. This can result in pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling that travels along the course of the affected nerve.
Treatment with Acupuncture
Typically, your doctor will recommend you try any of a variety of conservative treatments that are often very effective in reducing the symptoms of a herniated disc. These options can include pain medications, physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, and more. However, some patients turn to alternative treatment options, and acupuncture is a popular choice.
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine used to manage pain. Acupuncture typically involves inserting fine needles into the skin, along the pathway of the pain. Practitioners of this therapy will tell you that acupuncture stimulates the production of certain endorphins that can help ease the pain and other symptoms of a herniated disc. An acupuncturist will determine the location of the specific nerve that is being compressed and causing pain, and then position the needles appropriately.
Other Options
While many people experience a reduction in their pain after visiting an acupuncturist or by trying other nonsurgical methods, some individuals turn to surgery when conservative and alternative treatments fail to ease their symptoms. If you haven’t seen results after weeks or months of nonsurgical treatments, contact Laser Spine Institute today. We’ll be glad to tell you about our outpatient endoscopic procedures that are a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open back surgery. Let us provide you with a free MRI or CT scan review, and show you how we’ve helped tens of thousands of people rediscover their lives without back or neck pain.
