Question
QUESTION: What is suppose to be given care wise for slpped disc above your spine in your neck, pinching a nerve, blood pressure is above normal apox 10-15.

ANSWER: Dear Richie,

Sounds like you are having quite the problem in the neck region. The discs are pads of cartilage between each and every one of the bones of the spine, from the neck all the way down to the lower back. The discs are attached to the bone above and to the bone below. It has two major parts: 1) The outer portion is made of strong layers of fibrous tissues. 2) In the center, there is a nucleus that is a lot like grape jelly.

When somebody has a "slipped disc", they actually have tears and stretching of the outer fibers, and the inner nucleus is pushing out, creating a bulging of the disc. The bulge of the disc often applies pressure to the spinal cord, spinal nerves, etc.  This is what causes, in your case, pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the arms and/or hands.

Richie, the appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the disc bulging problem.  The first thing that you need is good medical allies where you live.  If you have not had one already, an MRI of the lumbar spine should be done.  If you were my patient, these are some of the treatment possibilities that I would consider:

1)Decompression spinal traction, with the goal of reducing pressure on the disc, helping to bring nutrients into the disc, and with the goal of retracting slightly the disc bulge.
2)Electrical stimulation to help reduce muscle spasm and pain and promote healing. Some might use laser therapy in this stage.
3)Gentle range of motion and stretching exercises, with gradual advancement into more strengthening exercises of the neck and upper back
4)If the pain is substantial, the patient might obtain some medical help for additional symptomatic relief through medication, though this is not a long term option.
5)If the above conservative care does not succeed, then a referral to a pain medicine specialist that could use injection medications, such as epidurals and nerve blocks.
6)Surgery is an option, but should be a last ditch effort.

The important thing to remember is that NONE OF THE ABOVE MAKE YOU GROW A NEW HEALTHY DISC. Once you damage a disc, it never heals completely. Regardless of the options you use for treatment, you need to learn to manage your spinal issues through altered living. Your medical/chiropractic doctor can help you to learn the do's and dont's to help you manage your spinal degenerative condition.

I hope that this gives you some ideas!  Good luck. Don't forget to rate my answer. Positive responses are greatly appreciated!

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was given care yesterday by electro magnetic around the mid and upper back, I beleive there was 2 on my neck, but i didn't feel any radiation there, just around my back, is there suppose to be a radiation (warming, electric) sensation right on the neck if you have a disk slip on the neck?  Also massage therapy was given around the upper back area?  Do you know exactly what you should be massaging for a disk slip in the neck?


thanks again,

Answer
Sir:

First of all, please understand that there is no such thing as a slipped disc. It is a torn and bulging disc. Discs don't slide in or out of place. They are attached to the bones both above and below. What you are suffering from is a DAMAGED disc that is now bulging, herniating, or ruptured.  The disc is a connective tissue and doesn't heal very well. When a disc bulges or herniates or ruptures, it can touch up against a nerve or the spinal cord and send pain into your arm and/or upper mid back region. You are in for the long haul with this one, and might require medical/surgical intervention.

I am not sure what you are referring to when you say that you had "electro magnetic" around the mid and upper back.  Perhaps you are referring to a type of electrical stimulation therapy, such as TENS, or Interferential, or High Volt Galvanic?  If so, these might help you to obtain an analgesic affect, but they will not cause you to grow a new disc in the neck. With electrical therapies (not magnetic therapies) You will typically feel an electrical sensation where the pads are placed and in the general area (microcurrent electrical therapy is an exception. You will feel little or nothing with this type of electrical stimulation therapy).

As far as "exactly where to massage for a disc slip in the neck", there is no singular magical area to massage. A qualified practitioner is going to look for involved tight musculature, and try to relax the tight muscles through massage or stretching.  Again, massage might help you to reduce some of the pain, but the bulging disc problem in the neck is going to take some time to heal. Have you tried traction or decompression? If your chiropractor isn't offering traction or decompression, consider finding another one. Have you consulted with a neurosurgeon yet?  Now would be a great time to do so, since you might need surgery. How do you know that you have an injured disc or bulging disc in the neck? Have you had an MRI of the neck?