Question: I have a herniated disc and pinched branching nerve in my neck. No matter what I do — I’ve tried massage, chiropractic treatment, painkillers — nothing seems to help. I don't want to have surgery unless I have to. Is there anything else I can try?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Disc material is actually an encapsulated gel-like substance that is kept in place by a firm capsule. Herniation of this capsule will often place pressure on the adjacent nerve root and may occasionally impinge on the spinal cord itself.
Disc herniation of the neck area is far more serious, as the areas involved have less space to accommodate disc material. Much of the time herniated disc material will reabsorb over a period of several months.
But in the meantime, if conservative therapy is deemed safe for you, you many obtain relief by ultrasound and other physical therapy modalities recommended by your spinal consultants.
Some cases require surgical decompression, and some of these cases may be amenable to a minimally invasive laser spine therapy. You will need to discuss these options with your neurosurgeon or spinal specialist.
Often the larger laser spine surgery centers will offer a consultation to your physician upon referral and receipt of your MRI studies for review, sometimes at no fee.
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