Risk Factors which can lead to disc herniation:

If the list below applies to you, then we ask you to consider taking a serious look at coming by for an evaluation. The bullet points listed below can give some ideas on how disc herniation and compression starts out, only to develop into a crippling health issue:

• Lifting inappropriately
• Overweight
• Sudden pressure
• Arduous repetitive activities
• Congenital weakness of the discal tissues
• Chronic dehydration
• Sudden trunk rotation or shearing force
• In the event of insufficient movement of the vertebral column caused by a job where you are in a constant sitting position, the rear portion of the disc will be compressed and thus weakened. Tears and swelling of the disc can then occur.
• If the cells of the disc failed to get proper nutrients – such as oxygen, or glucose – or if the pH level of the disc drops (because waste is not being diffused out of the disc and it becomes anaerobic), disc cells would die and stop producing the vital proteoglycan aggregates. The disc loses its water content (dehydrates) and loses its hydrostatic pressure (osmotic pressure).
• The inflammatory and degenerative processes in the connecting structures relate to vertebral discs, ligaments, and joints located in the back of the vertebrae. If ligaments start loosening, the entire structure of the column becomes unstable. This produces a misalignment of the vertebrae and an overload of rear joints causing a premature wear out leading to osteoarthritis.
• Fusion of the vertebrae, whether congenital or from surgery, will increase the requirement of mobility and shock absorption from the joints above or below the fusion, thus increasing the likelihood of damage to the discs and tissues near the fusion.

Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation with our Doctor to determine if you are a candidate for care. After carefully studying your case history and exam findings, he will sit down and explain his recommended plan of action for you. After answering any questions you may have about the recommended plan, you may begin your care with Spinal Decompression.

The goal at DCOA is to contain and control Degenerative Disc Disease. Results vary patient to patient based on age, lifestyle, genetics, etc. Spinal Decompression treatment is designed to bring relief so as not to necessitate ongoing therapy. However once the event of decompression is obtained a retention program or maintenance schedule is recommended.It is our recommendation that doctors/patients integrate an active and passive exercise component in addition to a home care protocol designed to teach the patient to strengthen their back.

Disc Centers of America, works with disc cases all over the world. Only DCOA doctors are certified to utilize TDC Therapy. DCOA doctors receive ongoing training, research and are acknowledged by the International Medical Advisory Board on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and the International Disc Education Association.

The medical information on this page is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions.

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