Slipped Disc Care & Spinal Disc Support Without Surgery

Slipped discs, including conditions such as herniation and extrusion, are common causes of neck and back discomfort. Non-surgical methods, particularly spinal decompression therapy, have demonstrated significant benefits in managing these conditions. This case study highlights the effectiveness of NSD Therapy® (Non-Surgical Decompression Therapy) for patients with severe spinal disc issues. Utilizing advanced technology like RxDecom®, combined with chiropractic and physiotherapy, these treatments have shown to reduce symptoms, improve function, and promote healing without the need for surgery. This evidence-based approach offers a promising alternative to invasive procedures, with substantial improvements observed in patient comfort and disc integrity.

Slipped Disc Care Enriched With Breakthrough Technology

A case study of two patients receiving non-surgical spinal decompression: With pre and post-therapy MRIs of the lumbar spine.

Proven Slipped Disc Care By: Yama Zafer, D.C.

This case study was performed to evaluate the effects of NSD Therapy® (Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy) on two patients—one with a moderately extruded lumbar disc and the other with a severely extruded lumbar disc—provided in a multidisciplinary center on an outpatient basis. The results have shown that NSD Therapy® helped improve symptomatology and retracted severe spinal disc conditions.

The cases presented here demonstrate that protruded and extruded spinal discs may improve using the NSD Therapy® protocols without the need for invasive procedures. These results highlight a promising future for non-surgical advancements in physiotherapeutic care as utilized in the NSD Therapy® protocols. Larger clinical studies are needed to show the effectiveness of this method on patients with varying characteristics.

Understanding Spinal Disc Conditions: Degeneration, Bulging, Herniation & Extrusions

Spinal issues are increasingly common, affecting individuals of all ages. Beyond common colds, spine-related conditions contribute to a significant number of lost workdays, particularly in individuals under 45 [1,2]. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the estimated annual direct cost for all spine-related conditions in 2002-2004 was $193.9 billion US dollars [3].

Research from the US[4], Europe [5], Japan [6], and India [7] cites and recommends the use of decompression therapy for conditions such as degenerative disc disease (DDD), facet conditions (facet hypertrophy, spinal bone spurs, or arthritis), post-surgical spine conditions, herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis, with some studies reporting 86% [8] to 92% [9] improvement.

Studies available on advanced non-surgical spinal decompression therapy have demonstrated improvements in up to 86-92%[9] of individuals experiencing discomfort. However, this study sought to explore the effects of decompression therapy (as part of NSD Therapy®) on spinal discs utilizing pre and post MRI studies, objective physical findings, and patient-reported outcomes.

The Importance of Our Advanced Slipped Disc Care

Traditional non-surgical methods for slipped discs have often provided limited results. Conventional chiropractic and physiotherapy approaches have not consistently addressed bulging, herniated, protruded, prolapsed, or extruded discs effectively. Even when care is provided by physiotherapists and chiropractors, achieving significant improvements has remained a challenge—until now!

In 2009, our centers became the first in Asia to integrate advanced spine technology for spinal disc care through the RxDecom® system. Our centers utilize a comprehensive and integrative approach for herniated and protruded discs (slipped discs) through NSD Therapy®.

NSD Therapy®, or Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy, is a multi-prong therapeutic approach that incorporates spinal decompression along with other specialized care modalities. This method includes:

  • Spinal decompression therapy using the RxDecom®
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • Interferential current therapy
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Shockwave therapy (ESWT)
  • Manual mobilizations
  • Targeted strengthening exercises
  • Non-forceful spinal adjustments

This integrative approach has set a new standard in non-surgical spinal disc care, helping individuals achieve long-term relief and improved spinal function.

Advanced Slipped Disc Care with NSD Therapy®

NSD Therapy®, also known as Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy, is a multi-prong approach designed to support spinal disc health. The primary technology used in NSD Therapy® is the RxDecom, a breakthrough spinal decompression system that specifically targets spinal discs. In addition to spinal decompression, NSD Therapy® incorporates various therapeutic devices to optimize recovery and function.

NSD Therapy® includes:

  • Spinal decompression therapy with RxDecom®
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • Electrotherapy
  • Shockwave therapy (ESWT)
  • Flexion-distraction therapy
  • Manual mobilizations
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Customized spinal rehabilitation programs

Our experienced chiropractors conduct a thorough assessment of the spine before initiating NSD Therapy®. Once the evaluation is complete, our clinical teams customize therapy settings to specifically address spinal disc issues. The combined expertise of our chiropractors and physiotherapists, along with our advanced spine technology, has made NSD Therapy® a leading choice for non-surgical spinal disc care.

Case Study: Severe Spinal Disc Extrusion

This case study highlights the outcomes of NSD Therapy® for individuals experiencing significant spinal disc conditions. The following information has been published with patient consent. For further details on the care provided, please contact Chiropractic Specialty Center® at 03 2093 1000.

Case Study: Severe Disc Extrusion – Patient 1

A 42-year-old male of German origin presented with persistent, severe discomfort in the lower back that extended down the posterior and postero-lateral areas of the right thigh and leg. On a visual discomfort scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being minimal and 10 being the most severe), the patient reported a level 9 intensity.

The patient also exhibited mild right foot weakness and an absent Achilles reflex on the right. Due to the severity of his condition, provocative testing procedures such as SLR, Milgram’s, and Valsalva’s Maneuver were not performed. The following section summarizes findings from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of his lumbar spine, as shown in Figure-1.

At the L4-L5 segment, the MRI indicated disc degeneration with a moderate reduction in disc height. There were also Modic Type-II changes at the inferior endplate of L4 and superior endplate of L5 vertebral bodies. The MRI further revealed a diffuse disc bulge slightly indenting the thecal sac.

At the L5-S1 segment, disc degeneration and a reduction in disc height were observed. Additionally, a large right para-central disc extrusion was identified, which significantly affected the spinal nerves and the spinal cord (thecal sac). The MRI findings indicated that this large disc extrusion compressed the right neural foramina and significantly affected the right lateral aspect of the thecal sac.

Treatment Management Plan & Frequency of Therapy – First Case

Following a comprehensive consultation, a personalized NSD Therapy® program was initiated for the patient. The individual’s condition, symptoms, examination findings, and MRI impressions were entered into the Treatment Management Software of the RxDecom® (a spinal decompression system).

The initial phase of NSD Therapy® consisted of daily sessions (Monday-Friday) for three weeks, followed by a treatment schedule of three sessions per week for five weeks. The patient underwent a total of 30 therapy sessions following the NSD Therapy® protocol.

severe spinal disc herniation & extrusion

Response to NSD Therapy® – First Case

The patient showed excellent progress. By the final evaluation on April 27, 2010, there was significant improvement in overall function. The level of discomfort had reduced from a constant 9/10 to an occasional 1/10, with no recurring symptoms down the leg.

Orthopedic tests, including Valsalva’s Maneuver, Milgram’s test, and SLR, were all negative. Additionally, the Achilles reflexes were +2 bilaterally, indicating improved neurological function. To assess structural changes, a follow-up MRI scan was performed on April 29, 2010 (see Figure-2).

Proven slip disc treatment showing reversal of severe slipped disc

A board-certified radiologist conducted a comparative study between the new MRI and the previous MRI from November 11, 2008. The comparison showed a significant reduction of the extruded disc material, resulting in reduced compression on the spinal cord (thecal sac). Additionally, the neural foramina were intact bilaterally at L5-S1. However, at L4-L5, no significant structural changes were noted.

Second Case – Moderate to Severe Disc Extrusion

A 44-year-old male engineer of Persian descent sought care for severe lower back discomfort that extended to the left buttock, posterior thigh, and leg. The patient also reported numbness, tingling, and a burning sensation along the bottom of the left foot and big toe, as well as weakness affecting the entire lower left limb.

On a 1 to 10 scale for discomfort (1 being minimal and 10 being the most severe), the patient reported a level 10 intensity.

Upon examination:

  • The patient exhibited mild left foot weakness.
  • Achilles reflex was zero (0) on the left and +2 on the right.
  • Due to the severity of the condition, provocative orthopedic testing was not performed to avoid exacerbating symptoms.

The patient had previously undergone two MRI scans, the first on December 29, 2009, and a second on January 23, 2010 (Figures-3 and 4).

repaired slipped disc with proven slipped disc treatment

A comparative review of the MRI scans revealed a worsening of the disc bulge observed in December 2009. The condition had progressed to a moderate disc extrusion, which significantly compressed the spinal cord (thecal sac) and S1 nerve root.

extruded discs shown before proven slipped disc treatment

To address the condition, NSD Therapy® was recommended to promote recovery and improve function. Due to the severity of the disc condition, the patient underwent 25 therapy sessions of NSD Therapy®, administered five times per week for five weeks.

Outcome of the Second Case Through Our Proven Slipped Disc Treatment

The patient demonstrated continuous improvements throughout the course of therapy. By the final treatment session, the patient reported a complete resolution of lower back discomfort (0/10) and only an occasional mild sensation (1/10) down the leg on the visual analog scale.

The clinical evaluation performed on April 16, 2010, showed normal bilateral (+2) Achilles reflexes with no signs of foot weakness. Additionally, orthopedic tests—including Straight Leg Raise (SLR), Milgram’s, and Valsalva’s Maneuver—were all negative, indicating improved neurological function and stability.

A follow-up MRI scan of the lumbar spine on April 19, 2010 (Figure-5) was conducted to assess structural changes. A comparative analysis between the post-therapy MRI and the pre-therapy MRI (dated Jan. 23, 2010) revealed significant improvements, supporting the effectiveness of the NSD Therapy® approach in promoting spinal recovery.

after image of proven slipped disc treatment

Discussion on Spinal Discs and How Non-Operative Measures Utilized Through NSD Therapy® Provided These Favorable Outcomes

Discs are considered the largest avascular structure in the human body [10, 11, and 12]. They obtain life-sustaining nutrients such as water, oxygen, glucose, and amino acids through the process of diffusion, taking place across the endplates [13]. The diffusion of nutrients is passive, resulting from the vessels in the subchondral bone adjacent to the endplate’s hyaline cartilage [14].

The diffused nutrients are utilized by the chondrocyte-like cells of the nucleus and inner annulus to synthesize the proteoglycan molecule [14]—a protein-like molecule needed for disc maintenance and repair. A disruption in the flow of these nutrients dramatically impacts the spinal disc, leading to a decrease in proteoglycan production and an eventual deterioration of the disc [14].

Fact: Increased Intradiscal Pressure is the Leading Cause of Spinal Disc Disorders

With degeneration, discs lose their osmotic pressure [15, 16], making the spinal disc unable to maintain its hydrostatic behavior [17]. When a disc loses its hydrostatic behavior, the axial load-bearing activities will significantly increase the intradiscal pressure [17], leading to loss of height [18, 19] and fluids rapidly [20].

The average intradiscal pressure (non-load bearing) is 70mm Hg [21]. Any time the intradiscal pressure exceeds diastolic blood pressure, the infusion of nutrients and oxygen (imbibition) into the disc stops [21]. Also, increased intradiscal pressure, especially in a degenerated disc, leads to the degradation of the Aggrecan molecule (clusters of proteoglycans). The degraded Aggrecans are then readily leached out. Leaching or flushing out Aggrecans worsens proteoglycan deficiency [19, 21]. With the loss of fluids and proteoglycans, a degenerated disc is susceptible to bulging or, perhaps worse, tearing of fibers leading to disc herniations and extrusions.

What is the Root Cause of Spinal Disc Damage?

According to medical research, the underlying cause of disc degeneration, disc bulge, disc herniation, and disc extrusion is a lack of nutrients resulting from increased intradiscal pressure. Research conducted by neurosurgeons Gustavo and Martin [22] showed a significant reduction in intradiscal pressure due to distractive tensions applied. They stated that the intradiscal pressure dropped to negative levels in the range of -100 to -160mm Hg [22].

The treatments provided to the two patients in this report followed the specific protocols of NSD Therapy®. The NSD system of therapy focuses on spinal decompression therapy through RxDecom®, a targeted decompression modality designed to restore disc hydration and function. The RxDecom® induces imbibition, promoting nutrient exchange that helps reduce intradiscal pressure and supports the healing of spinal discs.

In addition to decompression therapy, the treatment approach included targeted chiropractic mobilizations and focused physiotherapy. Physiotherapy procedures such as ultrasound therapy, interferential current therapy, manual therapy, rehabilitative therapy, and strengthening exercises contributed to spinal stabilization and muscular support.

Conclusion: CSC’s Proven Slipped Disc Treatment in Kuala Lumpur Can Support Spinal Disc Recovery Without Surgery

In an era where spinal conditions, including slipped discs and scoliosis, are becoming increasingly common and placing a significant burden on healthcare systems, the demand for effective non-invasive procedures has never been greater. This case report, supported by research, highlights the effectiveness of NSD Therapy®, a non-surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis.

In both cases presented, pre and post-treatment MRI studies were correlated with clinical findings, both subjective and objective, demonstrating the benefits of NSD Therapy®. This approach significantly improved both patients in terms of symptoms, functional movement, and disc integrity. While this case study is based on a limited number of subjects, the clinical benefits of NSD Therapy® are evident. However, larger-scale studies over an extended period are recommended to further establish the long-term significance of this method.

Reference for Our Proven Slipped Disc Treatment Options

For those interested in research, we have provided a list of articles used in preparing this case study. Additionally, we have included links to two references. You may copy and paste them into Google Scholar to search for additional related research articles. Should you need further clarifications or information about our proven slipped disc treatment options, please contact our main center at 03 2093 1000.

References

  1. Occup Hazards. 1992; 11:29-33
  2. Gou H., Tanaka S., Halperin E. W., Cameron L.L.: Back Pain Prevalence in US Industry and Estimates of Lost Workdays:  American Journal of Public Health.  July 1999 Vol.89, No. 7, pp 129-135.
  3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2008, Chapter 2.
  4. Practical Pain Management, Mar/Apr 2003.
  5. European Musculoskeletal Review, Vol 3, Issue 2, 2008.
  6. The Journal of Saitama Kenou Rehabilitation. Vol 6, Nov. 2006, Kawagoe, Japan.
  7. The 45th Annual Indian Association Physiotherapy Conference in Kolkata, India, Feb. 2007.
  8. American Journal of Pain Management Vol. 7, No. 2, April 1997.
  9. Orthopedic Technology Review, 2003.
  10. Clin Orthop 129, 101-114.
  11. Biochemical and Structural Properties of the Cartilage End- Plate and its Relations to the Intervertebral Disc:  Spine, 1989 14, 166-177.
  12. Biochemical Society Transaction, 2002 Vol. 30, part 6 pp839-844
  13. Connect Tiss Res 8:101-119.
  14. Asian Spine Journal, 2009, Vol. 3, No., 1, pp 39-44.
  15. Adams MA, Dolan P, Hutton WC, Porter RW: Diurnal Changes in Spinal Mechanics and Their Clinical Significance. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery March 1990; 72-B(2) 266-270.
  16. Influence of Age, Spinal Level, Composition, and Degeneration. Spine Feb 1988; 13(2): 139-225.
  17. Bone & Joint Surg [Br} 1996; 78-B: 965-972.
  18. European Radiology 2001 11(2) 263-269.
  19. Spine 1983 8(3) 225-345.
  20. Arthritis Res Their 2003, 5:120-130.
  21. California Journal of Alternative medicine,  December 1999.
  22. Journal of Neurosurgery, 1994 81:350-353.