Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 1/29/2009

Question
I am 26 years old, My occupation is to continuously work on computer (sitting)At times I have difficulty in standing & sitting upright. i.e. I have a tendency to slouch back while I am working on PC, Can it be because of slipped disk? I also want to know what are the symptoms of slipped disk & when is the right time to see a doctor?  Can exercise on treadmill or cycling help in this regard?

Answer
staten island slipped disk , herniated disk , HNP , bulging disk ,



Hello Adnan,

Sorry to hear of your difficulty in standing and sitting upright.

First, let me ask clarification.  Many people come to my Staten Island Chiropractic office and complain of a 'slipped disk'.  I treat 'slipped disks' all the time,,,,,,, and I do not know what different people mean by 'slipped disk'.

"Slipped disk" could be a herniated disk, could be a bulging disk, may just mean back pain-- depending upon who you talk to.  Slipped disk is NOT a technical term, is not a diagnosis; and doctors of any profession would not use this term.  Slipped disk is commonly used by lay people; but doctors, therapists, health professionals would prefer a more technically correct term.

Do you have back pain, or pain from the back into the leg?- this could be a herniated disc, could be a bulging disc, could be a muscle spasm, could be a vertebral subluxation, could be simply poor posture.

Should you have this looked into?- should this be evaluated by a health professional?- probably yes.  If your discomfort, if your concern is enough to make you write to me, if you are thinking about this,,, why not visit a doctor for an exam?

You talk of slouching (poor posture), difficulty sitting/ standing, concern with exercise:  I recommend a Doctor of Chiropractic to perform a hands-on in-person exam to analyze you properly.  

You have a discomfort, perhaps a pain, let me give you a little information on pain:



PAIN     

Pain  is a  ‘red light on the dashboard’.

Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.

That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?  

Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?   

Pain,  
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?  
Take a painkiller, mask the pain, and allow a problem to progress in your body?


     NOTICE  ON  PAIN  RELIEVERS:
 
Label changes ORDERED by FDA;  the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news  206- 207;  12-9-06) ;

The  American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement  2-26-07).

NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage  destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse.  These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.



Pain  can  often  be  the  result  of  the  Vertebral  Subluxation  Complex.


Vertebral  Subluxation           (  ‘VSC’ ,    ‘subluxation’   )
Vertebral Subluxation  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.

  Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties,   and also look for ‘Subluxation’. Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system  (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this).  VSC- ‘Subluxation’ – can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.



Only  a  Doctor of Chiropractic  will  evaluate  and  treat  for  VSC,   as  well  as  other  pathology.



The course of VSC is highly variable.   Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.    Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC,  some patients take years to develop symptoms.  Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months.  Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.


The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.

       Vertebral  Subluxation   cannot   be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching,  yoga,  vitamins  or  physical  therapy  alone.       Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular-    mechanical-    problem  requires  a    mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,         best  performed  with  the  chiropractic  adjustment.

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


That (above) is one information handout sheet I utilize in my office for my Staten Island Slipped Disk patients.  Here is further information on your poaaible disk problem:






Disk   Herniation    
(sometimes known as a 'slipped disc')

Low  Back  Pain  can be caused by many different things.  

Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause low back pain (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing).  

Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause LBP (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral).  

Bad things, like  - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic.   

Sometimes LBP is caused by a Herniated disc: Herniated  disk  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.   

However,  the course of the condition is highly variable.   Some patients with a herniated disk literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar MRI findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.   

Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months.

Although the course is highly variable, there are certain steps that are always helpful to follow:  Ice the area when painful-  10/ 15minutes on, 30/ 45 minutes off;  avoid certain postures and movements;  bend the knees when coughing or sneezing;  bend the knees when lifting anything;  do not extend legs straight out when sitting, laying down, lifting, or driving.   

Avoiding certain movements and postures will prevent aggravation of the condition.   Practicing good postures and movement patterns will help the condition heal and be less painful. Disk  Herniation  is often caused by, or often  concurrent with the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

         Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.


Subluxation  is  a  serious  condition  identified  by  its  five  parts:

    Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.

    Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.

    Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.

    Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.

    Pathophysiology:
         The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration.  Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.


The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.  

          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.     Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular-   mechanical-   problem  requires  a   mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.


Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


When is the right time to see a doctor?
If you are concerned, the right time to see a doctor is now.
If you are having a problem, more then a couple/ few weeks; the right time to see a doctor is now.

For a back problem, I recommend the 'spine specialist' - your local Doctor of Chiropractic.

Can you use a treadmill or cycle?
I need a physical examination and a case history consultation to properly answer that question.  Have you been exercising? Do you use a treadmill or cycle?  Does the activity make you hurt?-- then stop the activity.  Does the activity make you 'sore'?-- well, only YOU can decide if you are sore or if you are hurting.  Soreness is expected after some exercise; pain- hurting is not expected after exercise.  If you are sore- okay.  If you HURT, then it is probably not okay.

Your job may hold you in front of a computer all day.  You must practice good posture/ good biomechanics all day while working.

Poor posture, poor biomechanics will cause fatigue, soreness, pain, and ultimately- breakdown.  Practice proper posture or eventually you will have serious problems.

Your company has probably conducted training in ergonomics- proper body position and movement.  Your company should provide proper equipment that is ergonomically designed.  It is smarter to prevent problems rather then wait for a problem, and then try to repait the damage.


Think about your posture.  Think about your movement patterns.  Every twenty minutes--- get up for a few seconds, get up, walk around the desk, sit back down in a slightly different posture.

See your Doctor of Chiropractic for an evaluation.


I hope the above helps. If further info is needed, do not hesitate to
re-contact me here at AllExperts.com
( http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm )



Thank You,
your Staten Island Chiropractor friend signing off,


Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)