You may have heard of herniated disc but aren’t sure what exactly it means. If you experience pain in your back, arms, legs or buttocks, disc herniation is one potential cause to consider.
Gaining a better understanding of this condition and associated symptoms can help provide a better idea of whether or not you may be suffering from herniated disc.
What is Herniated Disc?
Herniated disc (or bulging disc) is a condition that impacts 3 million+ people in the U.S. every year. This condition affects the body’s spinal discs, which have a tough outer layer (annulus) and soft interior (nucleus). Disc herniation occurs when the soft center of a disc pushes through one or more cracks or ruptures in the disc exterior, resulting in excess pressure on the spinal nerve or nerve root.
This common condition most often affects the lower back, (lumbar spine), but can also be present in the neck (cervical) and center of the back (thoracic) regions of the spine.
What Symptoms May Be Caused by Herniated Disc?
Symptoms may vary, depending upon the severity of the problem and the area of the body in which the herniation has occurred. While one person may experience only minor symptoms from this condition, others may have more severe symptoms such as:
- Dull or sharp pain and/or stiffness in the back, neck, shoulders, arms or legs
- Numbness, tingling or burning pain in the limbs
- Muscle weakness that may affect mobility
- Pain that radiates to the arms, legs, thighs, calves and/or buttocks
- Bowel or bladder control problems (Contact your emergency room immediately)
What Causes Herniated Disc?
One of the most common causes is general wear and tear, as discs degenerate with time and usage. Elderly individuals are more susceptible to this condition due to the gradual weakening of connective tissue as we age.
A sudden, severe impact, such as a car accident or forceful fall and sneezing may also cause disc herniation.
Additionally, there are certain medical conditions which may contribute to disc herniation, such as tissue disorders or spinal stenosis.
How Can Herniated Disc Be Treated?
Treatment of herniated disc pain may vary from one patient to the next, depending upon the individual situation. Recommendations are based on the cause, location and extent of physical damage.
At A Chiropractic Wellness Place in Chelmsford, MA, Dr. Mark Chiungos utilizes a very effective method of treatment known as Spinal Decompression Therapy, whereas the patient is placed on a specialized table that gently elongates the spine. The table is designed to apply a controlled, light force on affected disc area(s) to relieve pressure and stimulate rehydration, elimination of wastes and facilitate the innate body’s ability to repair and regenerate.
This technique is non-invasive and virtually painless, while providing significant relief from pain.
Think You Might Be Suffering from Herniated Disc?
A Chiropractic Wellness Place provides expert, individualized treatments for herniated disc issues in the greater Chelmsford, MA region. Our patients have found substantial relief from their pain as a result of this effective, non-invasive therapy.
If you need herniated disc therapy in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, or an altogether different treatment option, Dr. Mark Chiungos will work together with you to customize a plan that offers maximum relief from your pain.
To consult with Dr. Chiungos in Chelmsford at A Chiropractic Wellness Place, schedule your appointment by calling (978) 376-8190.
FAQ
Chiropractic
Most insurance policies offer some chiropractic coverage. Dr. Chiungos works with Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, Tufts Health Plan, Unicare/GIC, and Medicare. See the No Surprises Act for more information.
Absolutely. Chiropractic as a profession is more than 100 years old. We follow industry guidelines during our new patient induction process to minimize risk and maximize benefit. Chiropractic malpractice insurance is considered by many to be the least costly professional insurance in the healthcare industry because chiropractic is generally considered a safe, manual therapy.
It depends on your mechanism of injury and your current state of health. You might start feeling better as soon as your adjustment is finished. You might need to go home and ice (Dr. Chiungos will advise you). If your injury is serious, it may take several visits. But your healing has begun from the first adjustment. Your personal care plan is designed to take you from where you are today to your best possible outcome. Dr. Chiungos will keep you updated on your progress at each visit.
SpineMED®
Decompression treatment (SpineMED spinal decompression) is generally not covered by standard health insurance plans as a standalone procedure. However, the answer depends on your specific plan, insurer, and how care is billed — so it is always worth asking Dr. Chiungos and your insurance provider directly.
Does Medicare Cover Spinal Decompression?
Medicare does not typically cover non-surgical spinal decompression as a standalone service. Medicare Part B may cover chiropractic spinal manipulation (adjustment) when medically necessary, but SpineMED table decompression sessions fall outside current Medicare coverage guidelines. Dr. Chiungos will review your Medicare coverage with you before starting care and explain exactly what to expect cost-wise.
What About BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield)?
Blue Cross Blue Shield plans vary significantly by state and plan type. Some BCBS plans include chiropractic benefits that cover related services, but most classify spinal decompression as investigational or not medically necessary under their criteria. If you have BCBS, bring your insurance card to your first visit and our team will help you verify your benefits.
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Harvard Pilgrim covers chiropractic care at varying levels depending on your plan, but spinal decompression via the SpineMED table is generally not a covered benefit. Routine chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy referrals, and other related services may apply toward your deductible or copay — Dr. Chiungos will discuss which components of your treatment plan may qualify.
Tufts Health Plan
Tufts Health Plan participants should review their specific chiropractic benefit tier. Tufts covers chiropractic adjustments for most plans, typically requiring a referral or pre-authorization depending on your plan level. As with other insurers, the decompression component itself is often excluded. We will work with you to maximize any covered services within your plan.
UniCare
UniCare (offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for state employees and others) follows similar guidelines. Chiropractic manipulation may be covered, while decompression therapy is generally not a covered benefit under most UniCare contracts.
What Will I Pay Out of Pocket?
If Dr. Chiungos recommends spinal decompression as part of your care plan, he will sit down with you before treatment begins to review all costs, discuss any available payment plans, and make sure you receive full informed consent. No surprises. His priority is that you understand exactly what your investment looks like so you can make the best decision for your health and your budget.
To check your specific benefits or get a pre-treatment cost estimate, call our Chelmsford office at (978) 256-5900.
Spinal Disc Decompression with the SpineMED® Table has shown to be safe and generally without major side effects or complications once abnormal conditions have been ruled out. The process is so safe and comfortable, it’s not uncommon for patients to fall asleep!
- Patients under 12 years old
- If you had spinal surgery that involved clips, mesh or fusion
- If you have fractures, tumors or infections
- If you have osteoporosis or spondylolisthesis where there’s been a fracture or non-union defect in the spine, where that segment that we want to traction is unstable
Damaged intervertebral discs seldom heal as the discs are constantly under pressure from muscular spasm—during normal activities, and even while sleeping! SpineMED is designed to reduce the pressure in the discs, promoting the influx of vital fluids, nutrients and oxygen back into the discs to assist the body’s natural rebuilding process. This process may speed up the natural repair and could eventually heal damaged spinal discs.
Sessions are typically 30 minutes long. It could take 15 to 25 sessions or more to see some relief from your discomfort. That’s variable based on your status and the condition we’re treating. Ideally, the sessions are performed daily with rest on the weekend.
Aspen Laser
Laser treatment, as used in chiropractic offices, is not currently covered by health insurance. If Dr. Chiungos believes this is an integral part of your treatment plan, he will discuss all costs and potential discounts before the start of care.
Laser therapy has been in use for over thirty years with almost no side effects reported. Aspen Laser is FDA-registered and passes all safety compliance requirements. The treatments are not painful; in fact, laser is warm and comfortable to your skin. Dr. Chiungos will check in with you regularly to make sure the temperature feels right, and you can always speak up if it starts to feel too warm. The main safety concern is for the eyes, which is why Dr. Chiungos will provide protective glasses for both patient and doctor at each session.
Laser is effective on most parts of the body; however, there are times when laser is not appropriate:
- during pregnancy
- within twelve months of cancer treatments
- during the use of photo-sensitizing medications
- over recent steroid injections (seven days)
- over growth plates or reproductive glands
- over tattoos or skin infections
Laser therapy promotes energy production supporting cellular repair, increased blood flow, increased red blood cell oxygen-carrying capacity, and decrease of inflammation. When used in conjunction with traditional chiropractic, laser can reduce pain and healing time, and promote a deeper, more complete healing to the area of concern.
Sessions typically last 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. They generally start longer and reduce in length as you heal. Most acute conditions require only 10 – 12 treatment sessions. If you have a chronic condition, you may need 12 – 20 treatments and one or two follow-up sessions every month. The amount and frequency of treatments are determined through assessment of your condition combined with Dr. Chiungos’s experience treating patients with laser. You will likely start to feel better after your first 5 sessions.
