Deterioration of the Spine

New 4K Ultra HD Video Defines How the Human Spine Deteriorates

Watch the video here.

DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE describes the wear and tear of the disc. Degenerative disc disease is a misnomer for the reason that it sounds as though it’s a progressive and threatening condition. This process occurs naturally with age. However, it is not strictly degenerative and is not actually a disease. Degenerative disc disease can also be accelerated by a motor vehicle accident or labor and other repetitive activities, known as traumatic degeneration. The basic problem begins with a tear in the fibers that make up the annulus fibrosus. It is recognized that annular tears cause pain by excreting inflammatory chemicals that are caustic to nerve roots and neural elements. The break down and the collapse of the facet joints causes mechanical pain.

Classically, a patient with this condition complains of neck pain through the scapula (shoulder blade), which is exacerbated by sitting or standing. The pain is commonly reported as being deep, dull, and aching, or a boring pain, progressing distally from the neck into the arm in a nonspecific zone. This is as opposed to radiculopathy, which is an irritation of the nerve root. Pain, numbness, weakness, and +/– reflex changes of the arm might be present.

Loss of bowel or bladder control is an emergency. Seek immediate medical attention!

Traditional treatments include early motion, traction, physical therapy, massage, modalities, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, chiropractic care, pain management, activity avoidance, and activity with job modifications. Heat in the form of long, hot showers, sauna, and heat packs can help relieve pain. Application of cold packs and gels could also offer some relief. Medications in the classes of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, oral steroids, antidepressants, and narcotics might be recommended. Wearing a brace for external stabilization could be helpful in the short term.

When the patient is less symptomatic, specific treatments such as cervical stabilization will often assist with the resumption of function and endurance. Yoga and Pilates may be used to strengthen core muscles, while Medx treatment might help to strengthen neck muscles.

Cervical or lumbar injections such as epidural steroid, facet blocks, or radiofrequency ablation may be recommended.

Cervical or lumbar spine surgical treatments include ACDF and posterior foraminotomy or decompression, fusion and instrumentation.

Prevention: While wear, tear, and break down of the discs is natural and unavoidable, certain factors will accelerate the process. Repetitive bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, vibration exposure, poor posture, poor body mechanics, weak abdominal and extensor muscles, smoking, and obesity can increase the rate of disc break down. An appreciation of the cervical facet joint’s anatomy could, specifically, help in the long-term preservation of neck function. Understanding the function, motion, and limitations of the facet joint can serve as a tool to help slow the process of wear and tear in the neck.

Keys to an Amazing Life: Secrets of the Cervical Spine

available at amazon.com for $6.99 American Dollars

Watch the video here.

In 2017, American GDP was estimated at 19.4 trillion dollars. With spine care costing Americans 135 billion dollars per year in the USA, that means one in $144 GDP (0.7%) dollars is spent on spine care. 2017 USA GDP is estimated at $19.4 trillion dollars.

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)30725-6/fulltext

Today, with this important book, internationally-renowned American spinal expert Dr. Kenneth Hansraj unlocks the secrets of your spine, and how learning to treat it with respect will vastly improve your physical, emotional and even mental life. It’s packed with brilliant illustrations, photographs and techniques for achieving optimal spinal and overall vibrant health!

The most painful problem in America isn’t the economy, trade, crime or foreign wars.

It’s our BACKS!

About Dr. Kenneth K. Hansraj

On the forefront of spinal surgery American surgeon Dr. Kenneth K. Hansraj is a spinal and orthopedic surgeon specializing in cervical, thoracic and lumbar procedures for example laminectomies and spinal fusions. Dr. Hansraj believes in tailoring the operation to the patient using the latest spine technologies.

Dr. Ken is the author of the internationally bestselling book, Keys to an Amazing Life: Secrets of the Cervical Spine, (January, 2013), which he was inspired to write based on this concept. Dr. Hansraj is also the author of Bloodless Spine Surgery: Pictures and Explanations. His goal with each of his books is to bring years of accumulated expert medical knowledge to the public at-large in an easy-to digest format and to help countless individuals with ongoing spinal and health issues.

Dr. Ken Hansraj is TV and media trained and has extensive experience with national outlets such as CNN, HLN, CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, NPR and has been featured globally. Cision® estimates his current media impressions at 9 Billion.

Leave a Reply