Having treated thousands of patients at my San Francisco Back and Wrist Pain Center over the past 15 years, I have come to learn one very important thing. There is just no way to really know what's going on inside of someone without the proper diagnostic tests. At the very least we would want to take an x-ray so that we could visualize the disc spaces, measure the curve (or lack of) in the neck or low back, check bone density, quantify the level of spinal degeneration, determine if a scoliosis or s pondylolithesis exist, or even a congenital short leg. We can even detect tumors or compression fractures on x-ray, along with many other findings. If herniated discs are suspected we may want to order an MRI study so that we can actually see the discs and their relationship with the nerves and spinal cord. Are they intact and creating separation of the vertebrae so the nerves have room to exit, or are they bulging or protruding (herniated) onto the spinal cord and nerves, interfering with the transmission of vital nerve energy to the target cells causing malfunction and impairment. It IS possible to have herniated discs and badly degenerated spinal conditions with NO symptoms. When I was in school I learned about this process (Subluxation Degeneration) and it was referred to as "The Silent Killer". Sure, most patients have symptoms when they present to a doctor for treatment, but often times they have had no diagnostic imaging performed, but wish to undergo therapy. I take the position that there is too much guess work involved and there is too much risk to just treat somebody without knowing what's going on inside. Just the other day I x-rayed a 53 year old woman with mild-moderate persistent neck pain who is currently under the care of another doctor. This doctor was treating aggressively without diagnostics. My x-rays revealed a very advanced case of spinal degeneration (she had the spine of a 70 year old) indicating a very gentle treatment regimen featuring decompression therapy would be most appropriate. She is doing better already after just a few sessions. Without diagnostics it is just not possible to know what is going on for sure. Why guess when you can know whats going on. The radiation is minimal these days, and the information gained goes a long way towards making sure the proper treatment methods are implemented.
Having treated thousands of patients at my San Francisco Back and Wrist Pain Center over the past 15 years, I have come to learn one very important thing. There is just no way to really know what's going on inside of someone without the proper diagnostic tests. At the very least we would want to take an x-ray so that we could visualize the disc spaces, measure the curve (or lack of) in the neck or low back, check bone density, quantify the level of spinal degeneration, determine if a scoliosis or s pondylolithesis exist, or even a congenital short leg. We can even detect tumors or compression fractures on x-ray, along with many other findings. If herniated discs are suspected we may want to order an MRI study so that we can actually see the discs and their relationship with the nerves and spinal cord. Are they intact and creating separation of the vertebrae so the nerves have room to exit, or are they bulging or protruding (herniated) onto the spinal cord and nerves, interfering with the transmission of vital nerve energy to the target cells causing malfunction and impairment. It IS possible to have herniated discs and badly degenerated spinal conditions with NO symptoms. When I was in school I learned about this process (Subluxation Degeneration) and it was referred to as "The Silent Killer". Sure, most patients have symptoms when they present to a doctor for treatment, but often times they have had no diagnostic imaging performed, but wish to undergo therapy. I take the position that there is too much guess work involved and there is too much risk to just treat somebody without knowing what's going on inside. Just the other day I x-rayed a 53 year old woman with mild-moderate persistent neck pain who is currently under the care of another doctor. This doctor was treating aggressively without diagnostics. My x-rays revealed a very advanced case of spinal degeneration (she had the spine of a 70 year old) indicating a very gentle treatment regimen featuring decompression therapy would be most appropriate. She is doing better already after just a few sessions. Without diagnostics it is just not possible to know what is going on for sure. Why guess when you can know whats going on. The radiation is minimal these days, and the information gained goes a long way towards making sure the proper treatment methods are implemented.