About A Fort Wayne Contained Cervical Spine Disc HerniationIntroduction You have surely heard of the bulging disc or protruding disc or slipped disc, all terms that hurt just to hear them. The appropriate term for these types of herniated discs is "contained disc". If the contained disc is in the cervical spine, you may find yourself with neck pain and even arm pain. Description The "contained disc" is a herniated disc in which the nucleus pulposus (the center of the disc) is contained within the anulus fibrosus (the outer layers of the disc). Since the anulus fibrosus is very pain sensitive, a contained disc causes neck pain and, if the contained disc presses on a spinal nerve, may cause arm, wrist, hand and finger pain. Watch this descriptive video of a contained disc herniation. Examination A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your recovery. Cervical Spine Exam Description Treatment In-office, Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc uses Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to lower the pressure in the disc so the nucleus pulposus returns to the center of the disc, aid in the healing of the torn anular fibers, and drive out chemicals that irritate and inflame the spinal nerves. Graphic Animation of Cox Technic - Cervical Spine The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved. This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0% to 100% for each individual patient. Cox Technic Protocol I - for severe pain or pain that extends below the elbow Cox Technic Protocol II - for pain that is in the neck and stays above the elbow Time to Improvement You must understand that it takes three months for a torn disc to heal well enough to allow you to return to daily activities like working at a computer, talking on the telephone for a long period of time, etc. The first three to four weeks of concentrated treatment, therapies, and at-home care are designed to allow the best opportunity for the disc to heal quickly. This three month window does not mean that you must be treated continually throughout this time period, but means that you must be cautious and aware of your spine's healing. Recognize that even though the pain is gone, sometimes in a day or two or week or two, healing is still taking place and could be hindered if you do something to aggravate the process. At Home Care At home you will want to avoid sleeping on your stomach, wear a neck brace if recommended, take nutritional supplements that help rebuild disc cartilage, exercise, and modify your daily activities as needed. You will want to work closely with us at Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc to ensure your treatment is properly administered and your return to maximum health is maximized. Exercise Tips Exercise is important to your recovery and prevention of future pain. important to start exercises as soon as possible, not vigorously, but gently. Do only exercises recommended. Do exercises only to your tolerance. Clinical Case Reports C5-6 Disc Herniation Cervical Spine Pain Patient Avoids Surgery with Cox Distraction C5-6 Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy and Instability Relieved with Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression Spinal Cord Edema at Cervical Disc Herniation Level Two Cervical Disc Herniations: One Contacts Spinal Cord; One Does Not Cervical Spine Pain with Arm Pain in a Non-Congruent Patient Who Wants to Direct His Own Care Scapular Pain as an Indicator of Cervical Nerve Root Pre and Post MRI Study of a Large Herniated Disc at C5/C6 Treated with Cox® Technique 66 year old female with bilateral arm and leg pain with neck and low back pain of years duration Common Case Requiring Well-Designed Spinal Manipulation Protocol: Cervical Spine Degenerative Disc Disease With Scleratogenous Pain Distribution C5-6 and C6-7 Disc Herniation with Spinal Stenosis Causing Nerve Root Impingement - Relieved with Cox Technic Facet Arthropathy Induced Nerve Root Compression Resulting in Motor Weakness and Neck and Arm Pain - Relieved with Cox Technic Cervical Spine Radiculopathy (arm pain) with a disc/spur complex at C5/6 with left nerve root compression - pain relieved with Cox Technic C6-7 Disc Herniation with Neck Pain Relieved Contact Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc for an evaluation of your cervical spine contained disc. "This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."