TOTAL DISC REPLACEMENT - CHARITE ARTIFICIAL DISC
The FDA has approved an artificial disc to replace damaged or worn out spinal discs. It is made out of two metallic endplates and a movable high-density plastic center. Theoretically, it will allow and preserve the ability of the spine to move. Lumbar spinal fusion surgery, performed over 200,000 times per year in the U.S., may reduce pain, but limits range of motion and transfers extra stress to the discs above and below the fusion. This usually leads to the wearing away of these over used discs. Typically, two surgeons work together. The vascular surgeon approaches the spine by making an incision in the abdomen and carefully moves the internal organs and blood vessels out of the way. The spine surgeon then removes the damaged disc and implants the Charite artificial disc. Patients must wear a brace for about 3 months after the surgery. There are many possible complications including unresolved pain, allergic reactions, bladder problems and/or infection.

The best treatment for any spinal condition is prevention! Maintaining proper spinal joint motion with regular chiropractic adjustments, exercising consistently, using proper posture and body mechanics and eating a healthy diet is the most effective way to care for your spine.

See NIH Study for more information.

LUMBAR DISC HERNIATIONS
The commonly used term to describe a disc herniation is "slipped disc." Discs are the shock absorbing cushions between the vertebrae. The outer part of the disc is called the annulus fibrosis. Think of the fibers of the annulus like the concentric rings you see when you cut a tree. The middle of the disc is called the nucleus pulposis and is like the jelly in the middle of a jelly donut. The disc cannot "slip" because it is attached to the vertebra above and below. It can, however, bulge or herniated. A bulge is when the annular fibers tear and the "jelly" starts to push through causing the outer part of the disc to bulge out like an old automobile tire. A herniation is when all the annular fibers tear and the nucleus squirts its way through all the annular fibers.

Either of these problems in and of themselves may or may not cause pain. If the bulge or herniation impinges upon a nerve or the spinal cord itself, usually there is pain. A common concern is whether a chiropractic adjustment will cause any damage to a herniated or bulging disc. A normal disc can withstand 23 degrees of rotation and a degenerated disc can withstand 14 degrees of rotation. The limit of rotation in the facet joints of the lumbar spine (the joints which are manipulated and may "pop" during an adjustment) can only rotate 2-3 degrees. Therefore, the chance of an adjustment causing any further damage is slim.

As a comparison:
1. If significant complications occur in 1%-4% of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) users, spinal manipulation is between 37,000 and 148,000 times safer.
2. If significant complications occur in 1.5%- 12% of lumbar disc herniation surgeries, spinal manipulation is between 55,000 and 444,000 times safer.

Think about this before deciding which treatment to pursue!