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Disc Protrusion – Alternative Treatments

If symptoms of nerve compression caused by disc protrusion in the spine are not responding to conventional medicine, your might explore the use of alternative treatments to manage your pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. Depending on how willing you are to veer away from the medical mainstream, your choices could include mind-body intervention, biologically based therapies, manipulative and body-based methods, or energy therapies. If you are particularly open-minded or if your religious beliefs preclude the use of certain drugs, you might consider exploring one or more alternative medical systems.

Alternative Medical Systems

Alternative medical systems are defined as complete theories of healthcare built on belief systems separate and distinct from conventional medical practice in the United States and Europe. Some were developed centuries ago in Asia, while others, such as homeopathy, arose as parallel to – and in opposition to – the ongoing development of today’s modern, scientific approach to healthcare. While disc protrusion symptoms normally can be managed through pain medication, exercise, or behavior modification, your research might uncover the following alternative treatments:

• Ayurveda – This is an ancient system practiced on the Indian subcontinent and elsewhere in South Asia. Its name comes from the Sanskrit words ayus (longevity) and veda (knowledge). It emphasizes metabolic balance, healthy digestion, and proper excretion. It also focuses on emotional and intellectual well-being, utilizing meditation, and the repetition of “mantras” to encourage mind-body balance.
• Traditional Chinese medicine – This ancient East Asian system emphasizes harmony with the environment as a path to sound health. Herbs, acupuncture, and dietary therapy are crucial elements, as is Shiatsu massage. This system evolved family by family over the centuries, and was codified in its modern form by the People’s Republic of China in the 1950s.
• Naturopathy – While the tenets of this system have been in use for eons, it wasn’t given its name until 1895. Its foundation is a belief in the “healing power of nature,” and practitioners utilize a wide variety of therapies. Drugs and surgery are not condoned. A healthy diet and botanical remedies are encouraged.

When Alternative Treatments Are Not Enough

Occasionally, symptoms persist despite weeks or months of conservative or alternative treatments. If this is the case for you, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed using advanced, endoscopic techniques may help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.