Patient Education
Read some of our reviews from Google.
Randall - Sep 2, 2011
Worlds greatest and most dedicated health practitioner on earth. No one will spend more time and effort on your health issue. She miraculously traced my problem to an old root canal job. And then recommended a fantastic dentist. Thanks Dr Collins! And I love your office with all the good stuff.
Mr. Hip - May 19, 2011
I was referred to Dr. Collins by a friend of mine. I was having low back pain and left hip pain. Through his ability to accurate diagnose my condition, he was able to help me with my low back pain. Concering my hip, I had a congential condtion that required specialist. Dr. Collins referred me to a hip specialist who told me that I would need surgery immediately. If it was not for Dr. Collins, I would not be able to walk today.Not only is Dr. Collins a great doctor, but he also knows when to refer to a specialist. Thank you Dr. Collins taking care of my back and also referring to a specialist for my hip.
FRANCES - Apr 21, 2011
A couple of years ago I was in class and turned around to give someone some papers. I was in the process of turning back around when my neck became stiff and I couldn't move it. It was very painful. I went to Dr. Collins and after he treated me I was much better. If anyone is looking for a chiropractor you need to go see Dr. Collins!!
Apr 19, 2011
Go to Dr. Collins, he is excellent. I was having serve pain in my neck and was going to my medical docotr who was only giving me pain medication. After a year, my sister refered me to Dr. Collins. After my first visit with Dr. Collins, I was able to move my neck and finally get a restful night sleep. I would tell anyone, if you are looking for a doctor, see Dr. Collins. I feel renewed.
Disc Disorders
Many of us have grown up hearing such terms as "slipped disc," or "herniated disc." But few people outside the medical profession truly understand how critical their spinal discs are. Without discs, our vertebrae would grind against each other, our spines collapsing under the strain.
A whole host of things can go wrong with a vertebral disc over a lifetime. A traumatic injury can crush or misplace a disc. An excessive pulling or lifting accident at home or on the job can force a disc out of position. And for some of us, simply getting older can cause a disc to deteriorate. This is usually called degenerative disc disease.
First, what exactly is a disc?
Vertebral discs are the shock absorbers that are found between vertebral bodies. Each disc is essentially sandwiched between two vertebrae supported by ligaments. Composed of collagen, discs have a tough outer core and a soft inner core. When you are born, these discs are mostly water. As you get older, the discs slowly lose their water content and get harder. As they dehydrate over time, your discs provide less of that soft and cushy support they provided when they were new. Because they have no blood supply and few nerve endings, discs are unable to repair themselves. Disc degeneration can be painful in later years; in some cases, the inner core of the discs leak proteins that can inflame the nerve roots.
Common disc disorders
Disc disorders are generally classified as contained discs or noncontained discs. Contained discs are discs that are essentially intact, but protruding where they do not belong. Noncontained discs are ruptured discs that also may protrude into another area of the spine, leaking their fluid and causing havoc.
A common contained disc disorder is a bulging disc. Bulging discs may push into the spinal canal. A common noncontained disc disorder is a herniated disc, which has ruptured, usually at its weakest point. The fluid inside herniated discs is an irritant to the delicate soft tissues of the spinal cord, none the least being the nerves. Nerves that have become exposed to this fluid often swell in response. In some cases, parts of a herniated disc's tough outer shell can break off into the spinal canal, causing further irritation.
The vast majority of herniated discs occur in the lower back or lumbar region. When a lumbar herniated disc presses on a nerve root, it can cause radiating pain, numbness and weakness in other areas of the body, including the buttocks, leg, ankles and toes. Ironically, in many cases, a person with a herniated disc will not feel back or neck pain.
Cervical, or neck, discs that have herniated can cause radiating pain and numbness down an arm and into the wrist and hand. Other types of symptoms include shoulder pain and numbness, as well as muscle and reflex weakness.