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.
Treatments for Discs
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.
The vast majority of disc injuries occur in the lower back or lumbar region. When a damaged lumbar 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 (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.
Chiropractic care entails a conservative, nonsurgical approach to treating disc injuries and other disc-related problems, and is often a course of treatment prior to any surgery, if recommended by a primary care physician or surgeon. And in other cases, disc injuries may heal themselves without any intervention.
Before undertaking any course of chiropractic treatment for a disc problem or injury, patients are thoroughly examined. This examination includes such things as analysis of posture, limb measurements, and pelvic balance, gait and reflex analyses. It is important to know whether the disc problem is a result of an injury or disease. If more information is needed, a diagnostic test, such as a MRI or X-ray, may be required to accurately pinpoint the source of the problem.
Treatments may include spinal adjustment or manipulation, and therapies such as electrotherapy and ice/heat therapy.
Specific techniques for treating disc injury include:
- Flexion-distraction - The patient lies on a specialized table that gently stretches the spine, allowing the physical medicine specialist to pinpoint the affected disc while slightly flexing the spine. These procedures gently move the disc away from an affected nerve, slowing or eliminating inflammation, and pain.
- Pelvic blocking - This method employs cushioned wedges that are placed under each side of the hips. The physical medicine specialist gently maneuvers the pelvic area, allowing gravity to pull the disc away from the affected nerve.