The Complete Guide to Disc Problems: Causes, Symptoms, and Proven Treatment Options

In this episode of The Functional Code, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy delve deep into the complex issues surrounding herniated discs. They explore the short-term and long-term management strategies, debunk common misconceptions, and provide evidence-based insights into conservative care versus surgical interventions. Learn about the key factors contributing to disc herniation, the effectiveness of different treatments, and the vital role of stability and rehabilitation. Whether you're dealing with low back pain, sciatica, or considering surgery, this comprehensive guide is designed to help you make informed decisions for better outcomes. Episode 44 Dr. Jace Nybo D.C. Dr. Addy Knutson D.C. Guide: 00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain and Herniated Discs 01:38 Welcome to the Functional Code 02:09 Understanding Herniated Discs 04:06 Risk Factors for Herniated Discs 10:04 Sciatica and Medication Effectiveness 13:03 Surgical Interventions and Outcomes 17:02 Conservative Treatments and Chiropractic Care 24:18 Long-term Outcomes of Surgical Interventions 39:21 Post-Surgery Challenges and PT Importance 39:48 The Role of Orthopedic Surgeons and Second Opinions 43:22 Understanding Herniated Discs and Their Healing Potential 50:35 Non-Surgical Treatments for Sciatica 01:07:26 Cortisone Shots: Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Impact 01:14:53 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Resources: -Hincapié, C. A., Kroismayr, D., Hofstetter, L., Kurmann, A., Cancelliere, C., Rampersaud, Y. R., Boyle, E., Tomlinson, G. A., Jadad, A. R., Hartvigsen, J., Côté, P., & Cassidy, J. D. (2024). Incidence of and risk factors for lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy in adults: A systematic review. European Spine Journal.-Markman, J.D., Baron, R., & Gewandter, J.S. Why are there no drugs indicated for sciatica, the most common chronic neuropathic syndrome of all?-Markman, J. D., Baron, R., & Gewandter, J. S. (2017). Why are there no drugs indicated for sciatica, the most common chronic neuropathic syndrome of all? Pain, 158(6), 935-937. -McMorland, G., Suter, E., Casha, S., du Plessis, S. J., & Hurlbert, R. J. (2010). Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomized clinical study. Spine, 35(21), 1924-1932.-Machado, G. C., Witzleb, A. J., Fritsch, C., Maher, C. G., Ferreira, P. H., & Ferreira, M. L. (2020). Patients with sciatica still experience pain and disability 5 years after surgery: A systematic review with meta-analysis of cohort studies. European Spine Journal, 29(1), 24-35-https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0096745 - https://doi.org/10.1053/j.semss.2009.08.005-doi.org/10.3171/2023.6.SPINE23367-Ma, Z., Yu, P., Jiang, H., Li, X., Qian, X., Yu, Z., Zhu, Y., & Liu, J. (2021). Conservative Treatment for Giant Lumbar Disc Herniation: Clinical Study in 409 Cases. Pain Physician, 24(4), E639-E648.-Liu, C., Ferreira, G. E., Shaheed, C. A., Chen, Q., Harris, I. A., Bailey, C. S., Peul, W. C., Koes, B., & Lin, C. W. C. (2023). Surgical versus non-surgical treatment for sciatica: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ, 381, e070730.-doi.org/10.1002/mus.28106-doi.org/10.1007/s00586-022-07181-3-DOI:10.36076/ppj.2003/6/319-painphysicianjournal.com/-journals.lww.com/jbjsjournal/Pages/default.aspx-doi.org/10.1007/s11999-014-3490-4-doi.org/10.1007/s00586-011-2007-z Instagram: instagram.com/thefunctionalcode/ TicTock: @thefunctionalcode Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-functional-code-podcast/id1754585557