You Need To Consider Doing This If Your Slip Disc Is Not Improving With TCM Treatment
Slip disc (also known as a herniated or ruptured disc) is a common spinal condition that occurs when one of the discs in the spine ruptures or slips out of place. This can result in pressure on surrounding nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in various parts of the body, especially in the back, legs, or arms. Depending on the severity of the condition, slip disc can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that significantly impacts your mobility and daily activities.
The persistent nature of slip disc can interfere with work, exercise, and social interactions. For many, the pain from a slipped disc can be debilitating, limiting movement and causing emotional stress and frustration as they search for effective treatments.
TCM: A Popular Approach to Treating Slip Disc
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including slip disc. TCM therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and tui na massage are commonly employed to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. These treatments focus on restoring balance and improving the flow of energy (qi) throughout the body to support healing in the affected area.
While TCM can be effective for many people, there are times when it may not provide the relief you need, particularly if the underlying cause of the slip disc has not been accurately diagnosed. Without a clear understanding of the root cause, treatments may only address the symptoms, offering temporary relief rather than targeting the actual issue.
Why Getting a Clear Diagnosis Is Crucial
A slip disc can result from various factors. Here are five common causes:
- Age-Related Degeneration – As we age, the discs in our spine lose their cushioning ability, making them more prone to slipping or rupturing.
- Trauma or Injury – A sudden fall or accident can cause a disc to slip or rupture.
- Poor Posture – Prolonged poor posture, such as slouching or sitting for long periods, can put pressure on the discs in the spine.
- Repetitive Strain – Repeated heavy lifting or twisting motions can lead to a slipped disc.
- Obesity – Excess body weight puts additional pressure on the spine and discs, increasing the risk of a herniated disc.
In addition to these common causes, there are two less common but more serious causes of slip disc:
- Spinal Infections – Infections affecting the spine can cause the discs to deteriorate, leading to a slipped disc.
- Spinal Tumors – Rarely, tumors in or near the spine can put pressure on the discs, resulting in a herniated disc.
The Need for Imaging to Get a Precise Diagnosis
It’s important to understand that a slip disc cannot be diagnosed solely based on symptoms or physical examination. Imaging techniques, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, are crucial for determining the precise location of the disc herniation and assessing the extent of the damage. These imaging methods provide a clear view of the spine and surrounding structures, helping healthcare providers create an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
The Pain Relief Clinic: Your Partner in Finding a Clear Diagnosis
At The Pain Relief Clinic, we have over a decade of experience helping people with slip disc. We take a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to diagnosing the root cause of your pain and developing a personalized treatment plan. If you’re suffering from slip disc and haven’t found lasting relief, we can arrange for affordable scans, typically within one working day. Medisave can often be used to cover the cost of these scans, making it a more affordable option.
We also assist with insurance claims, including accident insurance, travel insurance, and company insurance, ensuring that you can access the care you need without additional financial stress.
Once we have a clear diagnosis, we can provide targeted treatment solutions to help you recover from your slip disc and restore spinal health and mobility.
Ready to get started? Send us a message today to arrange an appointment and begin your journey toward lasting relief from slip disc.
What To Expect When I Visit The Pain Relief Clinic
A typical visit will involve our doctor first understanding your medical history, concerns and previous experience with other pain treatments.
For patients who have consulted many people but have yet to receive a clear diagnosis, selecting an affordable imaging scan might be recommended to confirm the cause of your pain..
Some patients have already done scans with other doctors for their pain condition but are still not clearly told what they suffer from.
Dr Terence Tan is happy to offer you a second opinion and recommend how best to manage your condition.
We also see patients who already have a confirmed diagnosis from specialist pain doctors, but are "stuck” because treatment options offered are not practical or acceptable.
We can help by discussing options that you might have potentially never been told of.
A common experience is when a patient has already consulted a specialist doctor for pain management and is told to consider orthopaedic surgery which they find too aggressive.
Or they may have seen doctors for their pain and were prescribed painkillers with potential side effects which made them feel uncomfortable.
Many of our patients have also first tried complementary treatments or acupuncture with traditional Chinese pain doctors.
They look for a second opinion after finding any relief experienced from other treatments to be temporary or requiring repetitive treatments, which add up to time and cost.
Especially in such situations, we emphasize using non-invasive medical technology you likely have not been told about .
This can make a big difference to your results.