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Thursday, June 2, 2016

Understanding Disc Height Loss

Disc degeneration is a very normal part of aging. For many individuals, this may never present a problem in the form of pain or other issues, but for some people this degeneration can cause disc height loss and result in joint and bone inflammation, nerve impingement, and may cause anything from mild to severe pain.
To determine whether or not a patient’s pain is the result of disc degeneration, a variety of procedures will be followed. Doctors will do a careful physical examination to help determine the cause of the pain and will most likely take a medical history if they are not familiar with the patient’s past medical issues. Diagnostic tests will most likely be performed as well and perhaps even a discography, which can confirm the diagnosis.
After all of that occurs, recommendations for treatment can be made. These can include, of course, any number of non-surgical treatments including over-the-counter medications or muscle relaxants, hot or cold therapy, epidurals, physical therapy, or chiropractic adjustments. In some cases, surgical treatment may be required, perhaps a procedure such as a discectomy – the removal of the damaged disc.
All of this can be confusing to the patient. Whether he’s visiting a chiropractor, osteopath, or spine surgeon, he’ll want to understand the specifics of disc height loss and disc degeneration in general, and will wish to be educated as to how you – the medical professional – are going to solve his problem and relieve his pain.

Classic LxH – Lumbar Disc Model


To do this, quality educational tools are essential and they need to consist of more than just a few color posters and a static model of the spine that does little to explain the way a spine moves and why pain occurs. Instead, a fully-dynamic 3D model with extensive detail should be the preferred tool for anyone who cares for spine patients. The best of these on the market, proclaim many spine experts, come from the hands of Dr. Jerome Fryer and Dynamic Disc Designs (ddd).
With these movable, detailed models, doctors can create those moments of enlightenment that prompt the patient to nod their head and say “I understand.” Models like the Professional LxH model can demonstrate disc height loss and help explain the particulars of disc degeneration. Furthermore, through the use of this and other Dynamic Disc Design models, the spine specialist can discuss and explain all procedure risks and benefits and can show the patient how he may eventually return to a healthy, pain-free lifestyle. This is exactly what the patient needs from you – the professional.
Dynamic Disc Designs has forged a reputation among a variety of spine specialists as the best on the market and as an investment well worth making.
“Over 12 years, I have bought multiple items. Spines, vertebrae models. However, the only one I use now is the ddd model. It is absolutely the best. I hand it to the patient and go over their problem. It brings a realism factor. The patient’s problem is now REAL. X-rays are good but are static. This model is the REAL deal. I literally couldn’t practice without it.”  
- Tariq Arif, DC

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