HealthNeck Pain

Alternative Therapy | Herniated Discs in the Neck

If you’re checking into alternative therapy for herniated discs in the neck, you need to know that not all doctors and therapists offer every PT option available. You would think they would provide a variety of options, but it doesn’t always happen. My husband was recently scheduled for cervical spine surgery but opted not to have it. He’s five years away from retirement and drives a company vehicle. He was afraid he’d lose his job, but that wasn’t the only problem. Please take the time to read about our experiences before agreeing to surgery. A much cheaper, safer, and easier solution is available, and it may work for you.

The Prognosis for Neck Fusion Patients –

I had a cervical spinal fusion a few years ago, and I still have major issues including severe pain and loss of strength. Our neighbor across the street also had a fusion. He had to retire early, and he suffers with pain every day. We could form our own little neck pain support group. No one truly understands if they aren’t going through it.

My husband wanted to know how many people with neck fusions get better before taking that major step, but the prognosis wasn’t good. The surgeon wouldn’t say, but our family doctor told my husband that only one out of three people are better after surgery. Needless to say, those odds aren’t good. Too bad that I didn’t know before agreeing to surgery. It’s too late for me, but I want to warn others in need of alternative therapy for herniated discs in the neck. Surgery is tempting when you’re in pain, but it should be a last resort. It’s not a guarantee.

An Alternative Physical Therapy Option That Worked –

I need to back up a bit before explaining what works to relieve my husband’s neck pain. He had lower back pain caused by herniated discs several years ago. His doctor prescribed traction, and it worked. He wondered, could traction work for the neck too? He mentioned it to his pain doctor and the physical therapist. The doc wrote a prescription, and he began neck traction therapy at our local PT clinic. How does neck traction help? It stretches the discs back into place, relieves pinched nerves, and eliminates the need for neck surgery – at least temporarily. Most of the time my husband no longer needs pain pills. The surgeon never mentioned neck traction, and I wondered why since it helped my husband.

Professional PT Isn’t Required for Neck Traction Therapy

ComforTrac Deluxe Cervical Traction Kit

View it at AmazonComforTrac Deluxe Cervical Traction Kit

You Don’t Need a Prescription –

After a few treatments my husband noticed significant improvement. He had less tingling in his fingers, and the pain was just about gone. After a week without treatment the pain and tingling is worsening again. He needs to continue the therapy at home since insurance doesn’t pay for unlimited PT visits and treatments. He found a very similar unit online, and I’ve posted it above. Why involve the insurance company and incur the monthly rental expense when he can buy it outright? Renting it didn’t make sense since he would need it indefinitely for home physical therapy for herniated discs in the neck. Be sure to take a look.

The Big Question – Why Did He Have to Ask?

I’m thrilled for my husband, but one question still bothers me. Why did he have to request neck traction therapy for herniated discs? Neither the surgeon or the physical therapist ever suggested it. He had to ask! It worked better than any other therapy that was ever offered. The pain doctor offered injections and pain medication. The surgeon offered physical therapy techniques (that didn’t help) and surgery.

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You Must Take Charge of Your Care –

What I’ve learned is that you must take charge of your care. You must have basic knowledge of all treatment options including alternative therapy for herniated discs in the neck. Surgeons, doctors, and physical therapists might not make the suggestion. All that I know for certain is this – if you’re facing surgery, ask about physical therapy for herniated discs in the neck. Discuss traction options. Don’t rent a unit either. It will cost more to rent than it will cost to buy. Most people don’t realize they can buy one outright.

Where to Find Alternative Therapy for Herniated Discs in the Neck –

It is possible to eliminate the need for surgery with alternative therapy for herniated discs in the neck. Why do I call traction an alternative treatment? It’s really nothing new or unusual, but it wasn’t offered to my husband or myself. If he hadn’t asked the pain doctor, he would still be suffering right now. I feel obligated to share our experience with others.

Seek the help that you need, and don’t agree to surgery right away. Suggest it to a pain doctor or your family physician (not the surgeon), and try traction under that doctor’s care before agreeing to surgery. You might not even need a prescription for physical therapy. It isn’t required in all states. Call your local PT and ask, or obtain a prescription from your doctor of choice. It’s worth mentioning.

I hope that my experiences and knowledge will help others in need. Neck pain is the worst! It impacts quality of life. I’ve had herniated discs and spinal stenosis since I was in my 30’s, and I’m in my 50’s now. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Remember – once you have surgery you can’t go back. Try these alternative therapy for herniated discs in the neck before agreeing to a surgery that you might later regret. Now that I have fusions, I can’t go back.

Please Comment with Your Experiences, Frustrations, and Suggestions –

Please comment with your personal experiences on alternative treatments for herniated discs in the neck, your frustrations, solutions, and suggestions. We can start our own neck pain support group here. It may feel sometimes that no one really understands or cares, but you’re not alone. It’s helpful to talk to others with chronic neck pain. Other people may have suggestions than your healthcare providers haven’t mentioned. It’s up to you to take charge of your care.

Best wishes to my readers and to anyone suffering with neck or back pain.

Take care,

 

 

Kim

Kimberly Dalessandro (a.k.a. Crystal Ray) began her online writing career in 2005 with PageWise Incorporated and went on to become a top writer for both Associated Content and Yahoo Voices under the pen name Crystal Ray. In early 2017 she launched Blue Crystal Sky ~ Everything Under the Sun. She is continually coming up with new ideas to share with the world.

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