What is a Herniated Disc? - Dr. Brian Prieto

Understanding Herniated Discs: Dr. Brian Prieto Yorba Linda Chiropractor Explains

Welcome to Prieto Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Center, located in North Orange County, Yorba Linda, California. I'm Dr. Brian Prieto, and today, we're exploring the question: "What is a herniated disc?"

First, let's understand the basic anatomy involved with a herniated disc. Imagine the spine as a stack of vertebral bodies separated by discs, which I like to refer to as the disc complex. These discs act as cushions, preventing the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. They are made of a tough, cartilage-like outer layer and a softer, gel-like center known as the nucleus pulposus.
When this disc structure fails, it results in what we commonly call a herniated disc. You might also hear terms like bulging disc, disc protrusion, or disc extrusion, which refer to the specifics of how the disc material is misaligned or extruded.

Using MRI technology or magnetic resonance imaging, we can precisely identify and measure these herniations. For example, in the lumbar spine, a 1thru 3 millimeter herniation is considered mild, while a 4-6 millimeter is considered moderate and a 7 millimeter or larger herniation would be severe. These measurements help us understand the severity of the condition and plan the appropriate treatment.
Herniated discs can protrude laterally, towards the foraminal canal, or centrally towards the spinal canal. Symptoms can vary based on the herniation's location, ranging from pain in one leg due to a lateral herniation to numbness or pain in both legs from a central herniation.

This video is part of our educational series on spinal health, aiming to provide you with a clear understanding of spinal conditions and their treatments. For more information on herniated discs and other spinal issues, check out our other videos.

Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to helping you achieve better spinal health at Prieto Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Center.

Can you see a Bulging Disc on an X-ray? - Dr. Brian Prieto

Can You See a Bulging Disc on an X-ray? Dr. Brian Prieto Yorba Linda Chiropractor Explains

Welcome to Prieto Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Center, located in North Orange County, Yorba Linda, California. I’m Dr. Brian Prieto, and today we’re addressing a common question: Can you see a bulging disc on an X-ray?

Many patients arrive at our clinic with X-rays in hand, believing they show a bulging disc. However, X-rays primarily reveal bone structures and are not capable of showing soft tissue like a bulging disc. This leads to a frequent misunderstanding, as X-rays alone cannot diagnose a bulging disc. The most effective way to accurately diagnose a bulging disc is through an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). MRI scans are sensitive enough to detail soft tissue, allowing us to measure the extent of the disc bulge in millimeters and classify it as mild, moderate, or severe.

Interestingly, the position during an MRI scan can affect the results. While traditional MRIs are conducted with the patient lying down (supine MRI), a sitting MRI can often reveal the true extent of a disc’s compression, which might not be as apparent in a supine position. Though sitting MRIs are less common and more costly, they can provide a clearer picture of spinal issues.

This distinction became clear to me years ago when a discrepancy arose between a patient's symptoms and their supine MRI results. After conducting a sitting MRI, we discovered the bulging disc was significantly larger than previously indicated, aligning more closely with the patient's actual symptoms.

For those exploring spinal health options or undergoing a spinal decompression consultation, remember: while an X-ray can be a helpful tool for viewing bone health, only an MRI can definitively show a bulging disc.

For more insights on spinal health and accurate diagnostic techniques, check out our other videos. Thank you for tuning in to learn more about bulging disc diagnosis at Prieto Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Center.

How it Works? - Dr. Brian Prieto

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Spinal Decompression Therapy in Orange County and Spinal Decompression in Yorba Linda for Treatment for Low Back and Neck Pain! - Dr. Brian Prieto

At Prieto Chiropractic & Spinal Decompression Center, Dr. Brian Prieto is proud to offer the revolutionary DRX 9000, a state-of-the-art spinal decompression technology designed to alleviate low back pain without the need for surgery. Located in Yorba Linda, California, our center specializes in helping patients achieve significant pain relief and healing naturally.

The DRX 9000 system targets the lumbar vertebrae surrounding injured discs, which are often the culprits behind chronic low back pain. By precisely isolating these areas, the DRX 9000 reduces intradiscal pressure, thereby enhancing the diffusion of water, oxygen, and essential nutrients into the vertebral disc space. This process not only helps retract bulging or herniated discs but also promotes the healing and rehabilitation of damaged spinal structures.

Rediscover your lifestyle without back pain at Prieto Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Center. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Brian Prieto today and learn how our targeted DRX 9000 treatment can help you get back to a healthier, more active life.