Health Source Acupuncture Provides Pain Relief in New Jersey

When we say to you, “…you have a cervical disk problem,” do you know what that means? I didn’t think so. As doctors, we talk about these things so often, we sometimes just assume you know what we’re talking about. So first, sorry about that!  Now, let’s clear up the question, what is a cervical disk problem?

The term “cervical” means neck, just like the terms “thoracic” means mid-back and “lumbar” means low back. The term “disk” refers to the shock absorbing fibro-elastic cartilage that rests between each vertebra of the spine. Think of the disk as being similar to a jelly donut. The center of the disk is liquid-like (the nucleus), kind of like petroleum jelly, and the outer part (the annulus) is tough and strong and circles the nucleus center like the rings of an freshly cut oak tree stump. What makes the annulus/outer layer so strong is the type of tissue it’s made up of and, maybe most important, the opposing criss-cross pattern of each layer or ring of the annulus. Studies have shown that when the disk is pierced with a knife and then compressed, this criss-cross pattern of the annulus layers self-seals the cut, resulting in no leakage of the liquid center.

So, the question is, how can a disk rupture, herniate or “slip” if it’s so tough, strong, and self-sealing?

The answer: as the disk ages or when it’s injured, tears or “fissures” in the disk fibers occur creating rents or channels for the liquid part to work its way out towards the edge and eventually break through the outer most layer – hence, the term “herniated disk.” It’s similar to stepping on that jelly donut until the jelly leaks out to the point where you can see it.

Here’s the strange part. Research tells us that about 50% of people have bulging disks (not quite herniated through) and 20% of us have herniated disks (that have popped through) but have NO PAIN AT ALL! That makes it tough since an MRI or CT scan may show a herniated or bulging disk but how do we know that’s the disk that’s clinically important – the one that’s creating the pain?  That’s why we treat patients and not their image (MRI, CT scan or x-ray).

Even though a disk may be bulging or herniated, we may not necessarily treat that particular disk if it’s not expressing itself clinically by creating a shooting pain down a specific area in a arm, usually below the elbow often into either the thumb or pinky side of the hand, with associated abnormal tests for strength and/or sensation. That’s why we check your reflexes, your strength, and sensation for each nerve. We’re checking to see if that herniated disk is “pinching” the nerve and if it is, we utilize manipulation, traction, PT modalities, and issue home traction units to try to “un-pinch” that nerve to avoid surgery.

Alternative Pain Management Methods

By Leah Rampolla

Those who participate in full contact sports such as roller derby often suffer from sprained and strained muscles, internal and external bruising, abrasions, and the occasional fractured bone. The obvious pain management solution for these types of sports related injuries is traditional Western medicine and methods. A trip to the doctor for a prescription for pain relief in pill form or a trip to the drug store for some encapsulated over the counter pain relief is the general pain remedy for most Westerners.


Alternative pain management methods such as acupuncture are becoming more recognized in the West and the acceptance is becoming more wide spread.

Acupuncture, the Chinese practice of the insertion of needles into specific areas of the body to facilitate pain relief, is becoming recognized and accepted as an effective pain management technique. The Chinese believe that acupuncture is an effective means of pain management for a numbers of diseases and maladies and is practiced widely in the East. Western medicine is becoming more accepting of acupuncture as a pain management technique. Many acupuncture patients claim almost immediate pain relief and no side effects from acupuncture treatments.

Many Westerners are beginning to embrace alternative pain management methods instead of or in conjunction with tradition pain management methods more than ever before. Yoga, crystal healing, and herbal remedies are all increasing in popularity and gaining validity as effective pain management techniques. Alternative pain management techniques such as yoga offer the patient additional benefits such as increased strength and cardiovascular fitness, improved breathing techniques, and calmness of mind. Many little known alternative pain management techniques are often just as or more effective than traditional pain relief methods and are worth exploring.

If your living with pain in New Jersey and want more information feel free to call (732)226-2153.