Researchers from Philadelphia have shown in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery that patients who wait more than 6 months  for the treatment of a herniated disc have significantly worse pain, lower levels of daily function, and are much less likely to fully recover.  After 6 months, these individuals are likely to respond poorly to care regardless of their choice of treatment options, whether surgical or conservative.   We have found this to be true in our clinic as well, as our patients who experience  a disc injury are much more likely to recover quickly if they are examined and treated as soon as possible.  Seeking care early allows us to quickly identify the patients who will need medications, injections, exercise, or a combination of the three for their condition.  It allows us to monitor sciatic pain or other nerve issues (pins and needles, numbness, weakness) that are commonly associated with disc injury.  It also allows us to identify those patients who have the need for more rapid surgical intervention.  We have found that with disc injury the  best hands on treatment and exercise program is with the McKenzie method, a series of examination procedures and home exercises that can rapidly diminish the effects of a herniated disc.  If you have been told, or you suspect you have a herniated disc, please call for an evaluation as soon as possible.  Our clinic is the only clinic in NEPA with two doctors certified in the McKenzie technique.  Click here for more information.