Herniated Disc
Herniated Disc
The spine contains 23 spacers between the vertebrae called the discs. These discs are composed of two portions. The central portion is a pulpy, gel-like material called the nucleus pulposis. Forming a flexible, closed container around the nucleus is the annulus fibrosis which consists of cartilage rings which adhere strongly to each spinal bone. When these cartilage rings become damages and fissured, the inner nucleus can seep into these fissure and cause the edge of the disc to bulge and put direct pressure on delicate nerves.
The term “slipped disc” is inaccurate in that discs don not slip, but actually bulge or herniated. The annulus fibrosis can become damaged through subluxation and lack of movement in a spinal joint. Lack of motion in a spinal joint will inhibit the disc’s normal pumping action causing it to dehydrate. The dehydrated cartilage becomes brittle and is prone to cracks and fissures. Disc herniations can lead to excruciating pain are common medical treatments include corticosteroid shots, nerve blocks and spinal surgery.
Gonstead Chiropractic and Disc Herniations
Flexion and rotary forces put a great deal of stress on the disc. Many chiropractic adjusting procedure involve combinations of these types of forces leading many medical professional to advise against chiropractic care for herniated discs. Gonstead adjustments involve no flexion forces and little to no rotary forces. The thorough Gonstead analysis allows the doctor to determine specifically how a vertebra has misaligned and how the disc has been affected (remember the disc is strongly attached to the vertebrae meaning one moves along with the other). The Gonstead adjustment is delivered with unmatched accuracy to help restore proper motion in the subluxated spinal bone and relieving the disc’s pressure on the nerves. Research has shown that “the care of intervertebral disc herniation by chiropractic adjustment is both safe and effective.”
Our Office
About the Team
At Holistic Health Solutions, we believe that at the root of every symptom there lies a cause. We aim not only to bring rapid relief, but understand that only treatments that address the actual cause will have lasting benefit beyond symptom suppression. Our unique approach assesses biomechanics, lifestyle, genetics and laboratory testing to custom tailor a treatment plan for optimized recovery.
About The Team
At Holistic Health Solutions, we believe that at the root of every symptom there lies a cause. We aim not only to bring rapid relief, but understand that only treatments that address the actual cause will have lasting benefit beyond symptom suppression. Our unique approach assesses biomechanics, lifestyle, genetics and laboratory testing to custom tailor a treatment plan for optimized recovery.
Meet Dr. Matt French
Upon graduating from graduate school, Dr. Matt French headed west and began practice in 1998 in the valley. It was after sustaining a neck fracture in a diving accident at the age of 20 that he first developed an interest in health care as a profession. His own experiences with pain and recovery gives him true understanding as to what his patients endure. In his over 20 years of practice, Dr. French has seen many thousands of patients including doctors, surgeons, celebrities and professional athletes. As a sought out health consultant he has appeared on FOX 10, Good Morning Arizona, 12 News NBC, ABC15, CBS 5 and talk radio. Often described as “the man with the magic hands”, Dr. French has an uncanny ability to pinpoint and relieve pain.
He and wife, Megan, have 2 daughters. Both he and his wife are avid cyclists and have both been Arizona state champions. Dr. French has played drums professionally, and regularly plays for his church. He is also an Adjunct Professor teaching both Anatomy & Physiology and Kinesiology to pre-med students.
Meet Dr. Matt French
Upon graduating from graduate school, Dr. Matt French headed west and began practice in 1998 in the valley. It was after sustaining a neck fracture in a diving accident at the age of 20 that he first developed an interest in health care as a profession. His own experiences with pain and recovery gives him true understanding as to what his patients endure. In his over 20 years of practice, Dr. French has seen many thousands of patients including doctors, surgeons, celebrities and professional athletes. As a sought out health consultant he has appeared on FOX 10, Good Morning Arizona, 12 News NBC, ABC15, CBS 5 and talk radio. Often described as “the man with the magic hands”, Dr. French has an uncanny ability to pinpoint and relieve pain.
He and wife, Megan, have 2 daughters. Both he and his wife are avid cyclists and have both been Arizona state champions. Dr. French has played drums professionally, and regularly plays for his church. He is also an Adjunct Professor teaching both Anatomy & Physiology and Kinesiology to pre-med students.
