Description
Spina bifida occulta is a congenital defect often missed at birth but "found" later in life on an xray. It is the failure of union of part of the vertebra (termed the lamina) and creates instability of the spine.
Spina bifida occulta leads to a higher incidence of posterior disc herniation.
Spina bifida occulta is also found far more frequently if spondylolisthesis is present.
video description of Spina Bifida Occulta
Examination
A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your recovery.
Lumbar Spine Exam Description
In office, Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic uses Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to widen the canal space, drop the intradiscal pressure and increase the disc height to relieve pain.
You will welcome the Cox Technic manipulation that gently "pulls you apart," as many patients describe the treatment or say they need. Depending on the severity of your pain and symptoms, gentler Protocol I may be applied until 50% relief of pain or more restoring Protocol II may be applied to guide your recovery.
Graphic Animation of Cox Technic - Lumbar Spine
The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved.
This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic
Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements
enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of
decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0%
to 100% for each individual patient.
Cox Technic Protocol I - for severe pain and pain that extends below the knee
Cox Technic Protocol II - for pain that is in the low back and leg but does not extend below the knee
In office adjunctive care may hasten your recovery.
Note: Cox Technic treatment may gently relieve the pain as Dr. Husbands describes in his case report of a 24-year-old male with a complaint of acute low back pain as the result of a bending and pulling injury. He presented with a significant right laterally flexed antalgic lean. He appeared to be in severe pain. X-rays revealed an L6 vertebra (transitional segment) and spina bifida occulta. The examination also found that he had radicular leg pain. In just 3 treatments with flexion distraction, he was greatly improved. (1)
At Home Care
At home you may want to avoid sitting for long periods of time, wear a support brace if recommended, take nutritional supplements that help rebuild disc cartilage, do exercises that strengthen your spine, sleep on a supportive mattress, sit in an ergonomically designed chair, and modify your daily activities as needed.
Contact Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic today for an examination and gentle care of your spina bifida occulta.
Reference
- Husbands DK, Pokras R: 1991 year-end compendium: The use of flexion-distraction in a lumbosacral posterior arch defect with a lumbosacral disc protrusion: a case study. ACA J of Chiropractic 1991; December, pgs 21-24