Herniated Discs

Acupuncture for Herniated discs

    Acupuncture for herniated discs in nyc

    Reputable Acupuncture Clinic Located in New York, NY

    A herniated disc (sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc) is associated with mild to severe pain and discomfort, affecting daily life and overall well-being. While there are various treatment options available, acupuncture offers a non-invasive and effective approach to alleviate symptoms and restore function. At Gotham Holistic, our custom tailored treatments combine time-tested and modern approaches to acupuncture for optimal results. 

    Understanding a Herniated disc

    A herniated disc occurs when the soft gel-like center of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the tough outer layer. This condition can lead to localized pain, radiating pain down the limbs, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Common causes include age-related degeneration, trauma, and repetitive motions. Most people develop disc degeneration over time as a result of normal “wear and tear,” but not all will develop pain as a result. 

    Limitations of MRIs

    MRIs are routinely used to confirm herniated discs and other structural changes. However, there are limitations to the imaging provided by MRIs. While they can determine if you have a herniated disc, they cannot determine whether this is the cause of pain. Disc degeneration is actually present in many asymptomatic (symptom-free) individuals. For example, 37% of pain-free 20 year olds were found to have disc degeneration, as were 97% of 80 year olds.1 If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc or disc degeneration, it may seem logical to conclude this is to blame for your pain. However, disc changes are often not solely responsible for pain. With or without disc degeneration, pain relief can very often be achieved with acupuncture but treating the supporting structures within and around the area of pain.

    How Acupuncture Works

    Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into strategically selected acupoints. The needles are thin, flexible, and solid (not hollow). They do not deliver any medicine, but rather provide gentle stimulation to reduce pain and restore function. Acupoints are selected based on individualized treatment plans, with the goal of reducing pain, releasing tight muscles, improving circulation to injured tissues, and addressing underlying imbalances. At Gotham Holistic, we also use electro-acupuncture which is gentle electrical stimulation on select points, for optimal results.

    Benefits of Acupuncture for a Herniated Disc

    Pain relief: triggers the body to release powerful natural painkillers for systemic pain relief

    Reduced inflammation: triggers the body to release endogenous anti-inflammatory agents

    Muscle relaxation: releases trigger points and adhesions, engages the parasympathetic system for general relaxation and issue healing

    Improved blood circulation: improved blood flow to injured areas helps to heal muscle, ligament and nerve damage

    Repair nerve function: relieve compression on nerves to reduce pain and improve function

    Address other related health complaints: aggravating factors such as poor sleep and stress are addressed for long lasting results

    Schedule Your Consultation for Herniated Disc Relief

    If you're seeking a non-invasive and effective approach to alleviate the symptoms of a herniated disc or disc degeneration, acupuncture may be the solution you've been looking for. Schedule your complimentary consultation to meet with our acupuncturist and find out how we can help you. 

    Studies on Acupuncture for herniated discs and spinal degeneration


    1. Brinjikji W, Luetmer PH, Comstock B, Bresnahan BW, Chen LE, Deyo RA, Halabi S, Turner JA, Avins AL, James K, Wald JT, Kallmes DF, Jarvik JG. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015 Apr;36(4):811-6. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A4173. Epub 2014 Nov 27. PMID: 25430861; PMCID: PMC4464797.

    For more information about acupuncture for herniated discs, call us at (646) 255-1332 or book a consultation.

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    What our satisfied Patients have to say

    "I've been going to see Dr. Kristin for quite some time now due to back/neck issues I've been dealing with for years, and I must say - it really does work wonders! From my first consultation to every appointment in between, Dr. Kristin has been kind and always attentive to what aches and pains I have. She makes sure to target the areas that are hurting you, and constantly checks in on you / with you to make sure you are comfortable. I mean really, what more could you ask for?!"

    - Nicole D.

    "I've been going to Gotham Holistic and seeing Kristin Cheng, LAc for 3 years now, I highly recommend going to see her. She was highly attentive to me, my needs, and my comfort level. Quickly, I was put at ease by her attentive nature and able to be present when I did my first acupuncture consultation to the present day. I go here because Kristin Cheng is immensely skilled and so down to earth that I can digest her deep knowledge to make better health choices in my life."

    - Jovon O.

    "Kristin at Gotham Holistic is a wonderful professional who is focused on helping you manage pain and getting your body to work best for you.  She is personally invested in your health and well-being and committed to working with you to get your body to where you'd like it to be.  She is full of knowledge and looks to empower you to help your body heal. As a lifelong athlete I am so grateful I have found Kristin to help me work through injuries and keep my body in top shape to continue to train at a high level."

    - Lisa L.

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