An MD at several medical facilities in the Manchester, New Hampshire, area, Dr. Brian Klagges is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management. In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Brian Klagges consults for minSURG Corporation, which designs minimally invasive surgical procedures for the back.
One application of minSURG technology is the treatment of herniated discs. Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, this condition involves the erosion or extrusion of the gelatinous fluid that keeps the bones of the spine from coming into contact.
Most herniated discs occur in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) vertebrae. They can create severe pain in the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands. Other symptoms include weakness and numbness. Large herniated neck discs can produce tingling elsewhere in the body.
A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing a herniated disc. The doctor may also use an X-ray machine, CT, or MRI scanner, and may also order periods of rest between tests.
Generally, doctors recommend non-surgical treatment methods, such as inactivity, altered routines, or pain medication. Physical therapy is another common treatment, as is traction, which gently stretches the backbone and makes more space for the disc. If these measures fail and pain is constant, surgery or even disc replacement may be necessary.
One application of minSURG technology is the treatment of herniated discs. Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, this condition involves the erosion or extrusion of the gelatinous fluid that keeps the bones of the spine from coming into contact.
Most herniated discs occur in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) vertebrae. They can create severe pain in the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands. Other symptoms include weakness and numbness. Large herniated neck discs can produce tingling elsewhere in the body.
A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing a herniated disc. The doctor may also use an X-ray machine, CT, or MRI scanner, and may also order periods of rest between tests.
Generally, doctors recommend non-surgical treatment methods, such as inactivity, altered routines, or pain medication. Physical therapy is another common treatment, as is traction, which gently stretches the backbone and makes more space for the disc. If these measures fail and pain is constant, surgery or even disc replacement may be necessary.
