THE FOLLOWING ARE SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED BY THE WASHINGTON ACUPUNCTURE CENTER. LUMBAR DISC SYNDROME The intervertebral discs, especially between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, are subject to stress which leads to degenerative changes. Symptoms of back pain arise when surrounding vertebral ligaments are damaged or displaced, allowing disc material to protrude and cause nerve root irritation and pressure. In most cases rupture or herniation of an intervertebral disc is caused by injury. Lifting with the trunk in a flexed position or exertion with the back in an unusual alignment or posture are recognized as precipitating factors. The resulting defect may become apparent immediately or be delayed for months or years. It is important to rule out spinal tumors, which should be removed promptly, before acupuncture is attempted If a spinal tumor is present, acupuncture will not relieve the symptoms. Before subjecting a patient to the hazards of laminectomy or even a myelogram ram for disc pathology, acupuncture should be given a chance to relieve his symptoms. It may relieve muscle spasms which are aggravating the condition It should be remembered that a person may function well and be pain-free despite disc pathology. Acupuncture Is safer than many diagnostic procedures, including myeIograms. Acupuncture is also safer than traction and bed rest. Such inactivity may result in thrombosis of leg veins. Surgical intervention is seldom necessary for degenerative disc disease. Subsequent spiral fusion is often performed about two years after disc surgery. Especially if there is degenerative disease of the vertebral column, a congenital malformation, or if the patient attempts to lift anything heavy or engages in strenuous exercise. Many of these operations are unsuccessful and leave the patient with worse pain and disability. Some patients have 5 or more laminectomies, each time desperately hoping the next surgical procedure will bring relief but actually having more residual pain and disability after each operation. Before allowing surgery a patient should remind himself that all surgery destroys tissue, may lead to infection and other undesirable side effects and always has a period of pain, discomfort and disability. He should also remember that all chemical anesthetics are poisonous and potentially lethal. Most symptoms of lumbar disc pathology can be relieved by 6 - 10 acupuncture treatments. next