Common approaches to a disc problem, in plain terms.

Most people arrive having been offered one or two of these. Here is what each one does, so you know what to ask at your evaluation.

	Rest and medication	Physical therapy	Epidural injection	Non-surgical spinal decompression
AIMED AT	The pain signal	The muscles and movement around the spine	Inflammation around an irritated nerve	The pressure on the disc and the nerve beside it
WHAT IT INVOLVES	Time, activity changes, over-the-counter or prescribed medication	Exercise and hands-on sessions over several weeks	An injection near the nerve, done by a medical doctor	A care program built around gentle, computer-controlled non-surgical decompression and planned from Dr. Lee’s full evaluation of your case
OFTEN USED	First, for a new episode	First or second, to build strength and mobility	When leg or arm pain is severe and has not settled	When the pain comes from a disc and the usual care has not held
KEEP IN MIND	Does not change the disc	Helps many people. Can be hard to do when the nerve is very irritated	Relief varies in how long it lasts, and the number of injections is limited	Works on the disc itself, without needles, drugs or surgery. Dr. Lee confirms at the evaluation whether you are a candidate

Which of these fits depends on what Dr. Lee finds when she evaluates you, and that is what the evaluation is for.

Epidural injections: risks and alternatives.

Most of Dr. Lee’s patients have already had one or more epidurals. Here is what they do, and what they do not.

Dr. Lee goes over each of these with you at the evaluation.

Dr. Lee evaluates your case and tells you which option fits.

Apply online. The office reviews your application and contacts you about the next step.

4833 Rugby Avenue, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814

Existing patient? Call the office to move an appointment or ask a question.