Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: Jun 01, 2021

An Osteopathic Approach to Patients with Degenerative and Herniated Discs

DO, FAAO, C-SPOMM, C-ABOFP,
DO, and
OMS
Page Range: 35 – 41
DOI: 10.53702/2375-5717-31.2.35
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Abstract

This paper reviews the basic science of disc disease (DD), which suggests; osteopathic manipulative medicine addresses the causes and symptoms of DD, can reverse its pathologic cascade, prevent its side effects and future episodes. The paper will use the modern scientific understanding of disc disease to show the body is a self-regulating, self-healing unified whole, structure and function are interrelated at all levels, and intervertebral disc cells contain the biochemical and physiologic capacity for self-healing. This evidence suggests osteopathic intervention initiates and magnifies this healing process.

The paper will also discuss the authors’ experience with a treatment protocol for DD, based on osteopathic principles.

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Contributor Notes

Disclosures: none reported.

Correspondence address: Robert Kessler, DO, FAAO, C-SPOMM, C-ABOFP, 700 NE Multnomah St. Suite 330, Portland, OR 97232, robertkessler70251@gmail.com

This article was completed as part of the requirement toward earning the designation of Fellow in the American Academy of Osteopathy. Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint or official policy of the American Academy of Osteopathy.The Committee on Fellowship in the AAO provided peer reviewing for this article, and it was edited to conform to the AAOJ’s style guidelines.