A Severe Disc Herniation Mimics Spinal Tumor

Abstract

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is prevalent among adults aged 25-55 years who spend a considerable proportion of their time sitting or standing with heavy workloads. We report the case of a 33-year-old male waiter with severe LDH, causing compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord with neurological dysfunction, who presented to a chiropractic clinic. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a radiological differential diagnosis comprising LDH and an epidural mass lesion. To rule out serious pathology, a second MRI with contrast was ordered, which confirmed the diagnosis of severe LDH. Diagnosing large LDH may be challenging, and severe disc herniation often mimics spinal tumors. This study offers insights into the differential diagnosis of LDH and spinal tumors, as well as the design of a treatment strategy for severe LDH in the chiropractic clinic.

Thyroid Cancer Presenting as Neck Pain at a Chiropractic Clinic

“…Advanced imaging is essential for the early detection of abnormalities and diseases, allowing prompt intervention and treatment [8]. When substantial pain relief is not achieved with standard analgesics and conservative therapies, Hong Kong chiropractors often perform advanced imaging [9][10][11][12][13][14] to identify the defining features of spinal metastasis. The patient's MRI confirmed an infiltrative bone marrow process and pathologic fracture.…”

Recognizing Hong Kong Chiropractors’ Sick Leave Authority: Valuing a Conservative Approach to Workers’ Compensation

“…Chiropractors in Hong Kong utilize manual techniques such as spinal manipulation and soft tissue mobilization to address musculoskeletal dysfunction and reduce pain [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. According to a 2013 survey undertaken by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, more than half (53.6%) of the 33,700 individuals who received chiropractic care had previously tried other forms of treatment.…”

“…[3] Chiropractors in Hong Kong are legally authorized to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. As conservative spine specialists and primary care practitioners, numerous studies have reported that chiropractors in Hong Kong provide non-invasive care for prevalent neuromusculoskeletal conditions and injuries [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. However, their inability to officially certify patients' incapacity limits the utility of chiropractic services.…”

Non-surgical Restoration of L3/L4 Disc Herniation

“…Lumbar disc herniations are ubiquitous musculoskeletal conditions routinely encountered in chiropractic practice [1][2][3][4][5]. Although the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying nerve root compression and indications for surgical intervention are well established, the processes by which conservative modalities provide symptomatic relief and facilitate disc resorption remain unclear.…”