Lower back involvement
A lumbar disc problem can be associated with pain or altered sensation traveling into a leg.
Serving Oxford at our Shelton office
Herniated and Bulging Discs Treatment
Near Oxford, CT
Review disc imaging and your symptoms together at an evaluation for herniated or bulging discs. At your first visit in Shelton, Dr. Dalfino will review your symptoms and discuss which treatment options may fit your findings.
Understand the condition
Make sense of your disc report
An MRI report is one part of the evaluation. Bring it so we can discuss how its findings relate to what you feel and what the exam shows.
Neck involvement
A cervical disc problem can be associated with shoulder, arm or hand symptoms.
A finding without symptoms
A disc change on imaging does not, by itself, prove that it is the source of pain.
Your evaluation
Bring the report and the story behind it
If your report names several disc levels, bring the whole report. Write down whether the symptoms started before or after the scan and whether they changed since it was taken. At your visit, ask which exam findings line up with your symptoms and which parts of the report matter to the decision about care. If someone has recommended decompression, bring the recommendation and ask how candidacy is determined.
Already have a recommendation? Explore a second opinion →Your care options
Understand your options before choosing one
If you are considering decompression, ask what makes someone a candidate, what the treatment involves and how progress would be assessed.
When symptoms should not wait
New difficulty urinating, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or rapidly worsening leg weakness needs emergency medical assessment. Do not wait for a routine office appointment. New or worsening weakness also deserves prompt medical attention.
Questions before your Shelton visit
A little more clarity.
Can a bulging disc be painless?
Yes. Disc changes may be found on imaging in people who have no related symptoms. The report needs to be considered alongside the history and examination.
Does a herniated disc always need surgery?
No. Many people are managed conservatively. Progressive weakness, other neurological changes or symptoms that remain disabling may require specialist assessment.
Can I bring a surgical recommendation for discussion?
Yes. Our second-opinion consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your records and non-surgical questions. It does not replace urgent care or the need for an indicated surgical evaluation.
Can you evaluate a disc problem if I do not have a recent MRI?
An existing MRI is helpful when available, but you do not need to order a new scan yourself before asking about an evaluation. Imaging decisions depend on your symptoms, examination and whether the result would change care. Bring prior reports and tell us about new or worsening symptoms.
Is DRX9000 treatment the same as disc surgery?
No. DRX9000 spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment considered for selected patients. It does not involve removing disc tissue and does not replace an indicated surgical assessment. The goal and suitability of any treatment must be discussed for your individual case.
Before your appointment
Wondering whether DRX9000 fits your disc findings?
Start with the treatment guide, including candidacy, what to bring, appointment length and cost questions. Your consultation and examination determine whether the services offered at our Shelton office are appropriate.
Patient education sources
General educational resources. These organizations do not endorse this center or its treatments. Individual recommendations require an examination.
Directions
Visiting from Oxford
Coming from Oxford? Our Shelton office is about a 25-minute drive from central Oxford. Use the directions below to check the drive from your address before you head out.
Get directions from Oxford to the Shelton office
