Serving Wallingford at our Shelton office
Herniated and Bulging Discs Treatment
Near Wallingford, 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.
The $99 new patient visit includes a consultation, a focused exam, a review of your findings, and a first treatment when clinically appropriate.
Understanding your symptoms
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.
Our approach
Start with what you want to get back to
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.
Why are we different?
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.
When an evaluation may make sense
What to bring to your Shelton appointment
A symptom timeline
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.
Any reports you already have
Bring relevant imaging or exam reports if you have them.
Your priorities
Think about which daily activities you most want to get back to.
Spinal decompression on WTNH News 8
Non-surgical care, explained.
Dr. James Dalfino discusses non-surgical spinal decompression on WTNH News 8. The technology and clinical approach have continued to evolve, but the purpose remains the same: carefully evaluate the problem and explore conservative options when appropriate.
Meet Dr. James J. Dalfino
More than 25 years evaluating pain.
Dr. Dalfino has spent more than 25 years working with patients experiencing chronic pain and musculoskeletal problems. His technology-focused approach begins with determining what may be contributing to the problem before recommending treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Herniated and Bulging Discs questions
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.
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.
Patient education sources
General educational resources. These organizations do not endorse this center or its treatments. Individual recommendations require an examination.
Directions
Visiting from Wallingford
Our Shelton office is about 21.6 miles from central Wallingford in a straight line. Use the directions below for driving mileage and travel time from your address. Compare current driving options from Wallingford before picking an appointment time. Call if you need to coordinate the visit with a ride home.
Get directions from Wallingford to the Shelton office
