Herniated Discs

Herniated Discs

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We now know that disc problems are only a small portion of the causes of back pain, and require surgery only rarely to alleviate pain. Doctors and scientists believed that most back pain is caused by slipped or torn discs for decades.

The spinal discs are ligaments that connect the top and bottom of each vertebra, absorbing shocks, protecting the spinal cord, and ensuring flexibility of the spine, among other functions. As a result, the vertebrae are used to direct the movement of each vertebra.

What are Disc Problems?

  • An annulus fibrosis “bulge” is the result of small tears that occur in the outermost fibers. These small tears can be painful for a brief period
  • The protrusion or extrusion of a disc, also known as a herniation, is a more serious injury. This usually occurs where the annulus becomes completely or significantly damaged, allowing the nucleus to leak through Herniations can be painful and may even cause nerve compression. Additionally, a herniation may cause pain and even nerve compression. It may even compress the spinal cord in more severe cases
  • There are two types of disc problems that affect adults – degenerative disc disease and herniated discs. A disc nucleus loses water over time and small tears form. This then promotes bone spurs along the edges of the vertebra, and the disc space narrows. Recent evidence indicates that degenerative disc disease is mostly a hereditary problem, even though trauma/injury may also be involved. In the past, we believed this was caused by “wear and tear” as we aged

Common signs of disc problems include, but are not limited to:

  • Back or neck pain
  • Leg or arm pain
  • Stiffness
  • Tenderness of the spine and spinal muscles

Disc problems typically respond well to conservative treatments. Early in the course of a disc injury, your chiropractor will probably make pain control the primary goal. Your chiropractor will help you determine which treatments are most effective for you based on your specific injury. Ice and heat have both been shown to be effective in managing acute low-back pain. You should also learn to get up and move as quickly as possible after your medical procedure. Typically, the less time you spend in bed, the better your results will be long-term. You must also learn not to fear movement. Chiropractic spinal manipulation has also been shown to be a safe and effective method of treating disc issues. If you “baby” your back, in most cases, you will have worse results over time.

Even though regular exercise strengthens your back, NIOSH recommends that people do not lift more than 50 pounds. However, staying fit and using proper body mechanics are not sufficient to prevent injury. In addition, repetitive stresses and postures that require awkward and prolonged postures place individuals at higher risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders and disc problems regardless of their body mechanics and fitness level. Your Chiropractor can help you to prevent injuries by performing an ergonomic assessment of your home and work tasks. It is also crucial to be aware of your spinal position. Whenever you sit, stand, lie down, work, or exercise, be mindful of what posture you’re maintaining. Whenever you lift an object, bend your knees, keep the object close to you while keeping your back straight. Don’t bend over and twist when lifting.

A combination of manipulative therapy and therapeutic exercises is particularly effective when treating disc problems, as injections and surgery rarely resolve disc problems and often cause more pain than they’re worth. Chiropractic doctors will explain all treatment options available to you and assist you in choosing the best one.