Sometimes, we may be hearing terms such as slipped disc or herniated disc. But what is the real deal with these spinal conditions? Spinal discs are so critical that our spines could easily collapse without those. A disc can be crushed or misaligned by traumatic injuries and by growing older. Up to ½ of the patients who seek chiropractic treatment are found to have some type of disc disorder.
The vertebral disc
A vertebral disc is normally sandwiched between two vertebrae supported by ligaments. Composed of collagen, the disc has an inner core which is soft and outer core which is tough. When a certain disc disorder occurs, the annulus fibrosus, that constrains the soft dics component, nucleus pulposus may tear or compress by degeneration, wear and tear, or trauma.
Disc disorders
Disc disorders can be either contained or non-contained. Contained discs are intact but protruding, while non-contained discs are ruptured and can also protrude, and their fluid leaks which can cause irritation to the delicate soft tissues in the spinal cord.
A bulging disc is an example of a contained disc disorder. The disc is not yet broken open and the nuleus pulposus does not leak from the annulus fibrosus. This can be a precursor to herniation. Herniation is an example of a non-contained disc disorder. In this condition the nucleus pulposus leaks out.
Disc disorders can bring pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. It is more common that the disc bulges, protrusions, and extrusions occur in a postero-lateral direction. The disc is moved backwards and to one side. This causes impingement to the disc upon a spinal nerve and may lead to pain on one side of the back.
According to several medical literatures, the disc disorders are mostly associated to spinal trauma. During auto accidents, head injuries, sport accidents, and falls, the trauma is directed to the neck more often. The control center that is responsible for the postural muscles of the spine is located in the brain stem. Neck injury can affect the normal control of the brain and the muscles may be interrupted which could result to muscular weakness, atrophy and spasm throughout the neck and back. The spinal vertebrae and its discs would compress.
Chiropractic treatment
Misalignment of a vertebra can press the nerves, which can lead to inflammation. The pain may even reach the legs. Chiropractic treatment in Lawrenceville GA can get rid of the pain. Before your Lawrenceville GA chiropractor starts any program, he will study your medical history first. Neurological tests and physical tests are needed prior to the chiropractic program.
To determine where the problem is located, the chiropractor examines the posture and structure of the spine. When the problem is found, the chiropractic program may begin. The chiropractor may carry out a highly recommended therapy called, spinal decompression which is a powerful tool that can treat disc disorders.
Together with rehabilitation, the spinal decompression can provide stability and correction. Rehabilitative therapy enhances and stabilizes the beneficial effects of spinal decompression and it can also rehydrate a degenerative disc.
Appropriate use of decompression and effective application of rehab protocol are provided to the patients with disc disorders in Lawrenceville GA. This can yield restoration of spine and lasting predicable results.
