Learn How Chiropractic Care Helps With Herniated Disc

By Linda Murray


Life is filled with circumstances such as disease, incorrect movement, repetitive actions, and accidents, which could possibly result in one experiencing back issues. These situations might manifest in intensities ranging between slightly annoying and downright debilitating. A herniated disc is one type of spinal condition that commonly disrupts a person's ability to move without pain.

Also known as slipped, or prolapsed disks, this condition is the manifestation of an issue developing in one or more of the cushion-like components that reside between the spinal vertebrae. This is a doughnut shaped disk with a soft center and stronger outer ring. The purpose of this element is to keep the bones in the spine from rubbing against each other.

Some circumstances like an accident, weakness, or sudden impact, may cause the spongy middle to start protruding through the outer rim. Dependent upon where the disk is located, the individual might begin to experience discomfort when moving, or even extreme pain in their back. Should the protrusion place compression against one of the spinal nerves, there could be numbness in that area or one of the appendages.

The pain and numbness are two of the symptoms that usually alert an individual to the fact that something is wrong and needs attention. A doctor can confirm the suspicion and pinpoint the exact cause of one's discomfort through X-ray, CAT scan, MRI, or myelogram. Chiropractic medicine offers a drug free, non-surgical alternative way to alleviate this condition.

A person's entire spine will be evaluated during these tests when under chiropractic care. They go the extra step because they understand that though a person feels pain in one area, it might actually be the result of a problem or misalignment in another vertebral area. In chiropractic medicine, the doctor seeks to go beyond alleviating symptoms and effectively address the root to minimize recurrence.

The main way in which disk issues are typically addressed are through a procedure called flexion-distraction. It is a technique wherein the patient lies on a uniquely designed table which is used to gently stretch one's spinal column using a progression of movements that gently pump the spine. The movement helps the nucleus pulposus return to the center area and it can also relieve pain, inflammation, and pressure from compressed or irritated nerves.

One should understand that issues such as these are not going to be corrected after a single treatment, as the disk needs time to retract its nucleus and restore its former shape. The series of sessions might also involve other techniques like exercise, nutritional supplements, physiotherapy, supplementation, ultrasound, or muscle stimulation. The doctor will determine which methods will best serve the specific needs of the particular patient's situation.

Flexion-distraction is a technique that is not meant for everyone, in which case the chiropractor may determine that spinal manipulation and other alternative approaches would be best. If, however, they feel like the individual would not find relief through chiropractic measures, they will provide them with a referral to a physical for further diagnosis. Better wellness depends upon the doctors locating the source of one's pain and alleviating it.




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