As we get older, we become more prone to injuries, since our bodies are not as elastic as they once were. This is especially true for the inner material of your spine’s discs. Every year you become a little more at risk of experiencing herniated discs, a condition where a stressed disc ruptures, because the elasticity and water content of your intervertebral discs reduces overall.

 

But herniated discs aren’t only a problem for elderly people. A disc herniation can be experienced by anyone as a result of twisting or lifting the wrong way. And in the event that you currently have a bulging disc, a disc that is hurt but still intact, chances are higher that stress on the affected disc could cause it to rupture or become “herniated”.

 

A herniated disc can cause pain throughout the entire body, not just back pain. And as you might think of surgery being the sole remedy for a herniated disc, there are lots of complementary and alternative treatment option for herniated discs. Chiropractic specializes in supplying non-invasive spinal decompression treatment and therapy methods.

 

A visit to your chiropractor will help you confirm whether you have a herniated disc, a bulging disc, or even some other spinal problem altogether. If you do have an injured disc, a doctor of chiropractic can create an individual treatment plan to assist you avoid surgery and return to enjoying your life, pain-free.

 

What are Herniated Discs?

 

The 24 vertebrae of your spine are separated from one another by pads of cartilage known as intervertebral discs. These discs have an outer coating with a soft interior to cushion against stresses and strains as well as the shocks experienced in your spine. The discs are subject to injury, disease, and degeneration with use over time. Certain activities and types of work increase the risk of discs being damaged or deteriorating.

 

 

Once the soft inside material of a disc pushes or is bulged out through a tear or weakening in the outside covering, the disc is reported to be herniated. Slipped, ruptured and  prolapsed discs are also known as protruding, bulging, or degenerated discs. There are distinctions between these terms, but they really refer to a disc that is no longer in its normal condition and/or position and may require chiropractic care to treat them. Herniated discs trigger pain by impinging on (intruding upon, irritating, and pinching) as well as depriving nerves in the spine.

 

Chiropractic for Herniated Discs

 

A healthcare professional can help address back pain along with other herniated disc symptoms. In your first appointment, your chiropractor will go through your medical history, do a physical exam, and carry out orthopedic and neurological tests. The chiropractor will also look over your posture, and may order an X-ray or MRI, if necessary, to aid with the diagnostic procedure and determine the presence of a disc herniation.

 

 

 

Chiropractors assess the whole spine. Your chiropractor will examine your neck, too, even when you simply have back pain. She or he wants to see how well your backbone is functioning and recall: What happens in one area of your spine can affect other parts of your spine and/or body.

 

After reviewing this information, your physician can ascertain whether you have an intervertebral disc injury. The type of disc injury you have will determine what treatments your chiropractor will use to address your symptoms. Your chiropractor can provide treatment options to you to address your pain and other symptoms.

 

To treat a herniated disk, your physician will develop a treatment program that might include spinal manipulation–also called adjustments–and other chiropractic techniques to help alleviate your herniated disc symptoms. It might consist of therapy and exercises, although this will be an individualized treatment plan.

 

The particulars of what are on your treatment strategy are particular to your own pain, level of activity, general health, and what your chiropractor thinks is best. As with any treatment option, do not be afraid to ask questions regarding what chiropractic treatments are being recommended and why. You want to be sure you know how it can help relieve your pain and what will be performed. Therapy is safe and effective for most patients.

 

Chiropractic provides the distinctive training, techniques, and experience needed to safely and effectively adjust your spine so the stress on the discs is minimized, the pain alleviated, the damaged or displaced structures given a opportunity to heal, and your capacity to return to normal functioning restored.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . 

 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Sciatica

 

Lower back pain is one of the most commonly reported symptoms among the general population. Sciatica, is well-known group of symptoms, including lower back pain, numbness and tingling sensations, which often describe the source of an individual’s lumbar spine issues. Sciatica can be due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions, such as spinal misalignment, or subluxation, disc herniation and even spinal degeneration.

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