Disc Bulge, Herniation or Rupture
While the intervertebral disc is a common culprit in spine related
health problems, its function is widely misunderstood.
Discs can bulge, herniate, or rupture, resulting in other problems.
The disc is a small cartilage pad that is situated between spinal
bones. The soft jellylike center is contained by layers of fibrous
tissues. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber
for the spine. When healthy, discs allow normal turning and bending.
Since spinal discs have a very poor blood supply, they depend
upon the circulation of joint fluids to bring in nutrients and
expel waste. If a spinal joint loses its normal motion and this
pumping action is impaired, the health of the disc deteriorates.
Like a wet sponge, a healthy disc is flexible. A dry sponge is
hard, stiff, and can crack easily. This is how many disc problems
begin.
Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebra above
and below it, a disc cannot "slip" as commonly thought.
However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to bulge,
herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, putting
pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, interfering with their
function.
The traditional approach to disc problems often ignores spinal
function. Conservative chiropractic care is safer and often more
effective than back surgery.
The chiropractic approach to disc problems is to help restore
better motion and position to the spinal joint. Besides reducing
disc bulging, better spinal function helps reduce inflammation
and begin the slow process of healing the surrounding soft tissue.
Our office also offers decompression treatment. While results
cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery
or a dependency on pain pills by choosing conservative chiropractic
care.
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