A disc doesn’t “slip. We have all heard someone say “I have a slipped disc”. Discs tear, herniate, prolapse, bulge and dessicate.
The most common injury is a tear, a small crack or microtear in the touch, outer cartilage material of the disc called annular fibers. This allows the fluid to leak out and the disc begins to thin.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft jelly-like material from the nucleus in the middle of the disc ruptures and extends to the outer edge beyond the normal limits of the disc.
A prolapse is defined as a piece of disc material separating and it then becomes a fragment or free-floating piece.
A bulging disc occurs when the soft jelly-like material in the middle of the disc pushes to one side, forward, or backward and swelling occurs. This can cause pressure and painful symptoms.
A dessicated disc is described as the loss of fluid content. The disc then degenerates down to a rough, worn down appearance.
Spinal discs have a very poor blood supply. They depend upon the circulation of joint fluids to bring in nutrients and to expel waste. This pumping action is impaired when a joint loses its normal motion. The health of the disc deteriorates. A healthy disc is very flexible, without lubrication disc problems begin.
The chiropractic approach to disc problems is to help restore better motion and position to the spinal joints. Dr. Dorais will help design a care program of specifice chiropractic adjustments, exercise recommendations and other conservative methods based on your age, current condtion, lifestyle and health history. Better spinal function helps decrease inflammation so the slow process of healing the surrounding soft tissues can begin.
While Dr. Dorais cannot guarantee results, many patients have avoided needless surgery and a dependency on pain pills by choosing the conservative approach of chiropractic care. Call today for your consultation.