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.
