Just like your car needs shock absorbers to run properly, so does your body. As you move, the discs (or “shock absorbers”) of the body and spine work with the natural curves of the spine to reduce stress and pressure. These discs separate each individual vertebra to create the necessary space for your nerves to exit your spinal cord, allowing them to keep your organs and body tissues healthy. The rings of fibrous tissue, or annulus, are filled with a soft jelly-like center, which need to be aligned and healthy to keep your body operating as it should.
When the shock absorbers in your car are overworked, they will suffer damage and the same theory applies to the discs in your body. They can bulge, herniate, tear, and degenerate…though they don’t “slip”, which is a commonly misused term. If you are suffering from low back pain, you could be experiencing a herniated disc or other disc-related issues.
Here are two common disc issues that can be treated with chiropractic care.
THE BULGING DISC
When an area around the annulus is out of place or weakened, the soft jelly center is able to squeeze out and bulge like a bubble, which leads to pressure on the surrounding nerves. Fortunately, chiropractic care can provide relief for those suffering from bulging discs. They respond well to chiropractic adjustments and realignments. These have even helped some avoid surgery!
HERNIATED DISC
A bulging disc is no picnic, but a herniated or ruptured disc can cause serious problems. The most common place for a herniated disc to occur is in the low back, though they can happen anywhere along the spine. When the soft center of the annulus is pushed through a weakened area due to trauma or degeneration, a herniated or ruptured disc occurs. This causes immense pressure on the spinal cord, leading to extreme discomfort and pain.
There are simple measures you can take (along with chiropractic care, of course!) to help with disc issues like drinking more water, walking, and better nutrition. If you have questions about your spinal discs or are interested in learning more about chiropractic care, just contact our practice today! We will create a unique treatment plan custom to your needs to have you on the path to optimal health.
