Herniated Disc & Chiropractic Therapy

To understand what herniated disc actually is, is to be knowledgeable about the discs present in the spinal column. The disc that is referred to this condition is located between the spine’s vertebrae. Discs are circular pads to cushion or absorb shock in between the movement of the spine. The outer layer, annulus fibrosis is made of tough fibrous tissue while the inner part, nucleus pulposus contains watery and gelatinous material. As the discs are deeply interlocked with the vertebrae above and below it, it makes possible for people to bend forward and backward. The disc also supports the spine when twisting the body side to side.

In the course of everyday living, there are those who feel pain on the lower part of their body. Lower back pain, leg weakness, aching legs and unnatural function of the lower extremities can only mean one thing: herniated disc. Others terms are slipped disc, prolapsed disc, disc protrusion and bulging disc but still refers to the same disorder. This means that the outer part of the disc has dried out and torn that allowed the inner part to bulge out. This happens when there is not enough nourishment through the blood and fluids flowing in between the vertebrae.

There are several causes for the disc to be herniated. For one, as a person ages, the nutrition can be depleted resulting in the lesser fluids being distributed all over the body. Other causes are forceful and repetitive rotations, poor posture, sedentary working positions, smoking and obesity. This condition often manifests itself between those aged 30 to 40 year olds. Some have complained changes of bowel or urine movement, others felt pins and needles while there are those who experienced extreme pain on the leg, back and buttocks. Relieving the pain with medicines or even recommending surgery is what most doctors would suggest. But there is an alternative medicine that is available today.

Chiropractors are well-trained and educated practitioners that focus their treatment on non-invasive techniques. Through their schooling, they are able to master the spinal adjustments that they are known for. Chiropractic therapy uses hand manipulation and other hand techniques to correct the subluxation, which is what chiropractors call a herniated disc. After thorough gathering of your medical, family and lifestyle history, the chiropractor will then examine the spine. From there, the chiropractor will be able to determine if there are any other spinal problems.

Other than the spinal adjustments, the chiropractor will develop an individualized program for the patient to follow. Aside from follow-up sessions, the treatment includes exercises to strengthen the back and make it more flexible. It is important to note that early detection of herniated disc is an advantage to the patient. On the onset of the condition, the body is able to heal itself with the chiropractic therapy. Therefore, if you have felt any pain, it is essential to see a chiropractor near you. Sometimes the difference to a healthy body to a poor one is consulting the health professionals without delay.

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