Slipped Disc
A “slipped disc” is not a medical term. Discs cannot slip, but they can ewedge, bulge, protrude and herniate which will lead to pain ranging from mild to severe.
The Benefit of Chiropractic Treatments
Disc problems can be addressed naturally and without drugs through chiropractic intervention.
Nerves in the Spine
The most serious disc problem is a prolapsed disc in which the soft center ruptures and leaks.
The “disc” in your spine is actually a piece of cartilage which rests between the bones in your spine. In the event that the soft portion of this cartilage ruptures and leaks, you’ll experience a rather severe amount of pain. The cartilage is there to allow nerves to exit the spine, and a rupture can interrupt their ability to function.
A Full Range of Mobility Limited
Imagine what a ball bearing looks like—more or less, the discs in the spine have the same kind of set up at their core. Healthy spinal discs will allow you to have a full range of motion without experiencing any pain, but if this “ball bearing” has a problem as a result of an accident, you’ll most likely experience:
Herniation – The disc causes the nerve openings in the spine to constrict.
Protrusion – In the case of protrusion, the disc will bulge and place pressure on nerves.
Prolapse – If the disc ruptures or prolapses, you’ll quickly discover that movement can be very painful.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can chiropractic treatments help my disc issues?
The purpose of chiropractic care is to locate and correct areas of the spine interfering with the proper nervous system control of your body. Because the intervertebral discs are so close to the spinal cord and nerve roots, disc involvement is quite common in chiropractic cases. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper motion and position of malfunctioning spinal bones, reducing nervous system involvement. If caught before permanent damage, disc tissue often returns to a more normal size and shape by restoring proper motion and position of affected spinal joints. -
Are disc issues part of the aging process and thus normal?
Disc problems like the ones being discussed here are not normal and shouldn’t happen unless the patient has neglected caring for their spine properly over a long period of time. There are many elderly people with excellent spinal health. -
I don’t understand why a disc is involved, especially since I haven’t done anything.
This is a common question we hear from our patients. A specific incident doesn’t necessarily have to lead to disc problems: it can simply be the accrued result of a lifetime of physical stress.