Life is filled with circumstances such as disease, incorrect movement, repetitive actions, and accidents, which could possibly result in one experiencing back issues. These situations might manifest in intensities ranging between slightly annoying and downright debilitating. A herniated disc is one type of spinal condition that commonly disrupts a person's ability to move without pain.
Often called prolapsed, or slipped disks, this situation occurs when there is an issue with the rubbery cushions positioned between each of the bones in the spinal column. A disk is shaped like a doughnut, and has a strong outer rim and a much softer center part. Its purpose is to absorb impact from movement and keep the vertebra which comprise the spine, from rubbing one another.
When circumstances such as a sudden sharp impact, any type of accident, or a weakness occurs, the spongy inner portion can be forced to protrude through the outside portion. Depending on its location along the spine, a person could begin experiencing some type of back discomfort or extreme pain. If the protrusion manages to compress a spinal nerve, the individual might also become numb in the back or an appendage.
The first signs that one may have a condition that needs to be treated by a doctor are the numbing and pain. Through diagnostic imaging such as a myelogram, MRI, CAT scan, or X-ray, the problem can be identified and pinpointed. Chiropractors approach the issue with a plan that is non-surgical and does not involve the use of pharmaceutical grade drugs.
A chiropractor is going to do an evaluation of the individual's entire spine - not just the part a patient feels is the problem. The reason for this is because although it may not be immediately evident to the patient, their issue could be the result or cause of a misalignment in a different vertebral region. Chiropractic medicine is concerned with addressing the root of a problem over simply alleviating symptoms.
The main way in which disk issues are typically addressed are through a procedure called flexion-distraction. It is a technique wherein the patient lies on a uniquely designed table which is used to gently stretch one's spinal column using a progression of movements that gently pump the spine. The movement helps the nucleus pulposus return to the center area and it can also relieve pain, inflammation, and pressure from compressed or irritated nerves.
One should understand that issues such as these are not going to be corrected after a single treatment, as the disk needs time to retract its nucleus and restore its former shape. The series of sessions might also involve other techniques like exercise, nutritional supplements, physiotherapy, supplementation, ultrasound, or muscle stimulation. The doctor will determine which methods will best serve the specific needs of the particular patient's situation.
Not everyone is suited for the flexion-distraction technique, so a chiropractor might decide to utilize spinal manipulation or alternate approaches to address the issue. If they think that a patient's situation is to the point where it may be necessary to consider surgical procedures, a referral to a physician will be made. In chiropractic care, the focus is on determining what causes the pain and finding a way to alleviate it as completely as possible for better wellness.
Often called prolapsed, or slipped disks, this situation occurs when there is an issue with the rubbery cushions positioned between each of the bones in the spinal column. A disk is shaped like a doughnut, and has a strong outer rim and a much softer center part. Its purpose is to absorb impact from movement and keep the vertebra which comprise the spine, from rubbing one another.
When circumstances such as a sudden sharp impact, any type of accident, or a weakness occurs, the spongy inner portion can be forced to protrude through the outside portion. Depending on its location along the spine, a person could begin experiencing some type of back discomfort or extreme pain. If the protrusion manages to compress a spinal nerve, the individual might also become numb in the back or an appendage.
The first signs that one may have a condition that needs to be treated by a doctor are the numbing and pain. Through diagnostic imaging such as a myelogram, MRI, CAT scan, or X-ray, the problem can be identified and pinpointed. Chiropractors approach the issue with a plan that is non-surgical and does not involve the use of pharmaceutical grade drugs.
A chiropractor is going to do an evaluation of the individual's entire spine - not just the part a patient feels is the problem. The reason for this is because although it may not be immediately evident to the patient, their issue could be the result or cause of a misalignment in a different vertebral region. Chiropractic medicine is concerned with addressing the root of a problem over simply alleviating symptoms.
The main way in which disk issues are typically addressed are through a procedure called flexion-distraction. It is a technique wherein the patient lies on a uniquely designed table which is used to gently stretch one's spinal column using a progression of movements that gently pump the spine. The movement helps the nucleus pulposus return to the center area and it can also relieve pain, inflammation, and pressure from compressed or irritated nerves.
One should understand that issues such as these are not going to be corrected after a single treatment, as the disk needs time to retract its nucleus and restore its former shape. The series of sessions might also involve other techniques like exercise, nutritional supplements, physiotherapy, supplementation, ultrasound, or muscle stimulation. The doctor will determine which methods will best serve the specific needs of the particular patient's situation.
Not everyone is suited for the flexion-distraction technique, so a chiropractor might decide to utilize spinal manipulation or alternate approaches to address the issue. If they think that a patient's situation is to the point where it may be necessary to consider surgical procedures, a referral to a physician will be made. In chiropractic care, the focus is on determining what causes the pain and finding a way to alleviate it as completely as possible for better wellness.
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