Disc Problems Are A Common Cause Of Pain

While the intervertebral disc is a common culprit in spine related health problems, its function is widely misunderstood. Fifty-four million adults reported back problems in 2019. Discs can bulge, herniate, or rupture, resulting in many very painful situations.

The disc is a small cartilage pad that is situated between spinal bones. The soft jellylike center is contained by layers of fibrous tissues. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. When healthy, discs allow normal turning and bending.

What Leads To A Disc Injury?

Since spinal discs have a very poor blood supply, they depend upon the circulation of joint fluids to bring in nutrients and expel waste. If a spinal joint loses its normal motion and this pumping action is impaired, the health of the disc deteriorates. Like a wet sponge, a healthy disc is flexible. A dry sponge is hard, stiff, and can crack easily. This is how many disc problems begin.

Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebra above and below it, a disc cannot "slip" as commonly thought. However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, interfering with their function.

 

Is Spinal Surgery A Good Option?

800,000 back surgeries are performed each year with up to 74% ending up unsuccessful according to published studies. This is possibly because the traditional approach to disc problems often ignores spinal function. The function based conservative chiropractic care we provide in our office is safer and often more effective than back surgery.

Our Care May Help You Avoid Surgery

Our approach to disc problems is to help restore better motion and position to the spinal joint. Besides reducing the disc bulge, herniation, or rupture, better spinal function helps reduce inflammation and begin the slow process of healing the surrounding soft tissue.

Our office also offers non-surgical disc decompression treatment for the low back and neck. While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills by choosing conservative care in our integrated setting.