Incorrect movements, disease, repetitive motions, and accidents, are examples of life situations which might create issues with a person's back. Discomfort levels frequently span the gamut between simply annoying and so serious that one becomes bedridden. One such spinal condition, which can progress to the point of making it impossible for a person to move easily, is a herniated disc.
Sometimes referred to as slipped, or prolapsed disks, this is a situation where there is a problem with the rubber-like cushion between two of the vertebral bones that make up the spinal column. This rubbery disk has a tough outer ring and a soft spongy center. Its function is to work as a sort of shock absorber that keeps the bony portions of the spine from rubbing together.
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.
A person needs to understand that this is an issue that is unlikely to be immediately corrected since time is required for the nucleus to be retracted and the disk to resume its proper shape. Flexion-distraction may be used in conjunction with other techniques such as ultrasound, exercise, muscle stimulation, nutritional supplements, supplementation, and physiotherapy. The exact plan of approach is based on specific patient needs and will be determined by the doctor.
Some people are not good candidates to have flexion-distraction performed upon them, so the doctor may decide to use spinal adjustments and other natural methods instead. Should they feel the patient is at a point where surgery is the best option for an individual's specific needs, they will make a referral to an appropriate physician. The primary goal is to find what is causing a person's pain and correct it so that they can achieve better wellness.
Sometimes referred to as slipped, or prolapsed disks, this is a situation where there is a problem with the rubber-like cushion between two of the vertebral bones that make up the spinal column. This rubbery disk has a tough outer ring and a soft spongy center. Its function is to work as a sort of shock absorber that keeps the bony portions of the spine from rubbing together.
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.
A person needs to understand that this is an issue that is unlikely to be immediately corrected since time is required for the nucleus to be retracted and the disk to resume its proper shape. Flexion-distraction may be used in conjunction with other techniques such as ultrasound, exercise, muscle stimulation, nutritional supplements, supplementation, and physiotherapy. The exact plan of approach is based on specific patient needs and will be determined by the doctor.
Some people are not good candidates to have flexion-distraction performed upon them, so the doctor may decide to use spinal adjustments and other natural methods instead. Should they feel the patient is at a point where surgery is the best option for an individual's specific needs, they will make a referral to an appropriate physician. The primary goal is to find what is causing a person's pain and correct it so that they can achieve better wellness.
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