Pinched nerve. Herniated disc. Disc bulge. Disc protrusion.
These phrases may sound familiar to explain acute pain experienced in the neck and back. The most common to stoke concern is the herniated disc. The discs are structures that rest comfortably between your vertebrae. They are the gel-filled cushions which are shock absorbers of the spine. These structures allow us to twist and bend easily. A disc can herniate through a tear in the supportive ligaments enclosing one of discs.
This can be initiated by:
- Constant stress
- Sudden injury
- Improper lifting or twisting of the spinal column
- Degeneration due to neglect
Once the disc is aggravated, the disc material (jelly-like) inflames and applies tension on the spinal nerves, which may result in pain. In the worst-case scenario, the material can be forced all the way out from between your vertebrae and press on the nerves that branch off the spinal cord. Chiropractors are trained to care for injured discs and can correct the cause of the serious life altering condition.
A herniated disc is a serious injury.
Here at Fogarty Life Clinic Chiropractic, we will check your posture, perform a spinal examination, examine spinal range of motion, take x-rays, and may order an MRI (if necessary) to help with the diagnostic process. Chiropractors do not adjust a disc back into place using force, nor can a couple of brief treatment sessions repair your herniated disc. A specific treatment plan can be designed with gentle and specific adjustment techniques, a disc can be repaired and restore you to your regular self. We additionally offer spinal decompression which is also proven to help.