People use the phrase “I slipped a disc,” often. However, the word “slipped” can be misleading. Slipping implies sliding, which a disc simply cannot do. Rather, they probably mean that they have a bulging , herniated, or protruding disc.
The normal disc has a gel filled center (nucleus) surrounded by tough layers of ligament called the annulus. Injury or wear and tear may cause tears in the ligament (annulus) layers. A bulging disc occurs when the gel like center starts pushing out the torn layers of disc. It is common for a disc to bulge before it be-comes herniated, at which point the gel like material has pushed to the outermost layers of ligament or completely ruptured. Many times, whether from injury or normal wear and tear, discs may continue to thin out until the adjacent vertebrae are touching, at which point the body lays down calcium to stabilize or fuse the segments with bone spurs called osteophytes. Torn, bulging, herniated, and degenerative discs may cause localized neck or back pain, brachial(arm), sciatic(lower leg/foot) or femoral(front of the thigh) nerve pain, and contribute to spinal stenosis. More extreme cases may require pain management or surgical intervention, however most cases of torn, bulging, herniated and degenerative discs respond to Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Nutrition, and Exercise (C.A.N.E.)
In our office, we use a specialized table called a Flexion/Distraction table that helps reduce pressure on the disc and nerve and allow it to begin to heal from any internal tears. We use it for bulging and/or herniated/protruding discs and spinal stenosis.
Acupuncture, electric stimulation, and ultrasound help with the pain and inflammation. Dry needling helps with muscle spasm and trigger points caused by nerve irritation and other factors. Specific supplements provide inflammation support and micronutrients needed for tissue repair. Exercises to increase flexibility, reduce disc pressure and improve core strength get you back to your activities quickly!
Our approach combines ALL of these (as indicated) and may help you get better more quickly and without reliance on medications that may interfere with work or life in general. Take the conservative (C.A.N.E.) approach and call us today!