Chiropractic Helps Your Spinal Discs

One of the questions I get a lot, is "What exactly does Chiropractic help with?" or "How do I know if it's a bone, soft tissue, or nerve issue?" The answer isn't always as easy as one or the other. Usually someone walks into my office with an issue of all three! Today I want to explain the soft tissue of the spine, the disc. What, we as chiropractors can help with, when it comes to your discs. Chiropractic care could relieve your symptoms and help you avoid spinal surgery.

The Important Role of Spinal Discs

Discs cushion the spaces between each of the vertebrae in your spine and prevent these small bones from rubbing together when you move. The gel-like core of each disc is covered by a tough protective outer layer. Think of tree trunk and the rings of a tree.

Discs act as shock absorbers and are essential for pain-free movement when you bend, walk, or jump. Unfortunately, discs can become damaged due to aging, injuries, or degenerative diseases. Types of disc damage include:

• Herniated Discs. A herniated disc happens when the soft inner core of the disc protrudes (herniates) through a tear in the outer covering. The herniated part of the disc presses on nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. Herniated discs may also inflame the nerve root.
• Bulging Discs. Part of the disc protrudes, but the inner core remains safely inside the outer covering if you have a bulging disc. Bulging discs cause the same symptoms as herniated discs, although symptoms tend to be less severe.
• Degenerative Disc Disease. Wear and tear affects your entire body as you age, including your spinal discs. Over time, discs become thinner and lose some of their cushioning ability. They also become drier, increasing the risk for cracks in the outer covering. Degenerative disc disease can affect all the discs in your back, including both those in your neck and back. Pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness can occur as the discs become damaged due to wear and tear.

How We Treat Damaged Discs at TLC

Chiropractors use several treatment methods for damaged discs, including:

• Adjustments. Adjustments, or sometimes called spinal manipulations, keep your vertebrae properly aligned. Adjustments reduce pressure on nerves and decrease inflammation responsible for pain. Your chiropractor performs adjustments by using quick, forceful movements with the hands or handheld activator. A cohort research study published in BMJ Open in 2022 noted that spinal manipulation significantly reduced the need for surgery for adults with herniated discs and/or lumbosacral radiculopathy (compressed nerve roots).
• Flexion-Distraction Therapy. Flexion-Distraction therapy gently stretches the spine and increases the space between the vertebrae, allowing bulging or herniated discs to return to their normal positions. This therapy, performed on a special moving table, improves blood flow, helping oxygen and nutrients reach damaged areas.
• Dry Needling. Using small acupuncture sized needles to naturally bring more blood flow to the area. These needles are different lengths and can also be used for reducing pain and decreasing inflammation.
• Massage. Massage gently stretches tight muscles and relieves painful muscle spasms. The therapy also reduces inflammation, boosts flood flow, and triggers the release of natural, pain-relieving hormones, like endorphins and serotonin.
• Pelvic Blocking. This simple treatment involves placing wedges under your pelvis to support and realign the sacroiliac (SI) joints. These joints connect the lower part of your back to your pelvis. Pelvic blocking reduces inflammation and eases pressure on discs, nerves, and muscles.
• Cold Laser Therapy. Cold laser therapy, also called low-level light therapy, may reduce pain and numbness, improve flexibility, and promote healing.
• Exercises. Your chiropractor can show you a few exercises designed to stabilize your spine, improve your posture, and increase your range of motion. Exercises also help you strengthen the muscles that support your spine.

Surgery isn't the only option for damaged discs. Chiropractic care offers a natural approach to healing and pain management. Ready to find out if chiropractic treatment could help you? Contact our office. We will do never scans and take X-rays of all the new patients to determine what issue we are dealing with.