Are You Suffering with a Herniated Disc?
Tons of people walk around suffering extreme pain and weakness in the legs and lower extremities. Many of these people are diagnosed with having a herniated disc. This may leave them wondering what exactly is a herniated disc, and how does the doctor know for sure that I have one?
An intervertebral disc is made up of an outer, fibrous ring, and a central soft portion. The disc itself receives nourishment through the motion of the vertebrae above and below it moving and "squishing" the blood and fluids through the disc. If this movement does not occur, the outer ring can dry and tear which allows the soft portion of the disc to bulge out. This is what is commonly known as a herniated disc. (Also called a slipped disc, bulging disc, disc protrusion, etc.)
If the bulged or herniated disc is in a location that excessive pressure from the bulge will be placed on the spinal nerves, pain will be experienced. In other instances this condition causes inflammation which also results in bodily pain. When there is pain in the back, it is important to fully understand the origin and reason of the pain.
Subluxation Explained
Another term important to understand in the diagnosis of a herniated disc is subluxation. Subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position. The result can be a herniated disc. If this creates pressure on spinal nerves, problems will result. This pressure or irritation on the nerves causes the nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves.
Symptoms can be one or more of the following:
Pain spreading over the buttocks, down the back of one thigh and into the calf Pain may be in one leg (more common) or both legs Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs or feet Numbness, tingling or weakness in one or both arms In severe cases inability to find comfort lying down Sudden aching or twisted neck that cannot be straightened without severe pain Bowel or bladder changes and/or numbness in the groin
Treatment
If subluxation is the problem, then a chiropractor is the one to see. Chiropractors are strategically trained to locate subluxations and correct or greatly inhibit their side effects. Through a series of spinal adjustments a chiropractor can successfully correct vertebral subluxations in the spine and enable the body to heal itself. Chiropractors are trained in treatments that will allow the herniated disc to decompress and heal.
Chiropractors train to specifically locate subluxation and treat them accordingly. Often a series of chiropractic adjustments are needed that are meticulously designed to target the vertebral subluxations you are suffering from. A chiropractor has years of education and training specifically intended to your spine and should be the only ones allowed to manipulate your spine. Some of the methods they use will actually decompress the vertebrae which will cause healing of the disc itself.
Is it ever Too Late to See a Chiropractor?
Be aware that few treatments - even chiropractic treatment - can make up for years of abuse and neglect of spinal health that many people endure. Poor nutrition, poor posture, lack of proper exercise, and even incorrect lifting methods are among the many ways the spine suffers abuse.
Early diagnosis and conservative treatment is the best way to begin correcting the pain suffered from a herniated disc. And the chiropractic approach is an excellent first choice for extended pain relief and for a healthier spine in the future! - 16650
Tons of people walk around suffering extreme pain and weakness in the legs and lower extremities. Many of these people are diagnosed with having a herniated disc. This may leave them wondering what exactly is a herniated disc, and how does the doctor know for sure that I have one?
An intervertebral disc is made up of an outer, fibrous ring, and a central soft portion. The disc itself receives nourishment through the motion of the vertebrae above and below it moving and "squishing" the blood and fluids through the disc. If this movement does not occur, the outer ring can dry and tear which allows the soft portion of the disc to bulge out. This is what is commonly known as a herniated disc. (Also called a slipped disc, bulging disc, disc protrusion, etc.)
If the bulged or herniated disc is in a location that excessive pressure from the bulge will be placed on the spinal nerves, pain will be experienced. In other instances this condition causes inflammation which also results in bodily pain. When there is pain in the back, it is important to fully understand the origin and reason of the pain.
Subluxation Explained
Another term important to understand in the diagnosis of a herniated disc is subluxation. Subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position. The result can be a herniated disc. If this creates pressure on spinal nerves, problems will result. This pressure or irritation on the nerves causes the nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves.
Symptoms can be one or more of the following:
Pain spreading over the buttocks, down the back of one thigh and into the calf Pain may be in one leg (more common) or both legs Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs or feet Numbness, tingling or weakness in one or both arms In severe cases inability to find comfort lying down Sudden aching or twisted neck that cannot be straightened without severe pain Bowel or bladder changes and/or numbness in the groin
Treatment
If subluxation is the problem, then a chiropractor is the one to see. Chiropractors are strategically trained to locate subluxations and correct or greatly inhibit their side effects. Through a series of spinal adjustments a chiropractor can successfully correct vertebral subluxations in the spine and enable the body to heal itself. Chiropractors are trained in treatments that will allow the herniated disc to decompress and heal.
Chiropractors train to specifically locate subluxation and treat them accordingly. Often a series of chiropractic adjustments are needed that are meticulously designed to target the vertebral subluxations you are suffering from. A chiropractor has years of education and training specifically intended to your spine and should be the only ones allowed to manipulate your spine. Some of the methods they use will actually decompress the vertebrae which will cause healing of the disc itself.
Is it ever Too Late to See a Chiropractor?
Be aware that few treatments - even chiropractic treatment - can make up for years of abuse and neglect of spinal health that many people endure. Poor nutrition, poor posture, lack of proper exercise, and even incorrect lifting methods are among the many ways the spine suffers abuse.
Early diagnosis and conservative treatment is the best way to begin correcting the pain suffered from a herniated disc. And the chiropractic approach is an excellent first choice for extended pain relief and for a healthier spine in the future! - 16650
About the Author:
Dr. Robert D. Walcher D.C. is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West located in San Jose, California. He is a member of The Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and speaks throughout the community. Are you ready to feel better and to enjoy optimum health? To visit Dr. Walcher CLICK HERE
