Easily one of the most common reasons why people seek the assistance of a chiropractor is back pain. One of the most common causes of back pain (particularly in those over 40) is a herniated disc. A Laguna Hills chiropractic office can help patients find some much-needed relief from this annoying and painful problem.
At this point some clarification over terminology may be helpful since a herniated (or bulging) disc is not the same as a ruptured disc. A herniated disc is one whose soft inner nucleus has protruded through the disc's outer membrane. This is less serious than a rupture and the resulting pain is easier to assuage.
A ruptured disc is when the nucleus has broken through the annulus more completely and is putting pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves. This is the most serious scenario and the most challenging to tackle. In both cases, pain results from the nucleus pressing against the spinal cord, a nerve root or the sciatic nerve (causing sciatica).
A chiropractor has a number of options when caring for a patient with this condition. He or she will first of all perform a thorough physical examination. Principally, the chiropractor will look at the patient's posture, reflexes, muscle strength and nerve sensation.
He or she may also order X-rays or an MRI scan if they are deemed necessary. Based on the information gathered, the chiropractor will then design a care plan tailored to the patient's particular needs. This will likely include spinal manipulation to correct any abnormalities in its shape and ease any pressure on the discs and nerves.
The chiropractor may also make adjustments to the neck and pelvis, and may stretch and massage specific muscles. An additional intervention is spinal decompression. This is the practice of gently elongating the spine on a traction table (or a motorized device) to ease pressure on the discs and thus reduce pain.
At this point some clarification over terminology may be helpful since a herniated (or bulging) disc is not the same as a ruptured disc. A herniated disc is one whose soft inner nucleus has protruded through the disc's outer membrane. This is less serious than a rupture and the resulting pain is easier to assuage.
A ruptured disc is when the nucleus has broken through the annulus more completely and is putting pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves. This is the most serious scenario and the most challenging to tackle. In both cases, pain results from the nucleus pressing against the spinal cord, a nerve root or the sciatic nerve (causing sciatica).
A chiropractor has a number of options when caring for a patient with this condition. He or she will first of all perform a thorough physical examination. Principally, the chiropractor will look at the patient's posture, reflexes, muscle strength and nerve sensation.
He or she may also order X-rays or an MRI scan if they are deemed necessary. Based on the information gathered, the chiropractor will then design a care plan tailored to the patient's particular needs. This will likely include spinal manipulation to correct any abnormalities in its shape and ease any pressure on the discs and nerves.
The chiropractor may also make adjustments to the neck and pelvis, and may stretch and massage specific muscles. An additional intervention is spinal decompression. This is the practice of gently elongating the spine on a traction table (or a motorized device) to ease pressure on the discs and thus reduce pain.
About the Author:
You can get fast neck, spine and hip pain relief through chiropractic care. Get more information about a well-respected Laguna Hills chiropractic doctor at http://www.claytonthomasnoel.com now.
