Sometimes when you have a severely painful back, you may hear your chiropractor mention a “herniated disc,” or talk about “degenerative disc disease.” You may wonder what all this “disc” talk is about. If you’ve ever examined a lumbar spine model at the doctor’s office, it looks like a group of interconnected bones. But your spine is a lot more complicated than that. It is a “spinal system,” that in addition to bones, includes ligaments, tendons, and muscles. As for discs, they are the shock absorbers of the spine.
Between the vertebrae are discs. Discs are made of cartilage on the outside and a jelly-like substance inside. Discs give the spine its flexibility and ensure that the bones of the vertebrae do not touch each other directly. Bone on bone contact is never a good thing. Over time, discs can become eroded. In other words, the discs become more compressed and less efficient. Your lower back may feel stiff and painful. The slow erosion of spinal discs is referred to as degenerative disc disease. You can prevent degenerative disc disease by exercising regularly, stretching, maintaining good posture, and making sure you are mindful of how you move to avoid stressing your back.
Sometimes a disc ruptures allowing the jelly substance inside to leak out. This condition is often referred to as a “herniated disc.” The leak causes inflammation in the nerves that surround the disc. You may feel pain and numbness in your neck or arm. To feel better, your chiropractor may recommend anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support your back. This treatment approach removes pressure off the injured disc or discs.
What about Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical option that can be effective in treating herniated discs, pinched nerves, and sciatica. This gentle stretching of the vertebral joints allows the jelly-like substance inside the disc to move away from the nerve root and back into place, easing pain and inflammation. Spinal decompression also seems to help discs rehydrate and heal.
How does Spinal Decompression feel?
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical option that can be effective in treating herniated discs, pinched nerves, and sciatica. This gentle stretching of the vertebral joints allows the jelly-like substance inside the disc to move away from the nerve root and back into place, easing pain and inflammation. Spinal decompression also seems to help discs rehydrate and heal.
Just as a chiropractic adjustment can give you that moment of “Ah, sweet relief!” the same is true of spinal decompression. After about 20 minutes on the table, patients feel much better as the spine realigns back to a healthy position. Several treatments are needed for complete relief.